Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State will be commissioning a police barrack at the back of his ranch and a police post beside the mother’s house this afternoon, respectively. The governor’s mother’s house is adjacent to the governor’s ranch. The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase will be on hand for the commissioning.
Inside sources who didn’t want their names in print revealed that governor Oshiomhole built fortresses around himself because of his numerous unkept promises to the people to develop every part of Edo the state.
“Oshiomhole should have led by example, like his acclaimed role model, Pa Michael Imoudu who neither mass up policemen around himself but had the people as his foot soldiers”, one of them said.
They lamented that the governor only developed a part of the senatorial district, Edo North: that is, Etsakor, East, Central and West local governments areas and left out Owan West, East and Akoko-Edo out of his development templates.
They chided the governor for not making any attempt to fixing any reasonable road in Edo Central which suffers the most in the entire stretch of nearly eight years of his administration.
Furthermore, they indicted the governor as an ethnic bigot who paid political appointees from his part of the state different salaries to the ones who are not from his Etsakor conclave. One of them said: “Once you find your name on the Iyamho salary list you thank your God, if you are not, God help you”.
The list of names of political appointees printed out from government bureaucracy showed that more than 75 percent of political appointees under governor Oshiomhole administration are all from the three local governments of Etsakor East, Central, and West.
In the last seven-plus years, the governor has made more enemies than friends or turned his enemies to friends or vice versa. This is manifest from the way Edo people have rejected his anointed candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki in the forth coming September 10th governorship election.
Pupils of Fortune High School in Benin-City, the Edo State capital, were, last Wednesday sensitised on the effects of drug abuse and how to overcome drug addiction.
The event was organised by members of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), with the objective to sensitise 10,000 secondary school pupils in the state on the negative effects of drug abuse.
It was organised by Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Programme (ADMAP) in partnership with PANS and Kalligraphy, a non-governmental organisation(NGO).
ADMAP Chairman Isaac Ehimen said the campaign was to reduce the rate of drug addiction among the youth. He said it would be fulfilling to advise the pupils against the vice before being influenced into the use of narcotics.
Isaac told the pupils: “Once addiction sets in, the victim is helpless. He will start to behave uncontrollably and his Brain Reward Center will create the urge to repeat the experience.”
On how to overcome addiction, a representative of Kalligraphy, Ezekiel Efeobhokhan, gave two tips. He said: “First, you must open up on it. You need to speak to someone of authority about it. It could be your teacher, parents or religious leader. The tendency to keep addiction secret may further endanger the lives of addicts.
“The other step is to avoid loneliness and idleness. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. When you are busy, the devil will not be able to use you.”
The sensitisation also featured a question and answer session. Souvenirs that would educate the pupils on the consequences of drug abuse were distributed freely.
A teacher, Francis Uhunmwangho, praised the students for the campaign, saying it would help the pupils to drop bad habits.
Nigeria’s age-long battle for the return of its looted artefacts scattered across galleries, museums and private collections in Europe and the Americas may have started yielding results. The Jesus College, Cambridge University in England has expressed its readiness to return the Okukor (Benin Bronze). National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) Director-General Yusuf Abdallah Usman is waiting for the prized work, Assistant Editor (Art) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.
benin cockerel Artefact
The news came as a surprise. The Jesus College, Cambridge University in England has decided to return the Benin bronze object looted from Nigeria by Imperial forces led by Captain Philips in 1897.
“This is a breakthrough and sign of good things to come,” National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) Director-General Yussuf Abdallah Usman said.
He said the commission was glad to hear that the varsity was returning the Okpa (the Okukor Benin bronze cockerel). He expressed appreciation to the students, adding that he was looking forward to receiving the artefact soon.
The students voted that the bronze cockerel in front of their dining hall be returned home. The fowl has been at the college since 1930 it was adopted as a symbol because of the surname of its founder, John Alcock, a former Bishop of Ely. Three cockerels’heads appear on the college’s crest. Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has repeatedly requested for the return of hundreds of Benin bronzes stolen during the invasion of the old Benin Kingdom.
The institution said it had removed the cockerel and was considering the “question of repatriation”. Almost 1,000 bronzes were taken after Benin City was occupied by imperial troops in 1897, according to the British Museum. About 900 of those artefacts are housed in museums and collections around the world, including the British Museum.
Usman said the commission is championing the return of this and other objects similarly purloined be returned to their countries of origin, notwithstanding the one-sided legalese that have been introduced by the purloiners to justify their acquisition. “We call on all well-meaning people of the world to join us in this struggle to redress the ills of the past.
The commission said it has a Plan of Action on Benin bronzes in European museums ‘whereby we are adopting the policy of collaboration, cooperation and negotiation in getting back our cultural heritage properties from European museums and other public institutions around the world. The talks are ongoing with meetings held in Germany, Austria and Nigeria’.
He stressed that the campaign for repatriation must be complemented by an all inclusive war against illicit trafficking in cultural goods. “We, therefore, call on all and sundry to join us in this national struggle,” he added.
On the provision of a safer place for the bronze object, Usman said: “Nigeria is ready to provide comfortable haven for the objects. Though we don’t have to give any reason to justify requesting a return for our stolen property, but for clarity purposes, we have Unity Museums in Enugu, Ibadan and Benin in Edo State where the Okpa can be kept. The nation’s artefacts in our custody are safely kept and guarded.
“At present, the commission has a Unit under the museums department, which 9s the Antiquity Protection Unit saddled with providing adequate security of our objects.
Asked if Nigeria is expected to meet any condition to repatriate the object, Usman explained that the country can only use negotiation, discussion and diplomatic plea for the return of such objects because it is not covered by the UNESCO Convention of 1970. The convention covers only objects that were carted away from its home country after 1970.
To him, the Jesus College’s incidence was a sign of good things to come and it shows that ‘’our efforts at the commission over the years in various fora calling for the reparation of our artefacts have not been in vain’’.
