The Nation Newspaper

Category: Edo 2020

  • Ize-Iyamu vows to reactivate NNPC depot

    Ize-Iyamu vows to reactivate NNPC depot

    Our Reporter

     

    PASTOR Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Edo State governorship election, has promised to reopen the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Benin depot for economic activities if elected.

    He spoke yesterday in Benin when he met the Concerned Workers of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Warri Zone, in Benin.

    Ize-Iyamu said closure of the depot had deprived the state of huge economic resources as well as posed a challenge to marketers in sourcing petroleum products outside the state.

    Read Also: Ize-Iyamu to reverse neglect of traders

    “The government should have taken it up when petroleum products were no longer supplied to the depot.

    “Let me assure you that reopening of the depot will be one of my priorities.

    “We will do it to keep our state economically vibrant and ensure that petroleum products are supplied in the state,” he said.

     

     

  • APC, Shaibu in verbal war over alleged arms-dealing plot

    APC, Shaibu in verbal war over alleged arms-dealing plot

     Bisi Olaniyi, Benin

     

    ALL Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu are engaged in a verbal war over alleged gunrunning plot, ahead of the September 19 election.

    APC, in an online statement by the Chairman of its Media Campaign Council, Prince John Mayaki, alleged that the gunrunning plot involved Shaibu and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, particularly in Akoko-Edo Local Government.

    Alerting security agencies, APC named the people allegedly involved in the plot to disrupt the election and muscle votes in Akoko-Edo Council.

    Read Also: Odubu, Shuaibu vote in Edo poll

    It alleged that the people were plotting to arm and deploy thugs from Rivers, Delta and Kogi states to rig the poll.

    APC alleged that guns had been supplied to the named persons for distribution to thugs, already waiting to be brought into Edo State.

    It urged security agencies to thwart the plot.

    Shaibu, reacting through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Benjamin Atu, said the allegation is false.

     

     

  • ‘Obaseki blackmailing teachers to support his re-election’

    ‘Obaseki blackmailing teachers to support his re-election’

    Raymond Mordi and Bisi Olaniyi, Benin

     

    GOVERNOR Godwin Obaseki has been accused of blackmailing teachers in Edo State to support his re-election campaign as canvassers, or risk losing their salaries.

    A source in the education sector told The Nation that the so-called “Edo Teachers’ Mega Rally for Obaseki”, scheduled to hold in Benin City on Wednesday, was being stage-managed by the Obaseki Campaign Organisation to give the impression that teachers were in support of his re-election.

    The source said Obaseki should leave teachers alone because his ‘Edo BEST’ educational policy had failed.

    The source added that the state had recorded the worst results in common entrance examinations under the governor in the last three and a half years.

    A directive from the education authorities mandated teachers to report at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the take-off point for the rally, with two passport photographs and permanent voter cards (PVCs), by 11am on Wednesday.

    Read Also: Obaseki’s men and violence 

    The memo said: “This is to inform teaching and non-teaching workers that the long-awaited rally is scheduled to take place in Benin City on September 9.”

    The directive enjoined teachers to come along with their “Edo BEST” blue T-shirts and their tabs.

    Other workers were also asked to come with their T-shirts and technological gadgets.

    The source condemned the domineering attitude of the government in turning teachers into canvassers for the governor’s second term bid on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform.

    Our correspondent in Benin City yesterday saw the teachers close to the House of Assembly complex, putting up appearance under the downpour.

    Obaseki, in his reaction through his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said the allegation was false, adding that his convincing all-round performance in the past four years had earned him an organic following among Edo people and the electorate.

  • Obaseki’s commissioner resigns

    Obaseki’s commissioner resigns

    Bisi Olaniyi, Benin

     

    ANOTHER commissioner in the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration yesterday resigned, making him the third commissioner to do so.

    The resignation occurred 10 days to the September 19 election.

    Mr. Joseph Ikpea, the commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas, resigned his appointment and moved to his Ubiaja hometown in Esan Southeast Local Government where he returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined other members to celebrate his return to the party.

    The first two commissioners who recently resigned are Paul Ohonbamu (Communication and Orientation) and Ms. Omua Oni-Okpaku (Environment and Sustainability).

    Ikpea, in his resignation letter dated September 9 and addressed to Governor Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), cited trust, respect and interest as responsible for his calling it quits.

    He said he found it very difficult to abandon the APC, which, according to him, he helped to nurture in his local government and at the state level.

    Read Also: Obaseki: I will accept defeat if I lose fairly

    The commissioner said: “Politics is all about interest, trust and respect for one another, but I have never seen any of these to date.

