[

*_…prays for Edo’s progress_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, on the celebration of this year’s Igue Festival.

In a statement, Obaseki said: “On behalf of the Government of Edo State, I congratulate the Omo N’ Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, all Benin people and our friends on the annual Igue Festival celebration.

“We pray that the new year brings more blessings and a stronger bond between the Royal House and the Government of Edo State to deepen on our programmes and policies in transforming the lives of our people across all sectors of the state.

The governor wished the Benin Monarch “a glorious celebration, excellent health and the divine wisdom to continue to lead us, his people to greatness.”

The celebration started on Thursday, December 12th and will be concluded on Tuesday, December 31.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media
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*PHOTO CAPTION:*
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State
[12/18, 15:28] Official Sa: *Obaseki sets N2bn monthly target for 8-man IGR committee*

*_…charges c’ttee to expand state’s tax net_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated an eight-man committee headed by the Deputy Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, to oversee the process of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection in the state.

The governor set a minimum N2bn monthly target for the committee, noting that the target was realistic given the internal analysis of revenue projections in the state.

Speaking while inaugurating the committee, the governor said, "Each of you understands the rudiments of tax collection. This is the last month our revenue should be less than N2 billion; it shouldn’t happen again. From our own internal analysis, we should be at N3bn now, all the indicators are there to prove this.”

The governor said an enumeration exercise was conducted with over 30,000 businesses captured in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor, noting, "We have technology partners and vendors who have made commitments and investments believing we should have a roll out soon. With this committee in place, the roll out is possible.

"In January 2020, we would not accept any revenue in any month below N2 billion. I need your recommendation on whatever investment to be made as we will source for resources and take advantage of the economic growth we have created in Edo State, knowing that economic activities have increased.”

Obaseki also stated that a lot of investments have been put into revenue collection and administration process in Edo State, adding that the committee would work on getting more citizens to contribute to the efforts of developing the state.

“What we need now is practical action to look at each revenue sub head and series of action and steps as well as resources required to collect the revenue under those sub-heads. Your mission is to review the tax laws and processes.”

He said the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs is part of the committee to ensure a seamless integration between local government and state revenue sources to guide against double and multiple taxation.

The Chairman of the Committee, Comrade Shaibu thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the members of the committee.
"We feel the pinch when there is shortfall in the finance. We want to assure you that we will deliver as we would supervise the process to attain the target given to us,” he said.

Other members of the committee include Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Isaac Ehiozuwa; Commissioner for Infrastructure, Hon. John Inegbedion; Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Joseph Eboigbe; Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Osaigbovo Monday and Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omua Oni-Okpako.

Others are Executive Chairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Igbinidu Inneh; Managing Director, Edo Geographical Information Service (EdoGIS) Arch. Francis Evbuomwan while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, V.A Obadan is the Secretary of the committee.

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*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S1_01:*
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Chairman, Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) Committee and Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Head of Service, Isaac Ehiozuwa, during the inauguration at the Government House, in Benin City.

https://thenationonlineng.net/i-won-more-votes-than-you-obaseki-replies-oshiomhole/amp/



*By Osagie Otabor*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has picked holes in comments from his erstwhile godfather and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, that he (Obaseki) failed to learn how to win elections.

Governor Obaseki said he has won more votes for the APC than the party got under Oshiomhole.

Describing Oshiomhole as a serial liar that must not be taken seriously, Governor Obaseki said he did not only win his unit and ward during the last general election but also polled more votes for President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 elections than Oshiomhole, when he was governor during the 2015 elections.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, Governor Obaseki listed several instances where he alleged Oshiomhole twisted the truth.

According to him, “In 2015, when Oshiomhole was governor, he polled 208,469 votes against Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 286,869, with a 78,400 deficit. While in 2019, under Obaseki, the APC scored 267,842, while the PDP got 275,691, with a 7,849 marginal loss.

“In the House of Representatives, the state had 4 seats for the APC, against 5 for the PDP in 2015, while in 2019, under Obaseki, the APC won 5 seats, against the PDP’s 4. In the State House of Assembly, the APC won the entire 24 seats, which never happened under Oshiomhole’s administration.

“It bears repeating that the governor won his unit and ward in the general election and the marginal losses that the APC suffered in the state were orchestrated by Comrade Oshiomhole, who connived with some elements within the party to sabotage the APC, especially in Edo South in an attempt to de-market the governor politically.

“Chief among the collaborators with Oshiomhole to sabotage the president’s election in Edo South is Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, who did not only dislodge APC’s agents at the polling booths but also funded the opposition in some units and wards to enable them have an upper hand against the APC.”

“Another instance where Oshiomhole told a blatant lie in the full glare of the public was when Governor Obaseki went to the former governor’s residence in Iyamho during the last Sallah celebration. Oshiomhole told the world that he had no issue with Obaseki and that what people were witnessing was a media construction. This has since turned out to be far from the truth.

“The suspended National Chairman also said that he appointed only one Commissioner in the Governor’s cabinet. This is false, as it couldn’t have been possible since he picked a good number of the people who work with the governor, including the Deputy Governor, Comrade Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, and many others.

“On another occasion, the former Commissioner of Police in the state, Mohammed Dan Mallam, publicly debunked the lie by Oshiomhole that his Benin residence was attacked. The CP categorically said the claim was false and that the Police, which ought to be in the know, could confirm that there was no attack on Oshiomhole’s house.

“Comrade Oshiomhole after the incident said that the attack was carried out by Comrade Shaibu, but the same Shaibu was in the vehicle that was attacked. So, this goes to show that Oshiomhole never tells the truth.

“The governor’s aide said with the endless tall-tales by the suspended National Chairman, the average Nigerian should know by now that Oshiomhole doesn’t stick to one story, noting, “It is rather unfortunate. It is the manifestation of this that we see with the crisis associated with different chapters of the APC across the country.”

Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, has urged the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to concentrate on winning elections by the performance of the party and not relying on thugs and violence for electoral victory.

In a statement, Osagie said Oshiomhole is only trying hard to cover up his inordinate ambition to be the ultimate godfather in Edo State and usurp the will of the majority of ordinary Edo people.

According to him, “Even his allegory of politics being like a forest with dangerous animals is a poor excuse to continue to perpetuate thuggery and the keep the collective patrimony under the control of a few greedy and violent people in the name of winning units and ward elections.

“Good governance remains the surest path towards winning elections especially when you are committed to free and fair and credible elections devoid of the kind of violence witnessed in recent elections in the country.”

“So instead of trying to pacify the violent and the lawless just because you want to win elections, Oshiomhole should support the stellar performance being displayed by Governor Godwin Obaseki in Edo State, that way, he will not need the services of his thugs to win the next election,” he added.
 

==========================================================================

*PRESS STATEMENT*

*Oshiomhole only making excuses to help him achieve his ambition of being the ultimate godfather in Edo State*

Oshiomhole is only trying hard to cover up his inordinate ambition to be the ultimate godfather in Edo State and usurp the will of the majority of ordinary Edo people.

Even his allegory of politics being like a forest with dangerous animals is a poor excuse to continue to perpetuate thuggery and the keep the collective patrimony under the control of a few greedy and violent people in the name of winning units and ward elections.