“It also shows there is a re-awakening of cultural consciousness in our people as illustrated by different illustrious sons and daughters of Nigeria lending their voice to our call for the repatriation of our objects in various museums, institutions and private collections overseas,” he said.
According to him, the commission believes that the Benin Plan of Action is the first step that will lead to greater understanding and that Cambridge and other important UK establishments should be part of subsequent engagements on this issue.
The sculpture was inaugurated by the Oba of Benin for the Queen Mother for the decoration of her ancestral shrine in Uselu. These brass/bronze roosters or cockerels are placed on ancestral altars. They stand for fowls and other animals that are sacrificed during rituals honouring royal ancestors. These male creatures acknowledge that the Queen Mother was different from other women and shared powers and privileges with men.
In depicting these birds, Benin bronze casters indulge their love of dense overall patterns. Although stylised, these incised designs deftly suggest the cockerel’s showy plumage, scaly legs and dimpled comb.
It is harrowing and heart rendering that such an iconic cultural object should be forcefully taken and irreverently exhibited for more than a century, he said.
He recalled that Nigeria ratified many treaties, which purposes are to prevent illicit export and to facilitate the return of unlawfully exported cultural property.
“Other organisations and bodies, which Nigeria has joined to ensure the return of Nigerian antiquities include Scheme for the Protection of Cultural Heritage within the Commonwealth. Furthermore, Nigeria has signed Bilateral Agreement with nations such as China and Peru to facilitate return of cultural property to countries of origin.
“Nigeria has expressed her rights over some of the antiquities in certain museum and has thereby opened opportunity for discussion. For example, in June 2012, officials of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museum and Monuments asserted ownership of thirty-two artifacts from the Benin Kingdom of Nigeria, which had been recently acquired by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFAB). MFAB has however explained that they are donations. The Commission has continued to question the legitimacy of the donations,” he added.
Continuing, the DG said: “On Thursday, January 24, 2002 the Nigerian House of Representatives passed a Motion calling for the return of Nigerian works of art in the British Museum. It called on the then President, Olusegun Obasanjo, to request for the repatriation of these artefacts. The motion, sponsored by 57 legislators, was passed unanimously.
“Friends of Nigeria in the Diaspora have also assisted in seeking return of our cultural property. For example, in 1996, upon the approach of the centennial celebrations of the invasion and looting of Benin artefacts, a foremost agitator for repatriation, the late black British parliamentarian, Bernie Grant, wrote to the Glasgow Museum which hosts some of the looted Benin artefacts, requesting for their repatriation to Nigeria.”
He disclosed that Edun Akenzua, Enogie of Obazuwa-Iko, the brother of the Oba of Benin, visited the House of Commons in Britain in March 2000 and presented a memorandum titled The Case of Benin, narrating how Benin artefacts were looted, and he requested that the artefacts in Britain be returned or compensation paid to the Oba for his loses.
According to him, other instances where requests were made for the return of Nigerian artefacts were at the exhibition of Benin artefacts in four international cities in 2007.
The exhibition tagged, Benin-Kings and rituals, courts arts from Nigeria went to Vienna, Paris, Berlin and Chicago and afforded Nigerian officials and royalty the opportunity to state the minds of both the Nigerian people and government for the return of the artefacts. This request, he said, was repeated throughout the duration of the tour of the exhibition.
To safeguard the artifacts, Nigeria placed several of her objects on the ICOM Red List, which was drawn up by the participants at the International Council of Museums’ (ICOM’s) Workshop on the Protection of African Heritage held in Amsterdam in October, 1997 and which has been reviewed in 2016.
“Over the years, NCMM through its various departments have carried out aggressive enlightenment and sensitisation programmes on the importance of protecting our cultural heritage from illicit traffickers.
‘’The over 100 objects already repatriated from USA, France, Canada, Switzerland etc in the last six years though humble, represent our determined efforts to reclaim our artifacts.
‘We shall leave no stone unturned to ensure that we bring back our objects.’’
When Edo State governor assumed office on November 12, 2008, many were set to put him to task if he dared fail to deliver on his campaign promises. As a labour leader who cut his political teeth from his many struggles to emancipate the poor masses and workers across the country, it was a huge responsibility for him to take over a state that was in ruins and total infrastructure decay. The education sector was a festering sore that finds expression in the manner of neglect that the previous administration had treated it. Edo State was notorious for many miracle centers which provided accommodation for all categories of persons from different parts of the country to sit for the West African School Certificate Examinations with the hope of coming out with flying colours even when such examinations were hardly taken by the students.
Oshiomhole
With the dubious cooperation of the examination officers and the invigilators, desperate students easily parted with huge sums of money to buy their way through the corridors of examinations with promises of superlative grades. This was the practice inherited by the Comrade Governor from the PDP 10 years’ preoccupation of Edo State before the courts gave verdict that threw away that regime of waste and non-performance. Seven years down the line, the Comrade Governor has rediscovered the missing link in the education sector and appropriately repositioned the sector to the admiration of all. While the state was usually placed in a distant position of 30th amongst states in Nigeria in terms of performance at national examinations, the story today has assumed a more positive and rewarding classification. In the last three national examinations, Edo state came 2nd and has been adjudged as one of the heavily transformed states in terms of infrastructure, manpower and investment. The latest ratings and outcomes are the end product of the heavy investment which the government has put into this sector to rediscover its lost glory. Added to this is the fact that Edo State is tuition free for both primary and secondary schools students.
When Comrade Oshiomhole presented his first budget to Edo State House of Assembly, populated by majority of PDP lawmakers, rather than encourage a governor that was willing to work settle down, they threw up partisan interests over the Edo interest. First, the initial budget was scrutinized, altered and later adjusted to suit the peculiarity of the PDP godfathers. Aside from frowning at the percentage allocated for capital project, the Comrade Governor was told pointedly that he was not the messiah that Edo State was waiting for. And that if he must work, he must operate within the labyrinths of the godfather’s desires. Yet undaunted, the Comrade Governor took his case to our highly revered Oba of Benin, who wrote a scathing letter to remind the Edo State House of Assembly that if Benin City could not be respected for being the headquarters of Benin Kingdom, at least it should be recognized as the capital of Edo State. The PDP chieftains were asking for the portion of the budget that would be available for sharing like the “Dasukigate” money. They had to back down when the Comrade Governor told them that if they were prepared to share money, he would issue them cheques, if that would persuade them to put pen on paper to sign the Appropriation Bill. The rest as it is often said is now history.