Good governance remains the surest path towards winning elections especially when you are committed to free and fair and credible elections devoid of the kind of violence witnessed in recent elections in the country.

So instead of trying to pacify the violent and the lawless just because you want to win elections, Oshiomhole should support the stellar performance being displayed by Governor Godwin Obaseki in Edo State, that way, he will not need the services of his thugs to win the next election.

*Crusoe Osagie*
*_Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy to the Edo State Governor._*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has commended the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to implementing the ‘visa on arrival’ policy for all Africans visiting Nigeria, saying it is a move that will encourage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country.

The governor, who spoke to journalists on arrival at the Benin Airport after a trip with the President to Egypt, said the initiative, which is a trend among many countries in the continent, will encourage movement of persons, businesses and other transactions.

Obaseki had accompanied President Muhammadu Buhari on a 2-day official visit to Egypt for the Aswan Forum.

He said the summit focused on conflict, peace and development in Africa and also looked at the devastating effect of insurgency in the Nigeria’s North East and how peace building and development of the affected areas could be achieved.

“The conference was on conflict, peace and development in Africa. The issue discussed is on insurgency and its effect in the Northeast of Nigeria. How it has affected development focusing on the way to resume peace building and development in the affected areas,” he said.

He added that top on the agenda at the conference was human trafficking and irregular migration as issues of resettlement as well as addressing and reducing the incidents of people wanting to leave their homes.

“The commitment of the President to receive visitors into Nigeria issuing them visa on arrival is a welcome development as it would encourage foreign direct investment. It is the trend today as Kenya has embraced the policy and many nationalists get visa on arrival in Kenya. It helps facilitate businesses and transaction on the continent of Africa, knowing that we need a lot of private sector investment, particularly Foreign Direct Investment.”

He said what is of more concern to Edo State is the issue of human trafficking and irregular migration, noting, “Our concern is the issue of human trafficking and irregular migration which lead to displacement of people. The conference gave us the opportunity to discuss resettlement and what to do to address as well as reduce the incident of people wanting to leave home.”

“I had the opportunity to discuss with Mr. President on how to help the state to deal with the issue of human trafficking and irregular migration,” he added.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media
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*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S4_01:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, addressing journalists on arrival at the Benin Airport after a trip with the President to Egypt, on Saturday, December 14, 2019.

*Purported APC Mega Rally flops, as police cancels event*

*_…Edo govt bans rallies, demonstrations_*

*_…Oshiomhole placed under house arrest_*

The planned Mega Rally by persons purporting to represent the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, turned out a big flop as the Nigeria Police Force and the state government cancelled the event due to security concerns.

Youths in the state had staged protests across major roads in Benin metropolis on Thursday, warning that desperate politicians were importing thugs from outside the state to cause mayhem during the purported rally.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, on Thursday night, ordered that the event be cancelled over ‘overriding internal security interests,’ directing the state’s Commissioner of Police to meet with the opposing political interests.

This is as the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was on Friday morning placed under temporary house arrest by the Commissioner of Police to avert breakdown of law and order.

The Mega Rally was initially scheduled to hold at Garrick Memorial School, Ekenwan Road, but had to be moved to the private residence of the decampee, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who was set to lead his supporters to the APC.

However, on Friday morning, the state government issued a strongly-worded directive against holding of political rallies and demonstrations across the state, following rising security tension in the state.  

The Police, in a letter add

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2016/08/29/ize-iyamu-cant-be-trusted-with-govt-treasury-oshiomhole/

*
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has urged the people of the State to vote for Mr. Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress, APC and not the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, saying the PDP candidate, from his antecedents, cannot be trusted with public funds.
Addressing various traders’ associations in Benin City, Monday, Oshiomhole said his distrust for Ize-Iyamu with public funds prevented him from appointing the PDP candidate after he was re-elected as Governor in 2012.

According to Oshiomhole, “I didn’t appoint Ize-Iyamu because of his past record, I would not be comfortable to put government money in his hand, that is why I kept him completely out of government, I didn’t even give him a board appointment. He was part of the government that looted Edo State treasury. Don’t put the key to your kitchen in the hands of someone you don’t trust.

“Usually, a governor appoints the Director-General of his campaign after his election, but I didn’t appoint him into government because I have his records, I do not trust him. You must know who you can use for what.

“I read Ize-Iyamu complaining that I’ve developed my village, Iyamho, Yes, because Iyamho is part of Edo State, but I didn’t put the money in my pocket, but what did they do in Okada, they said they wanted to do a dual carriageway, they collected the money and put in their pocket and they didn’t do the Okada road.

“They accused me of building a state University, Edo University, Yes, but they also built a University and privatised it. The difference is this, in our records, they’ve spent more in Okada than any other place in the state, but there’s nothing on ground to show for it.

“Today, we are going to flag-off a new company that we gave land to in Ovia North East to produce a variety of products and set up an agricultural park. We have also given land to the company making Indomie, so instead of sending Indomie to Edo State, they will come and produce it here.

“When Godwin Obaseki says he will create 200,000 jobs, he knows what he is saying and he meant it; the road is already there for those 200,000 jobs,” he said.

Candidate of the APC, Mr. Godwin Obaseki who also addressed the traders, said he was happy with the endorsement of the traders.

He said: “before the coming of Comrade Oshiomhole, we didn’t have good roads in Benin City, I was born here and I know how this place was. All those things we’ve done in eight years, we want them to continue. Oshiomhole is the architect, he has laid the foundation and in our continuity programme, we will lay the blocks and continue from there.

“Oshiomhole has done the first phase and we will start the second phase from November. Already, our job-creation promise has started, the Produce City ground-breaking is being done today, Comrade has signed for 150,000 hectares of land, big companies are coming to Edo State and they will provide jobs to the youths of the state.”

A palace chief, and the head of the Osula family, Chief Iyeke Osula, led hundreds of his supporters to decamp to the APC at the rally.

Hundreds of traders from the new Building Materials Association, Lagos Street Traders’ Association, Ute Market Development Association, Tyres Dealers Association, Electrical Material Dealers Association and others graced the rally.

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-edo-apc-crisis-obaseki-bans-political-rallies/


Edo State Government has placed a total and complete ban on all political rallies, demonstrations or procession in any part of the state.
It directed all security agencies to deal firmly with all persons, no matter how highly placed who breached the directive.
A statement signed by Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, said the state government has made clear it’s position that the ‘plans by som identified mischief-makers to organise an unauthorised political rally in Bénin City was capable of leading to breakdown of public peace and also danger to the persons and property of Edo citizens.’
The statement warned property owners that any venue which is used for activities in breach of this order shall have its right of occupancy immediately revoked and forfeited to the state government.
Ogie said the state government would not allow any persons turn the state into a battlefield.
“The events of yesterday 12th December, 2019 were a scary prelude to the absolute mayhem which these irresponsible activities would generate if left unchecked.
“In defiance of the clear and publicized instruction of the Inspector General of Police, calling off the proposed rally owing to security implications, these desperate persons are presently shopping around for alternative venues to carry out their incendiary activities.”
Meanwhile, security was tightened around the Edo APC secretariat.
When our reporter visited, scores of APC supporters were seated around the secretariat apparently waiting for any forceful take over of the secretariat.