The huge economic infrastructure which the Oshiomhole administration has brought about can be explained from the point of view of his determination to alter the narrative in Edo’s political economy. Rather than continue the tradition of skewing budget in favour of recurrent expenditure, the Comrade Governor has sustained a tradition of ensuring that capital expenditure carries a higher percentage in all his budgetary proposals and laws. More than anything, this explains the huge infrastructural component of the administration spread across the three senatorial districts of the state. As a direct consequence of this initiative, the state is now becoming an investment haven for different categories of businesses. There is bamboo wood furniture company in Anegbete, there is ceramics tiles company in Benin City as well as Yongxing Steel Company. These companies have recruited over 1,500 capable youths who have been trained and gainfully employed to provide one service or the other.
The Okpekpe road race has become an internationally accepted road race by the sheer insight of the government and a sports marketing company which seized the initiative of utilizing the beauty of the Okpekpe Road to bring this to fruition. This event has not only entered into the calendar year of the International Athletics Federation but has become a source of economic boom to residents of the entire Edo North each time the event was hosted. That is one way to boost the economic wellbeing of the people.
It is instructive to note that Comrade Oshiomhole’s intervention in Edo state has paid off in different areas. As we speak, even when states across the country cannot meet up with their salaries commitments, the Comrade Governor has almost completed building a brand new Edo State University located at Iyamho. The University environment boasts of sophisticated buildings and facilities that can compete with any other university in the world. Having invested heavily in enhancing the infrastructural status of Ambrose Alli University, he felt it was proper for the state to have another university that would absorb qualified students who often lazy about after failing to secure admission into the existing schools.
The national statistics with respect to school enrolment are quite alarming. On a yearly basis, about 1.4m Nigerian youths write the JAMB examinations. Out of this figure, available universities can only absorb a little above 300,000 thus allowing 1.1million to roam the streets before the onset of another examination calendar.
When the PDP raised dust over our investment in Ambrose Alli University, one had thought they were going to present their own statistics to show how much they invested in the university during their 10 years’ regime in Edo State. Rather, the PDP were running from pillar to post to complain about the huge investments we have made in the university. We have not only built and commissioned three lecture theatres; we have also built two world class laboratories for the medical and laboratory sciences students. We have also completed the moot court that was abandoned in 1991, built the agriculture extension services department, the Fine and Applied Arts department, and also the Building department. The dam that was built by the European Union and later abandoned was reticulated and as we speak, the university is now fully serviced with water. There are still several on-going projects aside from increasing the monthly subvention from a paltry N100m to N250m. When we asked the PDP to name what they did in 10 years’ at Ambrose Alli University, they were simply blaming themselves, pointing accusing fingers at themselves. What a pity.
While it is convenient for the PDP to make all the noises about development in Edo State as not reflecting what accrues to the state, they have not been bold enough to state what they did with all the billions they collected during their time. We have seen companies that were built overnight, we have seen how reptiles and snakes took over as managers and chief executives, and thereafter sold before daybreak. We have seen how Edo State resources were used to feather the nest of PDP chieftains, making overnight millionaires and billionaires. They jump about like musketeers, looting from the center and the corners, leaving Edo State to bleed with perfunctory disdain. Now that they have been uprooted from the inner sanctuary of Aso Rock conclave, they now see Edo State like a fallow land that must be conquered to continue their regime of mindless plunder. This is why the people are saying never again for the PDP to come and rape us politically.
–Afegbua is the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Public Affairs, Edo State.
BENIN—THE Ogiamien family of Utantan, Benin, Edo State has warned the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, that any attempt to circumvent the Ekiokpagha treaty between the family and the Oba during the coronation rites of a new monarch, will bring an end to the reign of the current dynasty in the kingdom.
Meanwhile, the family has given a 14-day ultimatum to one of the Bini palace chiefs, Chief Osamede Adun, to withdraw the falsehood levelled against it that members of the Ogiamien family, who they said were the Bini aborigines, were slaves/strangers in the kingdom, or face legal action.
The family, in statement by Chief Monday Whewhe, was reacting to a publication in the media, where Chief Adun had said that the Ekiokpagha treaty cannot affect the coronation rites of an Oba as the mock battle between the forces of the Oba and Ogiamien was a mere formality.
However, Chief Whewhe called on Chief Adun to stop making mockery of them, describing his comments on the Ogiamien family as embarrassing, insisting that the family was a descendant of the Ogisos, who had ruled the land for 300 years before the coming of the Eweka dynasty.
He contended that the Ekiokpagha treaty “is the rent a new Oba must pay before being allowed the occupation of Benin Kingdom leased to them by the Ogiamen family.”
It was like a colonial invasion in Edo State on Saturday as a gangster Commissioner for Environment Clement Agba took his boys to destroy goods belonging to traders along the road.
The incident which took place at Oba Market road, supervised by the Commissioner led to the destruction of goods, tables and chairs worth thousands of naira.
The destruction of goods continued at Agbado market where the action was resisted by some traders who couldn’t handle their livelihood put to dust.
Not only were good destroyed, some traders and boys were seen manhandled on a video stumbled upon by NAIJA CENTER NEWS.
Some Edo youths who showed anger over the incidents accused the government officials for collecting tax from the people along the road and then turn around to destroy their goods.
Though the incident could have been handled in a more amicable way without destroying goods, but the commando and the drunk agberos turned the scene to violent-like protest.
Explosion on Tuesday rocked about five residential buildings on Zomi-Zomi Street at the Upper Sakponba axis of Benin City the capital of Edo State.
Although no live was lost in the incident, which occurred in the afternoon, some occupants of the buildings sustained minor injuries.
The explosion, however, shattered part of the front perimeter fence, aluminum roofing sheets and bore hole rubber tanks.
In the premises of the buildings, papers were littered around.
A team from the anti-bomb squad swiftly deployed to the area which was subsequently cordoned off.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Stanley Osifo, confirmed the incident to Channel Television in a phone call.
He said it was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that had gone off.
Mr Osifo explained that the occupants of the building, where the IED went off, had been taken in for further questioning
He also said the police have commenced profiling of the residents of the area, as he believes that will assist the police with more facts about the incident.
Una Good afternoon Edo State Government, I take time from my leave take write this open letter because, so many things they way they pain me and so many Edo people for mind and I use PIGIN ENGLISH take write because, na only through this medium I go fit take talk am way every body go hear. Na few month Oga Comrade Governor get for office now to serve our people, but e clear say all the agreement and campaign promise way Oga Comrade promise to give Edo people him nor gree fulfill any one of them oh, I go try remember Oga Comrade Governor one After the other.
(1) BYE BYE TO POVERTY
We remember say one of Oga Comrade Governor key manifesto for him 2007 campaign na Bye Bye to poverty. As we speak so, Edo people never see the kind poverty way we they see now under this Government before oh, our people they suffer they work like lion they receive money like atete. Even pensioneers way done serve the state with all their power for life hardly recieve their money when month End, Oga governor u sure say this ur own action against the people resemble person way ready put an end to poverty?
(2) 10000 ANUAL EMPLOYMENT FOR EDO PEOPLE.
The same 2007, Oga Comrade Governor promise Edo people say him go provide 10000 job annually for Edo people and if u multiple 10000×8 u go get 80000 jobs and as we speak today, even one job we nor see. Elections don they come again, we don they see advert for employment. Oga Comrade Governor, u like to employ us, abi u one decieve us with the employment make we for vote for ur party again?
Waiting come pain me pass be say, Oga Comrade Governor come last year November 11/ 2015 during 7th anniversary celebration, Oga governor come talk am say him nor promise to build industries for Edo people. Oga that word pain me oh, ok if u nor promise to build industries as u talk, where u one for provide the 80000 jobs way u promise to provide for Edo people?
(3) NO MORE TICKETING
Oga the music way u play to get our market women, bus drivers, Okada men and many others na “NO MORE TICKETING” but as we they see today, na under ur Government we for come see the multiple taxation way every responsible government around the world see like fraud sotay, our people don run comot for business because of multiple taxation, Oga all this kind thing good so?
(4) AGBERO IS HISTORY IN EDO STATE
When u promise to wipe Agbero from Edo State Oga Comrade Governor, I nor go lie u oh, Edo people happy well well oh. But today matter change oh and water self pass gari, the Agbero way come they today, fit shoot gun for front of police and them go, go freely. If these Agbero they collect money for ticket, u need to see how them they beat our market women, bus driver and others for street. We know how many accident Oshiomhole police and the new group don cause for our state. When this Agbero they flight, Edo they turn upside down. Sometime last year when Agbero flight for Ikpoba hill market, if nor be soldiers way kill two, u go think say federal Government don legalized gun for Nigeria, na wa oo.
The one way come pain pass be say, the same Agbero way we expect to be history in Edo State, Nai come be the most paid job in Edo State, so Tay all the graduate way nor get jobs they see where Agbero they celebrate 1billion Naira in cash and assets, while graduates don turn bigger for street. Many people way never enter schools now don they discouraged to go school, them they join cultism now make them for strong well to join the must lucrative job of Agbero in Edo State, Oga na this kind one u promise us in 2007?
(5) ONE MAN ONE VOTE
When Oga Comrade Governor enter government gidigba, our people they happy say we don get Ogbonge government. The Government come bring one man one vote come, as the concept come sweet reach, the enter nation come carry am. When e reach the time to conduct local Government elections in Edo State, we come see one man 50 vote and so Tay, cow self they vote, waiting be the brain behind that action, na hypocrisy or what?
(6) EDO SAY NO TO GODFATHERISM
When Oga Comrade Governor enter power, him fight the Godfatherism way they this state, when the Oga start to they function as Governor, even ur own commissioners nor they fit talk, not to even talk of Edo people. Na talk I talk way u spoil my Ex mass and wedding anniversary for my hand. As if that one nor reach, even people for ur own party don see am say u one imposed candidates on them, Oga Comrade Governor u nor see am say ur action they different from what u preach? To be Continued
A High Court in Benin on Monday convicted and sentenced a Police Officer, Cpl Amadin Idahosa to life in imprisonment for the unlawful and extra-judicial killing of a Uniben Student, Ibrahim Momodu
Ibrahim Momodu was murdered in 2013 on his way from school by Amadin and his team, a case that led to outrage my Benin youths who requested for the prosecution of the culprits.
The case was controversial as the police displayed a bike and a cut to size gun allegedly found in his possession. The late student was shot along Siluko Road, Benin City.
It could be recall that NAIJA CENTER NEWS published photos of the autopsy which indicated that, contrary to police report, Ibrahim was shot three times from behind, and was killed at the station.
It was gathered that Ibrahim was a victim of extra judicial killings by the police who did everything to sweep the case under the carpet with the help of the then DPO at Ogida Police station, Carol Afegbai.
BENIN—Former two-time governor of old Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, has withdrawn his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Ogbemudia, a member of the party’s Board of Trustees, BoT, said his resignation was despite his recent efforts to entrench himself in the party for the purpose of shaping an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. He said that this determination led to his revalidation of his membership of the PDP during the last membership revalidation exercise in Edo State.
He, however, regretted that recent developments had made his continued membership of the PDP untenable.
Ogbemudia, in a letter addressed to the National Secretary of the party, expressed gratitude for the privileges and opportunities offered him by the party.