*

The purported rally allegedly being planned by persons claiming to represent the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been suspended till further notice by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, who cited ‘overriding internal security interests.’

The rally was slated to hold at Garrick Memorial College, Ekenwan Road on Friday, December 13, but youths on Thursday besieged major streets in Benin metropolis protesting against the event, which they said put the state’s security framework in jeopardy over concerns linked to cult-related clashes.

In a letter addressed to the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP, ACP Idowu Owohunwa, the Police said “in cognizance of the security consequences of the proposed Mega Rally, I am to confirm that the Inspector General of Police has directed the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command to emplace appropriate security framework that is directed at suspending the rally until further notice.

“He has also been directed to summon a meeting of all parties involved in the political development with a view to engaging them towards giving effect to his directives in overriding internal security interests.”

There was tension in Benin City as hundreds of youths believed to be members of the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) stormed the busy Airport Road in protest of the party’s lingering crisis, factionalisation and imposition of leadership on the people.

The angry youths blocked the two sides of Airport Road, setting burn-fire, thereby causing serious traffic logjam and panic in the state capital, while motorists sought alternative routes out of the area.

The protesting youths also set burn-fire around Golf Course, Akenzua junction and along Akenzua Road in Benin metropolis, thereby disrupting human and vehicular movement.

The youths, however, opened one side of the road to traffic when the representative of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, persuaded those who barricaded the main gate of Benin Airport to allow for free flow of traffic.

He had pleaded, "I am here because of you people. I heard there is a protest here. That is why the Commissioner of Police sent me to find out what the problem is. I am the Area Commander in-Charge of this area. Blocking of the high way is a criminal offence, we appeal to you to open the highway for people to pass. We have instructed the police not to arrest anyone.”

One of the protesters, Lucky Ehimen, who spoke with journalists, charged the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to stop meddling in the state’s politics and concentrate on national issues.

“Oshiomhole should leave us alone in the state and allow us to live in peace as Governor Godwin Obaseki has performed excellently well and the youths in the State are happy with his performance and want him to continue in office. We will not allow any imposition of the leadership of the party in the state,” he said.

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S5_01:*
Scene of youths said to be members of the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) protesting the factionalisation of the APC in the state, in Benin City, on Thursday, December 12, 2019.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday attended sessions of the Aswan Forum, a meeting of African leaders to chart a course for peace and sustainable development on the continent.

Governor Obaseki is part of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led delegation to the Forum holding in Aswan, a city in Egypt from December 11 to 12.

Obaseki is expected to showcase reforms in basic education, human development and managing human trafficking and irregular migration in Edo State to African leaders at the Forum.

*_…supposed rally provocative, handiwork of unauthorized persons – Edo APC_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has denied knowledge of an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally planned to hold in Benin City, on Friday, December 13.

In a chat with journalists after the security meeting with heads of security agencies in the state at Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, the governor said, “I have checked with the state APC secretariat and as far as I am concerned, the party has not announced officially that they will be having a rally.”

Meanwhile, the Edo State APC Chairman, Barr Anselm Ojezua, in a statement on Tuesday, said the purported rally is provocative and capable of disrupting peace in the state.

Governor Obaseki said issues of public safety was reviewed at the security meeting particularly in relation to the yuletide season.

“The issue of public safety is a major concern to us as a government and this being the last security council meeting for the year, we had to put up measures in place to tackle security challenges,” he said.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lawal Jimeta, said the State Police Command and other security agencies are working to prevent a planned clash by rival cult groups in Benin metropolis.

The Commissioner revealed this in response to viral videos on the internet posted by members of rival cult groups threatening to kill themselves in the Benin metropolis.

Jimeta said the Police has studied the videos by the rival cult groups and is taking decisive action on the threats.
He noted that a committee has been set up to tackle cultism in the state with a view to checkmating cult-related activities.

On his part, Edo State APC Chairman, Barr Ojezua, said the attention of the party has been drawn to an information being circulated by some unauthorised people to the effect that the APC in the state is receiving some new members on Friday 13, December 2019, at Garrick Memorial School, Ekenwan Road, Benin City.

He noted that neither the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki who is the leader of the APC in Edo State nor other leaders of the party is aware of the purported declaration rally, adding, “It is therefore highly provocative and capable of creating breach of peace.”

Ojezua urged members of the APC in the state not to have anything to do with the event, adding, “The organisers of that event are sufficiently seasoned and experienced as politicians to know the proper procedure and tradition usually attendant to this sort of event.”

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:*
L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lawal Jimeta and the Director, Department of State Services, Edo State Command, Shek Moh’d Waziri, after the meeting of heads of security agencies in the state at Government House, in Benin City, Edo State capital.

*_… commits to sustain basic education reforms_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has been conferred with the Pacesetter in Education and Human Development Award by Nigeria’s longest surviving newspaper, the Nigerian Tribune, in celebration of the publication’s 70th anniversary.

The Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, received the award on behalf of the governor at the award ceremony, held at the Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos, on Tuesday, December 10, 2019.

“The people call him the ‘Wake and See Governor’ in appreciation of his unique leadership style that abhors unnecessary fanfare. Godwin Obaseki’s unprecedented urban renewal projects are transforming Edo State at a giddying pace. And this is just a tip of the revolution that is currently taking place in Edo State under his leadership,” the newspaper said.

It added, “if Governor Godwin Obaseki inherited a good state, he has definitely made it better. Since coming on stream as governor of Edo State, certain things have been paramount to him. These are improving the state of education, improving on the environment, making the state an investment hub and improving the state’s health delivery system.”

On receiving the award, the governor, represented by Comrade Shaibu, said the Pacesetter in Education and Human Development Award is both an honor and a challenge to him and the government.

According to him, “It applauds our achievements and yet reminds us of the need to meet the goals we have set for ourselves. Before we came into office in 2016, we promised to make life better for our people; we promised to create jobs; and we promised our undivided attention to our basic education system.

“We were resolved to make Edo State a model and a shining example of a state in which true transformation could occur in the face of dwindling revenues.

“Three years have elapsed since providence gave us the historic opportunity to lead our people and manage our resources. How well have we travelled? How much better do our people feel? I am proud to confirm, as you have yourselves noticed, that Edo state now has the most effectively run public basic education system in the entire Nigerian federation.”

“With our Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo Best) initiative, we are deploying technology to improve student performance, as well as teachers’ performance in the classrooms. We are able to harness real time data of students/teachers’ performance, and we have developed a pool of the most highly skilled teaching workforce in the country,” he added.

*Buhari, Obaseki, two other govs off to Egypt for Aswan Forum for Peace, Devt*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki is among President Muhammadu Buhari’s delegation to Egypt for the Peace and Development Forum holding in Aswan, Egypt.

The other governors on the delegation are Ahmadu Fintiri and Mai Mala Buni of Adamawa and Yobe States respectively. The Minister of Defence, National Security Adviser and Director-General of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA) are among those in the team to Egypt.

The delegation jetted off to Egypt on Tuesday, December 10, for the Forum which holds from December 11 – 12, in Aswan.

An initiative by the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in his capacity as the chairman of the African Union (AU), the Forum seeks to address the interconnections between peace and development in Africa while promoting Africa-led solutions through strengthening policies and practices.

The General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries Int., Apostle Johnson Suleiman has declared support for the re-election of Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who he said, deserved a second term on account of his exceptional performance in major sectors of the state.

He said this while addressing journalists in Auchi, Estako West Local Government Area of the state after the Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Church.

He noted that the governor has done well and deserved reelection, while commending the developmental strides being recorded across the state.

He said, "We have a governor who goes far to bring investors and makes sure they invest in the state.

“The education system is solid, pensioners are happy, and everything is fine. As we get into Edo 2020, we are believing God that there is going to be peace. The governor will come back and we believe God will help us.”

He said the governor has brought peace and sanity to the state, noting, “We can see every aspect of government is getting needed attention. The governor has done well in areas of education, agriculture and infrastructural development. It is not about starting project but about excellence.”

Speaking during the thanksgiving service, Governor Godwin Obaseki urged for more prayers for the state and country.

The governor reiterated that he would continue to sue for peace in the state but not to the detriment of the welfare of the people, stressing,, “If we have to fight to make Edo better, I will do so, If we have to fight to put food on the table of the poor, we will do so.”

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:*
*S5_01:*
General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries Int., Apostle Johnson Suleiman addressing journalists in Auchi, Estako West Local Government Area of the state after the Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Church.

*
As part of activities to celebrate the 76th birthday of Nigeria's first female Senator, Mrs. Franca Afegbua, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has assured that his administration would donate a house and set up a trust fund for the upkeep of the Edo-born senator.

Obaseki, who was represented by Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu gave the assurance when delivering a speech at the 76th birthday of Franca Afegbua.

Afegbua, in 1983, shocked the political world when she was elected as Senator of the Federal Republic under the platform of then National Party of Nigeria to represent Bendel North. With the feat, the floodgate of women venturing into partisan politics was thrown open.

According to Shaibu, "Edo government will be building a home for our first female senator in the heart of Benin city. And we are also setting up a trust fund for her upkeep for life.

“I pray that God will continue to bless you. You are a role model to men and women in the world over, whose outstanding achievements and accomplishments continue to inspire many,” he added.

Also speaking, the wife of the governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, said the adventure of world first elected black female Senator, Afegbua, into politics paved the way for other women to seek political power.

She noted that Afegbua became Senator at a time when women inclusion in the political process was largely unrecognized in Nigeria, describing her as a source of pride to the people of Edo state, as well as to women all over the world.

"The most distinguished Senator Afegbua has been a source of pride to the people of Edo State as well as to women all over the world. She is the first black woman in the world to become a senator at a time when women inclusion in the political process was largely unrecognized in Nigeria.

"What she did was to pave the way for women all around the world to believe that such a feat was possible. The senator did the impossible in 1983 and since then, women all over the world have come to see it as possibility.

"The world is at an interesting phase, where women at various levels are standing up and demanding inclusion and diversity," she added.

The wife of governor, who bemoaned the relegation of women in the nation's polity, called on more women to stand up to the challenge and participate fully in politics.

Also, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Francis Okiye, commended Afegbua, for daring into politics at time when politics was dominated by men.

"Politics was connected with a lot of miseries and if you are not strong and courageous, you cannot venture into politics, but Sen. Afegbua was bold to venture into it," he said.

In his goodwill message, a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Justin Okonoboh, urged Afegbua to call on women to always vote for themselves in any election.

In her vote of thanks, the celebrant thanked the Governor and his wife for celebrating her.

Afegbua urged Edo women to form pressure groups so they could get more women into politics.

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S3_01:*
R-L: Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Senator Mrs. Franca Afegbua; Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu; his wife, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu, and Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye, at the 76th birthday of Nigeria's first female Senator.

https://www.legit.ng/960463-controversy-pastor-osagie-ize-iyamu-rusticated-school-oshiomhole-reveals.html

*Oshiomhole attacks PDP, says Osagie Ize-Iyamu was rusticated*

- Governor Adams Oshiomhole has challenged the PDP over its statement regarding Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu
- Oshiomhole says contrary to PDP's statement, Ize-Iyamu has once been indicted for crime
- The Edo state governor says the PDP gubernatorial candidate was rusticated for 2-years while at UNIBEN

Edo state Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have not been honest with the Edo people, regarding their gubernatorial candidate's crime history.

It would be recalled that Ize-Iyamu in an online interview said he was rusticated for being a member of the Pirate confraternity at the University of Benin then and not because he bathed some body with acid.

However, Oshiomhole who spoke at the mega rally of the APC, to round up the governorship campaign of the APC Candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki, said: “Ize-Iyamu said he has never been indicted in his life. And that he made his first millions when he was 31. Now I challenge him, as a student in UNIBEN, he was rusticated for two years because he poured somebody acid and today the person was paralysed.

It was one of the president’s advisers today, Prof Itsey Sagay that chaired the committee that rusticated Ize-Iyamu." On the issue of Bendel Brewery, Oshiomhole narrated: “We have not been able to reopen Bendel Brewery because of the huge debt the PDP left in that place.

I heard Ize-Iyamu saying that they were collecting N25million monthly from Bendel Brewery but now as the custodian of the treasure of Edo state, I can tell you those monies went into private pockets. And by the time they left, Bendel Breweries was owing N2billion, which they borrowed and the company was closed."

In the same vein, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Charles Idahosa, has revealed why former governor of Edo state and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Lucky Igbinedion, has refused to join the campaign train of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

Igbinedion was a two-term governor of the state under the PDP and accused of destroying the state and its economy.

He was also arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for alleged fraud while in office, arraigned and found guilty.

Ize-Iyamu served under Igbinedion but he has maintained that he was a mere appointee and had no much powers unlike when he would finally become the governor if he wins the election slated for August 10, 2016.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has applauded the move by The Guardian, a respected United Kingdom (UK) daily newspaper, calling for records of artworks originating from the Benin Kingdom held in private collections across the UK, noting that the move will strengthen efforts on the return of the artworks to Nigeria.

Governor Obaseki and the Royal Court of Benin Kingdom in collaboration with an international coalition, the Benin Dialogue Group, have been at the forefront of efforts to retrieve the artworks looted during the 1897 punitive expedition by the British Empire in Benin Kingdom.

The governor said the public call by the Guardian UK seeking information on where Benin artworks are being held or sited, is a commendable gesture in pooling information on the artworks to speed up efforts to track the distribution of the sacred pieces, which now command immense interest and followership across the world.

According to him, “I want to specially appreciate the Guardian UK for the public call. It is such an innovative approach that would ensure we make concrete headway in the campaign to retrieve these artworks. It also goes to show the general temperament of important stakeholders in the efforts at restitution.