In the letter, Ogbemudia said: “Recent developments within and the non-cohesiveness in matters affecting the party led me to withdraw my membership of the PDP. This decision I have already communicated to the hierarchy of the party alongside my gratitude and appreciation for the privilege the party afforded me to serve in different capacities.
“My resolve to remain in PDP was more deeply entrenched after the presidential election which the PDP lost. It was my conviction that the PDP should regroup and convert to a viable alternative as a means of fostering our nascent democracy.”
A socio-political group, the League of Young Edo Professionals (LEYEP) has condemned the sacking of Gowon Jerry, the lawmaker representing Etsako West 11 Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly.
PDP
Jerry was sacked by the Court of Appeal based in technicalities and declared Sylvanus Eruaga of the Peoples Democratic Party winner of the election.
The group described the court’s ruling as a miscarriage of justice.
It said the sacking of the APC lawmaker based on technical issues and not on electoral malpractice or loss of votes was a disservice to the people of Etsako West 11 Constituency.
A press statement signed by the group’s Secretary-General, Dr. Osatohamwen Nosakhare, the league said the people endured harsh weather conditions and intimidation from all areas to cast their votes for the APC candidate.
Dr. Nosakhare said it stood reason on its head for the Election Petitions Tribunal to declare a candidate who garnered 4,001 votes winner against that of a candidate who polled 14,373 votes.
The group noted: “The league of Young Edo Professionals finds it discomfiting that the Tribunal relied on mere technicalities to annul the 14,373 votes legitimately won by Mr. Jerry and gave victory to Mr. Sylvanus who polled a mere 4,001 votes.
According to the statement, “While we admit that the APC may have erred as it failed to meet the required 21-day sent to INEC to hold its primaries, we make bold to say that the candidate who went through the full electoral process should not have been made to suffer the negligence of a few.
“The reliance on technicalities to nullify the 14,373 votes freely given to Gowon Jerry by the good people of Etsako West 11 is therefore a travesty of justice.
“It is disheartening that the PDP and its candidate are celebrating the nullification of votes freely given to another candidate when they should hide their heads in shame for the poor outing in the election and seek ways to worm themselves into the hearts of the people for the next elections.
“The League believes that although the Courts have sacked the APC candidate, the PDP really has no moral right to claim a victory they could not win at the polls, but through court technicalities.”
BENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, regretted that the current tension in the Niger Delta was created by the immediate past Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led administration through the empowerment of people he described as “wrong guys who showed capacity for violence.”
Governor Oshiomhole
He urged the new Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru and the Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs, Prof. Claudius Daramola to reform the ministry, saying, “You have a huge challenge due to the disastrous performance of your predecessors under the last PDP government which made more noise about the Niger Delta than work.
“They empowered the wrong people because they showed capacity for violence and then ignored the real people who were peaceful, who just wanted development. Therefore, you have a huge task to bring development and carry out massive reforms for our people and you need to re-enlighten our people to recognise that the long term challenge of bringing prosperity to our people will not necessarily continue to be driven by intervention agencies, it has to do with creating jobs and making the region peaceful.”
Oshiomhole spoke when the new leadership of the Niger Delta Ministry, led by the minister, Pastor Uguru, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Benin City.
Uguru, who spoke earlier, said: “We are in the state to assess the progress in the Niger Delta states. It is our position that we should not begin projects in the state without the knowledge, commitment and collaboration of the home government because this will help us in future planning to agree even before we propose any project.
“We want to channel our resources in a way that will be best utilized so as to avoid wastage. We are also going to take priorities very seriously, we will put resources where they will be optimally utilized.”
Oshiomhole further admonished the ministry to pay serious attention to the issue of environmental degradation. “I am very worried about the damage to the environment by major oil companies that are allowed to flare their gas even in the 21st century. The technologies are there. It is possible to convert the gas we are wasting away to resources for our country,” he said.
Edo Focus Parliament, EFP, a Pan-Edo interest group of intellectuals and professionals committed to the propagation, promotion and defence of the Edo Worldview, value and unity has pioneered an Annual Edo Day where all Edo sons and daughters, both the living and dead will be honoured for their contributions to the greatness of the Edo Nation.
In a statement, the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee and Acting Secretary – Aiyamenkhue Edokpolo and Engr. Patrick Biose respectively, stated that for “the labours of our heroes past not to be in vain” and for the sustainability of the development of the Edo Nation to gain constant currency those who toiled and still toiling must have their days in the hall of fame.
“Edo Focus Parliament EFP, a Pan-Edo interest group of intellectuals and professionals committed to the propagation, promotion and defence of the Edo Worldview, Values and Unity, wishes to bring to the attention of the Governor and government of Edo State, the Majestic Royal Palace and Eternal Traditional Seat of Authority of the great Edo Kingdom, Distinguished Elders and Leaders of Edo Kingdom, all Valued Sons and Daughters of Edo, worldwide, other stake holders, friends and well wishers of Edo kingdom and the general public, that an epochal bell of inestimable decibel has tolled in the luminous firmament of Edo kingdom today; pealing stridently into our rich history, evoking the immortal activities and achievements of our past Heroes and Patriots towards a refreshing conjunction and celebration with the present and the future.
“The land of Edo’s rich history is privileged to parade by Divine providence, men and women of superlative ingenuity and unmitigable genius, who have achieved irreducible feats that have secured for them incontestable positions in the upper echelons of our national and local history. Of prominence among these innumerable feats is the founding of the Midwest Region, cum Bendel and Edo itself.
“Those irreplaceable iconic legends, magnanimous in victory and humble in disposition, having finished well their Divine assignments have long lain quietly, some in their vaults, and some still with us, awaiting the unfailing verdict of posterity while supplying inspiration to the icons of today. It is for those yesterday, and these, today, and all Edo children that the epochal bell have tolled.
Therefore to this end, EFP has moved to pioneer an Annual Edo Day, when Edo sons and daughters worldwide will congregate to appraise their shared greatness and destiny.