“Working with the Benin Dialogue Group, we have also made a lot of progress in developing the Benin Royal Museum where most of the artwork would be held and exhibited when they are finally brought back to the Benin Kingdom. We are in the process of setting up the Museum Trust, as we are deeply committed to the realisation of this project.”

The Benin Dialogue group is made up of key museums across Europe, who are working with the Edo State Government and the Royal Court of Benin for the retrieval of the artworks and building the right infrastructure to hold them in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

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.

*

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has refused to grant an order sought by Pius Odubu, the Chairman-designate of the yet to be inaugurated Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the nullification of proceedings.

At the resumed hearing on Friday, the presiding Judge, Justice Ekwo considered two Motions on Notice filed by Pius Odubu and Benard Okumagba, the Managing Director-designate of the yet to be inaugurated Board of the NDDC.

The prayer of the said application was for an order of the court to nullify the proceedings in Suit No. FHC/Abj/CS/1339/2019, which was not granted.

The court gave an order for an accelerated hearing of the case and adjourned the matter to 16th of December, 2019 for definite hearing and adoption of all processes in the suit.

The suit has Enibraye Femowei as Plaintiff and the Attorney General of the Federation, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC as Defendants. The request by Pius Odubu and Okumagba to be joined as new Defendants in the suit was not opposed by counsel for the Plaintiff, Alexander Ejesieme SAN and was granted.

The case revolves around the interpretation of Sections 4 and 12 of the NDDC Act of 2000. By virtue of the alphabetical order in Section 4 of the NDDC Act, the office of Chairman of the Commission is meant to be occupied by an indigent of Delta State.

Pius Odubu is a former Deputy Governor of Edo State. The NDDC currentl

High Court has extended the order directing that Anselm Ojezua be recognised as chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The extension was granted by Justice O Oviawe, on Thursday, December 5, ordering that the status quo as at 10th of November, 2019 with regards to the chairmanship of the APC be maintained.

She said that the extension would last till December 11, when all applications on the case is slated for hearing.

The Judge had in a November 22 ruling directed that the status quo be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice praying for an order of interlocutory injunction.

The suit was filed by Anselm Ojezua, Kenneth Asekhema and Dr. Aisosa Amadasun.

Defendants in the suit are Col. David Imuse (rtd) Lawrence Okah and Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

In the suit, Ojezua sought for interim injunction directing that the status quo as at 10th November 2019 with regards to the chairmanship of the All Progressive Congress, Edo State chapter, be maintained by the parties.

*_…affirms removal of suspended Etsako East LGA chair_*

The Edo State House of Assembly has declared as vacant the 12 seats of the members-elect who have refused to present themselves for inauguration into the 7th Assembly as well as two others who didn’t meet mandatory sitting requirement to continue as members of the House.

Speaking with journalists, Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko Edo State Constituency I, said the resolution was reached at a plenary of the Assembly on Wednesday, December 4.

He noted that the seats declared vacant are Etsako West I, Etsako West II, Owan East, Owan West, Etsako Central, Etsako East and Esan Central.

Others are Uhunmwonde, Oredo East, Oredo West, Egor, Ovia North East I, Ovia North East II and Ovia South West I.

He said two of those affected from Oredo East and Owan East, were sworn-in but failed to meet the mandatory 181-day sitting requirement for a member in a calendar year.  

For others, who hadn’t been inaugurated since the proclamation of the House, he said, “Their constituents have been complaining and have come to us that they want their voices and concerns to be heard at the House. So, people who are willing to provide quality representation have to be elected to bring the matters of the distraught constituents to the floor for debate and legislation, where necessary.”

He noted that the House also passed the 2020 Appropriation Bill and affirmed the

https://guardian.ng/opinion/between-obaseki-and-oshiomhole-matters-arising/


*By Ighodalo Clement Eromosele*

There has been some disquiet in Edo State and indeed, in the country over the palpable lack of rapprochement between the former governor of Edo State and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the current governor of the State, also of the APC, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki. Incidentally, this is happening in the run-up to the gubernatorial election in 2020 in Edo State for which the stakes on who holds the flag of the party are high. As Mid-West region, later Bendel State, the military governor, the late Brigadier – General Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, was an iconic administrator with considerable wit and grit in pragmatic governance, sign- posting several landmark infrastructures to his credit. He was education – friendly and established the Mid-West Institute of Science and Technology which metamorphosed to the University of Benin, Benin City. He provided bursary to university students of Bendel State origin and championed sporting activities in the State. Consequently, we were proud to be ‘Bendelites’ at the time. I had the privilege to meet him in Abuja at the latter part of his life and seized on the opportunity to express our appreciation for his remarkable achievement as governor of the State. Regrettably time did not permit me also to tell him that he failed to nurture for the State persons with similar virtues and commitment to development.

Thus, in the succeeding years after him, many of the military governors posted to the State were depressingly lackluster in matters of development with grave socio-economic consequences. However, for the record, governor Ambrose Alli, then of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), executing the programmes of the Party, made significant efforts at development and he established the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. But after him not much happened. Indeed, under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and for most part, there was systemic underdevelopment of the State characterized by an overbearing influence of god-fathers, arrogance and impunity. The State then was always counted first from the rear judging by development indicators. It is perhaps for this reason that Senator Oserheimen Osunbor for the brief period he was governor attempted to show case practical development as an eye-opener for the people of the State. On the heels of a court judgement voiding Osunbor’s tenure, came Comrade Adams Oshiomole, then of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Against the backdrop of pervading decrepit infrastructures and competing demands one must concede that Comrade Adams Oshiomole’s efforts at development of the State were in many ways, salutary, palpable and commendable. Faced with the stranglehold of entrenched godfathers in the State, it is on record that governor Oshiomhole did remarkably well to put them in check. Regrettably, in the process, he empowered new crop of dramatis personae who now seek to perpetuate what he tried to dislodge. Now in the saddle as governor, Godwin Obaseki is recognized, first as a technocrat and second as one who, behind the scene, contributed tremendously to the success of Comrade Oshiomhole. So far he has deployed his wealth of experience in corporate governance by a robust plan to lay an enduring foundation for sustainable socio –economic development of the State. Specifically, he has given considerable attention to the education sector – basic and vocational with a blue print that has attracted national and international recognition. He has been working on road infrastructure across the state as well as opening up farm lands to assist farmers. In this regard, it is on record that he has cleared over 5000 hecters in land preparation across the State ostensibly to facilitate farming activities. He is working assiduously to develop an industrial park and a sea port given the strategic location of the State, underscored also by the potential multiplier effects of such projects in promotion of economic activities. Further, he has been working on improving primary health care services in the State as well as ensuring that worker welfare is taken care of by regular payment of their salaries and those of pensioners. Indeed, he has brought finesse to governance by insisting on new rules of engagement in management of public affairs, sidelining political jobbers who live on the State without reciprocal contributions to the general good. Clearly, it needs be emphasized that governance is about service to the people and not to a coterie of privileged persons in society. Overall, there has been less of negative reports from Edo State in recent years which, in my opinion, is a reflection of good governance.

Then, what exactly is amiss between governor Obaseki and Comrade Oshiomhole? It is widely believed that Comrade Oshiomole played an important role for the emergence of Gowin Obaseki as governor of the State. Yes, in politics and indeed, in every human endeavour, that is what it is – someone, somewhere provides leverage for another person to succeed in a venture. But where such leverage is anchored on quid pro quo and overriding interest of benefactors detrimental to the general good, there is bound to be crisis. Drawn to issues of loyalty to a benefactor while in office as governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, sometime in 2015 while being screened, prayed – ‘May your loyalty never be tested’- to which there was a resounding Amen by the Senators. Implicit in that prayer, in my humble opinion, is the recognition that conflicts ultimately arise between serving the general good and serving the interest(s) of benefactor(s) and the hard choice that must be made. In regard to the conflict in Edo State, governor Obaseki has demonstrated considerable candour by letting the cat out of the bag in saying he would not share money meant for development of the state to politicians, nay – political jobbers who add no value to uplifting the State. Given this undercurrent in the saga, governor Obaseki deserves support from all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly Edo indigenes who are desirous for development of the State. From the foregoing, the expectation, a priori, should be an automatic ticket for governor Obaseki on the platform of the APC for a second term in office. But from the Kogi State experience, and many others, such expectation is simplistic underscored by the reality that the ability to deliver on the general good is never a primal factor for selection of gubernatorial candidates in Nigeria. This has been demonstrated in Kogi State gubernatorial election by the apparent reward for non-performance, in landslide victory of the incumbent governor! Again, this is deja vu and a sad commentary on our governance system, over-centralized, retrogressive and disconnected from the people.

For the good people of Edo State desirous of continued development, the choice is clearly service delivery to them by persons elected to serve. The stranglehold of godfathers in the State, in their whims and caprices, evident in past governments with retrogressive outcome must be resisted and not allowed a foothold again. Therefore, the Governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki should remain focused on his development agenda, extirpate prebendalism and entrench the moral and ethical standards for sustainable governance of the State.

*Prof. Eromosele, former deputy vice-chancellor (Academic), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.*

*
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated the Benin City River Port Project Technical committee, to propel the actualisation of the legacy project as part of the state’s industrialisation drive.

During the inauguration of the committee at Government House, in Benin City, the governor said the technical committee would also monitor the implementation of the Benin City River Port project.

He said, “To further strengthen the work done by the initial technical committee and further boost the economic potential of the state, the inauguration of the Benin City River Port Technical Committee cannot be over-emphasised in the development of an ultra-modern port facility to meet international standards.”

Obaseki tasked members of the committee to fast-track its evaluation process so the financing for the project could be readily accessed, adding, “Because of the progress we have made in sourcing the financing for the project, the committee will review the feasibility study, design and operational aspects of the port project.

“The work of this committee is to look at what has been done to date, ensure that the port aligns with the original objectives and fast-track other works that need to be done.”

The governor said the terms of reference for the committee will include organising a procurement process for the engagement of a project transaction adviser within the next 60 days, noting, “You will work with the Project Transaction Adviser to determine potential project sponsors and project structure and maritime model; examine the project financing arrangement, introduce and commence correspondence with the relevant regulatory authority.”

Chairman of the Technical Committee, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the state.
He assured the governor that the committee will work with the terms of reference given, adding, “We will bring to bear our experiences and skills and live up to the confidence reposed on us.”

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 (middle); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele (2nd right); Chairman, Benin City River Port Project Technical committee, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun (2nd left); members of the committee, Mr. Felix Ovbude (left), and Mr. Edward I. Osayande (right), during the inauguration of the committee at Government House, in Benin City, on Monday, December 2, 2019.

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro, has commended the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration for his commitment to transforming the education sector in Edo State.

While commissioning TETfund Special High Impact Intervention Projects (T-SHIP) in Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Prof. Bogoro said the governor's decision to appoint Prof. Abiodun Falodun as the Rector of the Edo State Polytechnic has changed the fortunes of the institution.

According to him, “A lot of unprecedented progress has been recorded since Prof. Falodun took over the leadership of the institution. The school, which hadn’t done convocation in almost 20 years, has held two convocations under your watch.

"TETfund and the National University Commission (NUC) are happy with the transformation in the education sector in the state. We commend the governor on his commitment to developing the sector and we are ready to continue to support and work with Prof. Falodun, the state and the institution to record more progress".

Governor Godwin Obaseki said the T-SHIP projects will contribute to the growth of the polytechnic, assuring that he would complement deploy resources to complement the contribution of TETfund to the development of the institution.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Edorodion Oye Erimona said the lecture halls and the workshops would provide students a conducive learning environment and the right tools to learn.

Prof. Falodun, hailed the Federal and State Governments for the support given to the institution which is responsible for the feats recorded, noting that TETfund intervention in the institution has contributed immensely to its infrastructural development.

He said the TETfund projects were approved by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 and work commenced on the projects being commissioned in November 2018.

Falodun said teaching and non-teaching staff of the Edo State Polytechnic have benefited from TETfund intervention, especially in the area of research, noting, "I commend President Buhari for his commitment and support towards the development of tertiary education in Nigeria as the commissioning of TETfund projects in the institution has changed the outlook of the Polytechnic.”

He continued, "I really appreciate the goodwill of Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and his commitment, support for vocational and technical education in the state. His impressive efforts at improving the business environment in the state has continued to attract investors and the Edo State Polytechnic has also benefited from these gestures.”

The TETfund projects commissioned include T-SHIP lecture theatre for School of Engineering; a building for the School of General Studies; Workshop for the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Workshops for Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S2_01:*
Representative of Edo State Governor and Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Edorodion Oye Erimona; Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro; Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed; Chairman, Federal House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, and Rector, Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, during the commissioning of TETfund Special High Impact Intervention Projects (T-SHIP) in Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Edo State.

https://thenationonlineng.net/obasekis-reforms-oshiomhole-apc-and-warnings-ahead/

*Obaseki’s reforms, Oshiomhole, APC and warnings ahead*

*Tony ALILE*

THE freaky duel between the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his predecessor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is heating up the polity in ways that many didn’t envisage. It is getting messier with each day that brings the state closer to the 2020 gubernatorial elections.

The battle has not only been a cause of distraction to the visionary governor, but has gotten more Edo people interested in politics than governance. The people of Edo state, especially the youths, have now been forced to take sides in support for or against two of the most popular and powerful faces in the State.

The romance between the former lovers, which went sour some years aback as a result of conflicting interests, more worrisomely, seems to be glossing over the developmental and transformational reforms, policies and achievements of the Obaseki-led government, keeping Edo State in the news for the wrong reasons.

This shouldn’t be the case for a governor who is determined to lift Edo State from penury to Eldorado. It is commendable that despite the unpredictable and disruptive political environment, Obaseki has repositioned the state as reference point for good governance and record-breaking public policy reforms.

How then do we sit and watch the bad antics of an aggrieved godfath

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will on Thursday, November 28, swear-in his newly appointed Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie said the swearing-in ceremony will hold at the New Era College Hall, at Upper Mission Road, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He said the newly appointed Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants are expected to be seated by 9:30, as the event will commence by 10 am prompt.