“Activities for such days will include:
1. Annual Lecture.
2. Award and honours to deserving Patriots and Heroes; both present and posthumously.
3 Any other activities consistent with the ideals.
All information about the inaugural event will be communicated through popular media in due course”, the statement reads.
The Edo State Internal Revenue Service has called on federal ministries, departments and agencies in the state to clear their tax debts, amounting to over two billion naira in arrears, being owed the state government for 2014 and 2015.
The Executive Chairman of the revenue agency, Chief Oseni Elamah, made the call during a one-day sensitisation programme for heads of federal MDAs in Benin, the state capital.
Elamah, who was represented by the Executive Director (Tax Operations), Mr. John Obaze, explained that while some of the federal institutions failed to file their tax returns, others defaulted in deductions and remittance of accurate taxes, in spite of the provisions of relevant tax laws.
“If they all pay their taxes and file their returns accurately, there is no doubt that it will increase the revenue due to Edo State because, as we speak, there are huge debts owed by federal MDAs from 2014 to 2015,” he said.
“So if there is more compliance, I am sure that it will reduce their level of indebtedness.
“Our expectations are that they (MDAs) will all file their tax returns accurately and remit fully and promptly the taxes due to Edo State.”
However, the Executive Director (Tax Enforcement), Mr. Emmanuel Usoh, noted that the revenue agency would not hesitate to press criminal charges against defaulting institutions in order to ensure that the state improves its revenue generation amidst the current economic downturn.
“Both individuals and federal MDAs, in particular, are defaulting,” Usoh said.
“We also have individual (debts) grossing up over one billion naira for last year (2015).
“We are expecting that by the beginning of this year, for failure to remit those taxes, we will begin to obtain court orders and also bring criminal liability against such individuals and corporate bodies. Immediately we do the assessment, if it is a back duty assessment, the law already prescribes the penalty and interest that follow.”
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to grant Presidential pardon to the sixty-six soldiers whose death sentence were recently commuted to 10 years imprisonment by the Army Authorities for offences ranging from insubordinate behavior to mutiny, among others.
oshiomhole
Governor Oshiomhole said based on the strength of the recent revelations on the $2.1 billion funds for arms purchase which was mismanaged by the last administration, the President should, in the spirit of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, spare them the jail term but could dismiss them from the Army for their acts of indiscipline.
The Governor made this appeal while delivering his speech at the grand finale of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day on in Benin City today, Friday January 15 .
The Governor while acknowledging the noble role of the Armed Forces in ensuring peace and the unity of the nation even at the cost of paying the supreme sacrifice said it would amount to injustice if the Military Personnel who were sent to the war front without arms were made to wallow in prison while those who diverted the funds meant for Arms purchases are being granted bail by the law courts.
The Governor said: “I ask Edo people to stand by our Armed Forces, to support the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to reposition the Armed Forces, to re-kit them but also to revive our economy. The revelation about diversion of funds meant to equip the Armed Forces is not funny and therefore we must all give the President the support he needs to bring to justice those who diverted money meant to secure all of us and convert them to political funds.
“These same people sat in the comfort of their office, looking at their loot and they had the guts to put on trial soldiers who were ill-equipped and were asked to go and commit suicide in the face of Boko Haram. I am happy that the Military have in their wisdom through their own judicial process committed those death sentences to various terms of imprisonment for those soldiers who were involved.
“I am not an apostle or a supporter of indiscipline but I believe it is also a matter of hypocrisy to tie the legs of a young man or a woman and ask him to go and get involved in an Olympic race. If you chain him, how can he run?”
Oshiomhole continued: “I therefore want to lend my voice on behalf of the people of Edo State, that those soldiers at best can be dismissed from the Armed Forces, but they should not be allowed to wallow in prison. The point has been made that money meant for them was shared. If those who shared it are not likely to face death sentence, they even enjoy the liberty of bail from our high court, nothing justifies harsh treatment to the victims of their own executive rascality.
“So, I appeal to President Buhari to use his powers to grant them pardon even if they will not be allowed to retain their uniforms. We all have learnt to be vigilant and to support our Armed Forces.”
While emphasizing the importance and sanctity of our unity, Oshiomhole called on the political class to be mindful of their utterances in the overall interest of the country saying, “I want to use this occasion to appeal to our political class not to allow their personal and selfish interest to override national interest and consideration and make inflammatory statements that questions the unity of our great country. I hold the view that the unity of a nation state cannot be treated the way the unity of voluntary association is done.”
Governor Oshiomhole pledged the government’s continued support for the Armed Forces and the wards of soldiers who paid the supreme price in ensuring the unity of the nation.
He said, “Edo State Government will support the legion with the sum of 10million naira and I will appeal to the legion to particularly show firm support to those widows arising from Boko Haram activities. If there is any of them whose children is in Edo State who are supposed to be in school, in universities and they are not there, because their parents are no more, Edo State Government even at this hour, we are ready to pick up their school fees that they may be able to attend university, colleges of education or polytechnics as the case may be to show that we do care that they died just so that we might survive here.”
Governor Oshiomhole along with other dignitaries later performed the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph of the unknown soldier at the Museum ground, Benin city.
The High court presided over by Justice Esther Ikponmwen in Benin, Edo State has ordered the arrest of the commissioner for works in Edo State, Mr. Osarodion Ogie.
Ogie stood as surety for Hon. Philips Shuaibu after he was arraigned and granted bail over allegations bordering on forgery.
The High Court, presided over by Justice Esther Ikponmwmen in Benin City, Edo state on the Thursday, 14th of January, 2014 issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Philip Shaibu, the APC lawmaker representing Etsako Federal Constituency in the National Assembly over his absence from court.
Hon Phillip Shaibu
Shuaibu is facing 6-count charge instituted against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged forgery of his tax documents in 2006, while contesting for Etsako constituency 2 seat in the State House of Assembly.