According to the statement, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants by the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will hold on Thursday, November 28, at New Era College Hall, in Upper Mission Road.

“Guests are expected to be seated at 9.30 as the event will commence by 10am prompt.”

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/365578-we-will-not-attend-emergency-meeting-with-oshiomhole-edo-apc.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has rejected an emergency caucus meeting called by the South-South region of the party.

The meeting, scheduled to take place this Thursday in Abuja, is convened by the APC national vice chairman, South-South, Hilliard Eta.

The national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, and the Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki, are among the 73 persons from the region invited to the meeting, according to a notice placed by Mr Eta in a national newspaper.

The Edo chapter of the APC has, however, indicated it would not attend the Abuja meeting.

In a statement issued Thursday morning, the state chairman of the party, Anselm Ojezua, said the venue of the meeting is Mr Oshiomhole’s private office and that party “leaders” in the zone were not consulted before the meeting.

Mr Ojezua, in addition, said the purpose of the meeting is to “procure” and pass a vote of confidence on Mr Oshiomhole.

“Members are by this medium advised to ignore this notice and refrain from attending the meeting.

“A proper meeting of the caucus members within the boundaries of the South-south region of Nigeria should be convened in due course, after due consultation with the leaders of the Zone,” said Mr Ojezua who referred to Mr Oshiomhole, in the statement, as the “suspended chairman”.

*Titanic battle*

The APC national chairman, Mr Oshiomhole, and Governor Obaseki have been locked in an epic political battle in Edo State.

The political fight between the two leaders has led to a factional crisis in Edo APC and the state assembly.

A Benin High Court last week restrained a faction of APC loyal to Mr Oshiomhole from removing from office, the APC chairman in the state, Anselm Ojezua.

Mr Ojezua’s faction recently announced the “suspension” of Mr Oshiomhole from APC in the state.

Several people believed to be loyal to Mr Oshiomhole have either been relieved of their positions in the state or suspended from the party to weaken the APC national chairman’s grip on the party politics in the state.

More than 10 of the elected state lawmakers, who are yet to be inaugurated, are currently on self-exile in Abuja reportedly for fear of their safety in Edo.

There is fear that the crisis may affect the fortunes of the party in the governorship election in Edo next year.

Apart from Mr Oshiomhole and Mr Obaseki, other APC chieftains invited to the Abuja meeting are the minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; the minister of state for petroleum, Timi Silva, and the minister of Niger Delta affairs, Godswill Akpabio.

The Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, the governor-elect of Bayelsa, David Lyon, and his deputy, Biobarakuma Degi, have also been invited to the meeting.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has assured of continuous capacity building for teachers in primary and secondary schools across the state, as part of his administration’s commitment to improve the standard of education in the state.

The governor said this after inspecting the progress of construction work at the College of Education, Abudu and a new site for the building of a laboratory for training teachers.

The governor explained that his administration is working with the World Bank to organise pre-service programme for teachers in primary and secondary schools, adding that the state has adopted a comprehensive approach in the training of teachers to ensure they are well equipped to discharge their duties.

“We are working with the World Bank to run a pre-service programme for all our teachers. The crisis in our education system is caused by the inability to equip and train our teachers properly, which we are correcting,” he said.

He added that the state government is collaborating with the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) to build a laboratory close to the College of Education, Abudu, to provide practical knowledge for teachers.

Obaseki noted, “The laboratory school will train teachers for the National Certificate of Education programme in the College of Education.”

He listed other facilities to be located within the laboratory school to include Sports Complex, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre and hostels, noting that the Laboratory school would be a world-class facility for pre-service and in-service training for teachers, adding, “The facilities will bring back social life to Abudu.”

He added that work at the College, which is nearing completion, has classrooms, offices and hostels ready for use, noting, “What is left for the college to take off is hiring of staff and other requisite details to get the school started next year.”

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 (middle), Commissioner of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Erimona Oye Edorodion, during inspection of construction work for the building of a laboratory for training teachers, in Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State.

*S3_02:*
Newly constructed blocks and buildings at the College of Education, in Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State.

https://thenationonlineng.net/edo-2020-obaseki-and-politics-of-endorsement/



*November 27, 2019 in News Update, Politics*

*In spite of his disagreement with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki is not losing sleep over his second term bid. Correspondent OSAGIE OTABOR traces the genesis of the crisis and how the governor is managing it.*

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Wdo State is not letting down his oars in his quest to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to run for a second term. Speculations that he planned to dump the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been dismissed, as Obaseki has insisted that he would rather flush out all dissidents out of the Edo APC. True to his words, many ‘disloyal’ party officials have been removed from office.

Last month, leaders of the APC from the 18 local governments endorsed him as the party’s flag bearer for next year’s election. Many of the leaders were former political appointees of the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole. They said they carried out the endorsement after assessing the achievements of Obaseki in the last three years, especially the working relationship between him, his deputy Philip Shaibu and the Secretary to Government, Osarodion Ogie.

The argument was that if they listened to Oshiomhole when he told them to support Obaseki for governor, with Shaibu and Ogie as his deputy and SSG, and the trio have performed to the satisfaction of the people, why would the immediate past governor now move to stop them?

It is the belief of Edo APC supporters that Oshiomhole is using the Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), a pressure group within the Edo APC, to truncate Obaseki’s bid for the second term. The main objective of the EPM is to get a replacement for Governor Obaseki in 2020 and ‘reposition’ the Edo APC.

Observers have faulted the EPM’s style and approach to wrestling power from Obaseki. They said it is obvious that the EPM is out to discredit Obaseki and paint him in bad light before the general public. Issues raised by the EPM were attempt to destroy Oshiomhole’s legacies, by not continuing with some legacy projects, including the Bénin Storm Water project, non-opening of the new five-star hospital, lack of patronage for party supporters, closure of some tertiary institutions and the non-inauguration of some members-elect into the House of Assembly.

Obaseki’s response to the EPM’s agitation helped to win the support of the people to his side. Thus, he managed to secure the control of the Edo APC structure and gained confidence of his cabinet members. The new five-star hospital was opened and work commenced on the Bénin Storm Water project. The reforms he introduced in the area of revenue collection endeared local government workers to his administration.

Attempts by the EPM to build structures in the local government areas were resisted by APC members in the localities. Among those that secured political appointments, those that are not loyal to the governor were identified and sacked. Many leaders of the EPM have since fled to Abuja on the excuse that their lives were no longer safe.

Many have said that Obaseki has a firm grip on Edo APC in 14 out of 18 local government areas. All the five local government areas in Edo Central are in support of Obaseki because it gives politicians from the area the opportunity to contest for governorship in 2023. In Edo North, Obaseki has a strong support base in Akoko-Edo, Owan East, Owan West, Estako Central, and Estako East. In Edo South, the local councils supporting Obaseki’s second term are Ovia North East, Ovia Southwest, Ikpoba-Okha, Uhunmwode, and Egor.

To further show their support for Obaseki’s second term, Edo APC leaders from the 18 local governments met at an enlarged meeting and adopted him as the candidate for next year’s election. At the meeting, Obaseki reeled out his achievements after which the APC leaders expressed satisfaction with his administration.

Among the achievements listed by Obaseki was an investment in the education sector through the Edo BEST initiative, increased revenue through e-ticketing and civil service reforms.

Obaseki, who promised to deliver more dividends of democracy to people, said his administration has engendered good governance through policies and programmes targeted at eradicating poverty and creating jobs in the last three years.

The governor has promised to consolidate his achievements in the next one year. He said: “When we came on board three years ago, 15 of 18 local governments were not able to pay salaries and we met a huge pension arrears burden. But, with your support, we have made a lot of progress.

“For revenue generation, the internally generated revenue (IGR) in Oredo Local Government rose from N1.5 million monthly in December 2016 to N62 million in October 2019. We are emphasising people-oriented projects because APC’s principle is focused on people’s development.

“My administration has created about 107,000 direct and indirect jobs in the last three years. We have been getting a lot of support from the diaspora in this regard.”

Obaseki urged the people to expect more developments in the next year, especially in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure, job creation, and social welfare.

The governor reiterated that members of the APC working against the interest of the party would be driven out. He added: “Nobody must feel that they are bigger than the party. How can we build a house and want to pull it down? There were many people who were not part of this house. They were looking for what to benefit. Now that they are not benefiting, they want to pull it down.”

Rev. Michael Egharevba, a chieftain of the APC in Edo South, moved the motion for the endorsement and adoption of the governor for a second term, saying Obaseki has transformed all sectors in the state. He said: “We are solidly behind the governor and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, for a second term. This is the first time somebody is speaking to our hearts and it is evident in the physical structures he is building across the state.”

A former Chief Whip in the Edo State House of Assembly and a leader of the APC in Edo North, Shaibu Abdullahi, seconded the motion and called for more grassroots mobilisation.

Mrs. Stella Okoro said APC women in the state have agreed to adopt the governor for a second term.

She added: “When a woman carries you on her back, you are protected. We are happy for all the governor is doing. We are carrying him on our back as a sign of our support for his administration.”

The Chairman of Edo APC, Anselm Ojezua, said the chapter has remained strong more than ever before and that the EPM would not be allowed to be an organ of the party. He said: “We will take those steps that will protect the integrity of the APC. Once we are done sanitising our party system, we will be better and stronger.”

Charles Idahosa urged the APC leaders to intensify work at the ward level to defeat the common enemy against the Governor Obaseki-led government. He said: “We have a problem and we need to go back to our respective wards to put things in order. There is a big fight, and it is a win for us. We know our enemy and we must defeat him.”

https://www.independent.ng/edo-apc-crisis-why-obaseki-rejected-ganduje-led-fact-finding-committee/


Lagos – Facts emerged Tuesday on why Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State rejected the five-man fact-finding committee set up by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to look into the crisis rocking Edo State chapter of the party.

The committee was set up by the leadership of the party to look into the rift between the governor and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, who is also the national chairman of the party.

The battle for supremacy between the two men has polarised supporters of the party in the state, a development many believe may affect the party’s chances in the governorship election taking place next year.

According to a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the committee has a mandate speaking with all sides to the crisis and reporting back to the NWC.
On Monday, the party spoke of a plan to constitute a committee of prominent members to steer a process of reconciliation in the South-South state.

Issa-Onilu said in the statement: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed the governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, to head the party’s five-member fact-finding committee for the APC chapter in Edo State.

“Other members of the committee are: Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari; former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi; former governor of Borno State and serving senator, Kashim Shettima and Honourable Ahmed Wadada (Secretary).”

However, speaking with our correspondent, an associate of Obaseki who described the committee as “kangaroo”, said they are not interested in the work of the Ganduje committee as it was set up by the APC NWC which is a one-man show under the dictate of Oshiomhole.

He said the governor is in total support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s constitution of a National Reconciliation Committee for the APC that will address grievances and conflicts amongst party members.

“The governor is not interested in the kangaroo committee set up by the NWC. Today, only Oshiomhole is taking personal decision which he will now ascribe to the NWC.

“Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s former National Publicity Secretary alluded to that in a recent interview and other members of the NWC who have also cried out over Oshiomhole’s dictatorial tendencies have been suspended”.
Just look at the membership of the committee. They are all loyalists of the national chairman.

“So, Governor Obaseki is not interested in anything the Ganduje-committee is doing. However, he is in full support of the national reconciliation committee which President Buhari has ordered to be constituted. That supersedes any committee set up by the NWC”, he said.

*_…charges Law Reforms Commission to compile new Edo laws within 12 months_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated the Law Reforms and the Local Government Service Commissions, charging members of the commissions to support his administration’s zero-tolerance for corruption.

Governor Obaseki, who noted that institutional reform is pivotal in the agenda of his administration, urged the newly inaugurated commissions to ensure efficiency and transparency in carrying out their mandates of driving key reforms in the state.

Obaseki said the role of the Law Reform Commission is important to deepen the development and growth Edo State is experiencing.

He expressed displeasure that nearly more than two decades since Edo State was created, the state can't boost of a compendium of Edo laws but still relies on the old Bendel State laws.

“I am giving you a task to, within 12 months of your tenure in office, compile the laws of Edo State. As a state, we have received significant policy advancement in the area of education, healthcare, security and access to justice.”

Obaseki said the state’s policy directions are a clear departure from the past, adding, “Our laws must reflect Edo being Nigeria's most progressive state with easy access to justice, business enablers and social benefits.”

The governor said the inauguration of the Local Government Service Commission is part of the commitment of his administration to strengthen governance at the grassroots level.

He noted that the third tier of government is critical to the success of democracy as its undoubtedly the most important layer in the wheels of governance.

Obaseki said, “We will continue to show stewardship by fighting corruption at all levels. This government has zero-tolerance for corruption at the local government. I have instructed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to go into partnership with the Local Government Service Commission and the Ministry of Local Government to combat corruption. As a government, we will not tolerate corruption in local governments anymore.

“One of the key emphasis of my administration is capacity building, particularly in the local government. We will be investing significant amount in developing and building the capacity of the local government employees.”

He urged members of both commissions never to use their positions to oppress the people and enrich themselves.

“This is a noble assignment that requires your utmost devotion to the service of humanity and sustenance of ethical standards at all times. If found corrupt or wanting in your duty, you will face the full wrath of the law,” the governor stressed.

Chairman Law Reforms Commission, Charity Aiguobarueghian and his counterpart in the Local Government Service Commission, Tom Uloko thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve, pledging to discharge their duties faithfully according to the law and contribute to the growth and development of the State.


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*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S1_001:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (3rd left); Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu (middle); Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (3rd right); Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Tom Uloko (2nd left), and other members of the commission after their swearing-in at the Government House in Benin City, on Tuesday, November 26, 2019.

*S1_002:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (4th left); Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu (middle); Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (4th right); Chairman, Law Reform Commission, Charity Aiguobarueghian (3rd left), and other members of the commission, after their swearing-in at Government House in Benin City, on Tuesday, November 26, 2019.