The accused was alleged by ICPC to have in November 2006 lied to officers of the Edo state Board of Internal Revenue that he was an employee of a the firm, Zaknote Nigeria Ventures limited from 2003 to 2006 and fraudulently obtained a tax clearance certificate from the revenue board.
The case which had been ongoing since 2013 before Justice Esther Edigin of the Benin High Court was however reassigned to Justice Esther Ikponmwen after the former withdrew from the case.
At the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to ICPC, G. O Igbadumhe in his application urged the court to issue the warrant of arrest for the accused for his failure to appear in court.
In granting the application, Esther Ikponmwen ordered that the accused be produced in court by the authorities of Nigeria police on the next sitting day, which is next week Thursday, 21-1-2016
The Edo Government has commenced the process of recruiting 5,000 teachers for its public primary and secondary schools, Mr Gideon Obakhan, the state’s Commissioner for Education, has said.
Governor Oshiomhole
Obakhan, who made this known on Thursday while speaking with newsmen, said 50 science and special teachers had already been recruited for those with special needs.
According to him, induction and orientation programmes have been organised for the teachers.
“They have concluded this and they are being posted out to different schools in the state.
“We are also going to start the process of the employment of 3,000 teachers within a short while. We have carried out an analysis to that effect.
“Our long term plan is to have about 5,000 teachers before the end of 2016.
“We are still doing an analysis to be sure we are getting efficiency.
“Because of the separation of senior secondary and junior secondary schools, there have been some requests for teachers.
“We need to do some analysis to know the exact number that we need now but we know that there have been some complaints about teachers in some schools,’’ he said.
The commissioner said the state would get the required number of teachers to run its schools, adding that many of them would be posted to rural areas.
“We are also taking a firm stand on redistribution of teachers across schools in the state.
“We have made it clear that there will be no preference in teachers’ redistribution, including those already in the system because lot of people lobby to remain in the urban centres.
“We have made it known to them that people in the rural areas are not less important than those in the cities.
“So, if you are ready to take up appointment, you should be ready to go anywhere,” he stated.
Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, reports that as we enter the governorship election year in Edo State, the scramble for Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s seat is gathering more steam. He presents the issues that will determine who would fly the parties’ flags, plus a brief profile of some of the leading aspirants so far
Governor Oshiomhole
Although Comrade Adams Oshiomhole still has eleven months to the expiration of his tenure as the governor of Edo State, the race for his plum seat is already hot with about 10 visible aspirants already showing interest for the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) alone. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which governed the state for 10 years before Oshiomhole’s emergence and has sworn to take back the state from him and his party, is also not left out in the scramble for Oshiomhole’s seat.
As a result, the political atmosphere is as if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already flagged off the electioneering campaign. The Nation’s checks confirmed that the political structures of some of the powerful aspirants have been fully oiled and are therefore actively involved in the behind-the-scene sensitization of the common party men and women and more importantly in the consultation of major stakeholders.
In the PDP, the outgoing governor Oshiomhole, who has been described by his supporters as “a grassroots politician and an unbelievable mobilizer,” is seen by many as the central determinant factor that must be convinced by the aspirants. As would be expected, the comrade governor is yet to name his choice successor.
This fact has however not discouraged aspirants in the party from making their interests known. In fact, as at this week, the names of aspirants believed to have commenced serious preparations include the current Deputy Governor of the state, Pius Odubu, a former governor, Prof. Osarhemhen Osunbor, retired Major-General Charles Airhiavbere, Kenneth Imasuagbon, Godwin Obaseki, a former minister of state for works, Chris Ogiemwonyi and Osarodion Ogie.
From the opposition PDP, we have aspirants like Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Chief Solomon Edebiri, a former candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, a former member of the state house of assembly and former state commissioner on NDDC board and Senator Ehigie Uzamere, among many others.
What may influence the parties’ choices?
Preliminary investigations into the current sentiment of both the political leaderships in Edo State and amongst the common people show that the issue of who would succeed Oshiomhole may be determined not only by the calibre of the aspirant but also by ethnic and or zonal considerations. We gathered that the two leading political parties in the state are conscious of the sentiment of the people and may be forced to weigh all options and likely effects before zeroing in on their candidates.
Also, considering the widespread belief that APC-led government of Adams Oshiomhole performed far above average, some bookmakers are of the opinion today that an APC candidate will be on a better footing than other candidates during the governorship election likely to take place sometime around June or July of 2016. The advantage accruing from the governor’s performance is further strengthened by the many defections of top political leaders in the state from PDP to APC.
But our findings show that performance of the outgoing governor and the current popularity of his party, APC, will not be the only considerations that would come into play when the chips are down. There is also the people’s sentiment on the need for what they described as fair zoning. This is a major challenge, especially for APC. Edo South Senatorial Zone for example, which has more than 50 percent voting population, has been most outspoken on the need to produce Oshiomhole’s successor. Edo Central Senatorial District is also not keeping quiet. For example, Dr. Francis Inegbeniki, the APC senatorial candidate for Edo Central in the March 28 general election, is of the opinion that the agitation by the people of Edo Central to produce the next governor of the state in 2016 “is non-negotiable,” arguing that the agitation is “for the purpose of justice, equity and fair play.”
He also said, “Edo Central had only occupied the governor’s office for just 18 months, adding that “The people of Edo Central are demanding to produce the next governor to take over from Oshiomhole in 2016. Honestly, I think the people of Edo South, which had occupied the position for over nine years and Edo North presently completing its eight years in that office in the person of Oshiomhole should not argue about it.”
Given this contention, insiders said the parties must take the people’s sentiment into consideration before determining who will fly their gubernatorial flags. A source hinted that as a result, each of the leading parties may not be in a hurry to pick its candidate as they may strategically wait for each other to declare their candidate first.
Chief Eric Obaseki, a retired civil servant in Benin, explains the situation and the sentiment when he told The Nation that “although other parties may field candidates, the battle would most likely be between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). So, the major task before these two parties is the task of picking the right candidate from the right zone. From what I have seen so far, zoning may be the major consideration here,” he said, adding, “From the calibre of aspirants so far, there is no doubt that we have qualified people vying to succeed the comrade governor. But fair is fair, any of the parties that fails to consider where its candidate comes from may pay dearly for it.”
As at today, three days into the election year, some of the visible aspirants for the Oshiomhole’s job from his party, the APC, include:
Pius Egberanmwen Odubu
Considered by many as one of the frontline aspirants on the platform of the ruling APC is Hon. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, from Urhomehe in Urhonigbe North Ward, Orhionmwon Local Governrnent Area of Edo State. Odubu, who served two terms at the House of Representatives, is currently the Deputy Governor of Edo State. A lawyer, he studied at Southern University School of Law, Baton Rouge Louisiana and Georgetown University Law Centre, Washington D.C. before he was called to bar in Nigeria in 1986. Odubu’s strongest advantage over others is that he is seen as a loyal deputy who may easily get the support of the governor.
Oserheimen Osunbor
Another APC aspirant whose supporters may have commenced serious consultations is the former governor of the state, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor. He was elected Senator for the Edo Central Constituency of Edo State, Nigeria at the start of the Nigerian Fourth Republic, on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He served at the red chamber between 29 May 1999 and 2003 and was re-elected into the plum office. In April 2007 he was elected Governor of Edo State also on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform but only spent 18 months on the seat before he lost at the tribunal and the Appeal Court to Oshiomhole.
Now in the same party with Oshiomhole, who once described him as ‘a good man in a wrong party,’ and coming from Edo Central, who are demanding for fairness, Osunbor’s supporters are hopeful.
Chris Osa Ogiemwonyi
Even before his defection from PDP to APC, early December 2014, his interest to govern Edo State was well known. So since he formalised his cross-over at the Urhokpota Ground, Oba O Vonramwen Square, Benin City that day, assuring Governor Oshiomhole that “On Behalf of over 2,000 people declaring for APC today, I declare to work with you to take our party to greater heights,” speculation that he would be one of the frontline aspirants for the governor’s seat had been popular.
An engineer with over 30 years of work experience in the oil and gas industry, who retired as Executive Director (Exploration and Production), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), before his appointment as Minister of State for Works, Ogiemwonyi has consistently harped on his desire to render service to the people. But his critics have said that he cannot boast of the kind of solid political structure that would enable him win the APC governorship primaries.
His response to this is however instructive. He had said, “I hear that and I laugh when I hear it; structure, what is structure, these are human beings. What is going to play out now and tomorrow in Nigeria is not how deep you are in politics, but people are going to respect the character of the person
Charles Airhiavbere
Major-General Charles Airhiavbere (retired) was Commander, Corps of Army Finance and Accounts at the Army Headquarters. An accountant, he was the PDP candidate at the 2012 Edo State Governorship Election. Now in APC, he is seen as one of the aspirants whose supporters are already deeply involved in consultations. There are many other visible aspirants in APC like Kenneth Imasuagbon, Godwin Obaseki, a former minister of state for works, Chris Ogiemwonyi and Osarodion Ogie. among others.
From the PDP, some of the frontline aspirants so far include:
Mike Onolememen
Mike Oziegbe Onolememen, a Chartered Architect is the immediate Minister, Federal Ministry of Works. He served previously as Minister of State, in the Ministry of Defense, and as Head of the Directorate of Project Management of Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF).
Osagie Ize-Iyamu
Another visible PDP aspirant today in Edo State is Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a lawyer. He was Chief of Staff in Edo State Government from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.
Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri
There is also Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri. Haven contested as ANPP governorship candidate in 2012, Edebiri is not a new comer to Edo State politics. He has Edo South background.
Matthew Iduoriyekemwen
Also, Mathew Iduoriyekemwen, who was Edo State Representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is also considered a frontline aspirant on the platform of PDP. Called ‘Major,’ by his admirers, Iduoriyekemwen, who represented Kpoba-Okha Local Government Area in the Edo State House of Assembly between May 1999 and May 2007, is touted as a grassroots politician.
In all the parties, the list is growing by the day, a sign that Edo governorship primaries will be very intriguing.
…plans to sue the government for scrapping Customary Court of Appeal.
By Ehi Ekhator.
The Benin Chapter of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA has reacted to the sudden scrapping of Customary Court of Appeal by the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
Governor Oshiomhole
The state secretary to the association, Barr. Prince Alex I. Obade, who spoke with NAIJA CENTER NEWS described the decision as anti-people, adding that there was no input from the NBA before such decision was carried out through Edo State House of Assembly.
He said ” My take is that it’s totally wrong because Customary Law is an integral part of Nigeria Legal system, that allows for Customary arbitration, if matters of Custom is decided one way or the other, I believe the unsatisfied party has right of appeal, and that is the role of. C C A. This right is constitutional, and can not be impeached.
“I want to believe there was no input from the association. It will certainly generate public interest Litigation, to challenge the government, possible possible reversal of the decision”
Barr. Obade described the decision as rash and people friendly, adding that “Edo state Government can not get far with this volatile decision as the state enjoys ambiance of ancient culture, Custom n tradition.
The disappointed NBA Secretary assured that he is ready to take the government to court over what he described as “ignoble position”.
He said “I may head for Court soon to question the propriety of such ignoble position by Edo state Government”.
Scoring the governor’s administration, Barr. Obade said “Oshiomhole is a first class scam. First tenure, to be fair to him, his performance rating by me, if am so empowered will be 60 percent pas mark. Second tenure, he has 8 carry over out of ten. He became a pathological liar of international repute. We can never have the kind of Ambrose Alli. Again, so selfless, humble and committed to adding Value to life of the down trodden”
Ogbemudia, a member of the party’s Board of Trustees, BoT, said his resignation was despite his recent efforts to entrench himself in the party for the purpose of shaping an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. He said that this determination led to his revalidation of his membership of the PDP during the last membership revalidation exercise in Edo State.