    “The party that is known today as the APC was brought to Esan Southeast Local Government by me and over 90 per cent of my supporters are APC members to date.

    “So, it is difficult for me to leave the house I have built, considering also that Obaseki’s administration did not recognise my leadership role.

    “I will always be available to provide support to the Obaseki government, whenever I am called upon to do so.”

    Our reporter gathered yesterday in Benin that more commissioners and top officials of the Obaseki administration may resign before the election.

     

     

     

  • Edo will punish Obaseki for attacking Oba of Benin – APC

    Edo will punish Obaseki for attacking Oba of Benin – APC

    By Bisi Olaniyi, Southsouth Bureau Chief

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo has declared residents will punish Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for regularly insulting and attacking the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, and a billionaire industrialist, Capt. Hosa Okunbo.

    Edo APC, in a statement by chairman of its Media Campaign Council, Prince John Mayaki, described as unfortunate, Obaseki’s lack of respect for eminent Benin indigenes.

    It said: “Reports in Edo State have disclosed that Obaseki has offended the state’s morality, following a social media attack on the palace of the Oba of Benin, traceable to officials of the Edo State government, after the September 2 this year’s peace meeting with the Oba of Benin and series of attacks on the personality of Capt. Okunbo, a prominent Benin son, Edo governor will be due for punishment at the September 19 poll.

    “Clearly, with the endless roll call of notables, who have voiced their support for and are committing their names to the success of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the governorship candidate of APC for the September 19 election, the game is up for Obaseki.

    “Obaseki has offended not just the political class that in 2016 superintended his emergence as governor of the state by his illogical predilections, but also by lording only seven House of Assembly members above whole seventeen in a 24-member state Assembly, Obaseki has offended the entire Edo State and its people.

    Read Also: Obaseki versus Ize-Iyamu: an endorsement

    “He offends the people and calls them illiterates, when he parades himself as a democrat. Clearly, today, he is a king without a kingdom. He lost the coming election well over three years ago.

    “Capt. Okunbo cannot, but be right in voicing his support for Pastor Ize-Iyamu, who today enjoys the favour of every meaningful individual, including notable industrialists and monarchs in the state, who are just too numerous to mention. Even the electorate across the streets of the state knows the next governor of Edo State is Pastor Ize-Iyamu.”

    It added: “As a loner left under the heavy weather of politics, he must bring anyone down, in his bid to get a second-term ticket. Obaseki petitioned and took former Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, to court and ensured he was denied the chairmanship of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), just as he equally denied duly-elected members of the state Assembly inauguration, among others.

    “Obaseki demolished hotels and businesses in Edo State, and with defeat staring at him, he wants to now make the state ungovernable.

    “Obaseki is yet to recover from the twin-bombshell unleashed on him by Capt. Okunbo and the tongue-lashing reprimand by the Oba of Benin, especially calling on his deputy, Philip Shaibu, to call his thugs to order.”

    But Obaseki, through his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said there was no connection between the State Government and the article attacking Oba of Benin.

    He insisted there was no link between the Obaseki-led government and a social media post attacking the first-class monarch authored by Canada-based Osaro Omoruyi.

    Obaseki’s media aide said: “The Governor Obaseki-led government holds our royal father (Oba of Benin) in very high esteem and will never be part of any unholy plot to attack or undermine him.

    “We have studied the article and the desperate efforts made by some persons to link the article to the Edo State government. In the political season that we are in, some misguided people can go overboard to impress their principals.

    “We wish to advise such persons to desist from such irresponsible acts and accord the royal family the respect it rightfully deserves.”

    Edo Governor also warned the name and palace of the Benin monarch should not be used for petty politics.

  • ‘INEC committed to credible poll’

    ‘INEC committed to credible poll’

    Our Reporter

     

    THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is committed to a credible electoral process in the coming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

    The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, made this known at a webinar on Edo/Ondo elections, organised by the International Press Centre (IPC) and Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).

    The theme of the webinar was ‘Edo/Ondo Elections: The imperative of Safety Consciousness and Conflict Sensitivity in Media Coverage and Reportage’.

    Oyekanmi said the commission was committed to providing a level playing field for candidates and parties.

    Read Also: PDP urges INEC’s, security agencies’ neutrality

    “We are not interested in the outcome of the elections, but the credibility of the process to ensure that materials get to the polling units in time.”

    He appealed to reporters to be fair and objective in reporting the Edo and Ondo elections, saying despite the utterances of politicians in Edo State and the challenges, INEC was ready for a credible poll.

    Oyekanmi said the commission had taken proactive measures to address security concerns.

    “INEC is determined to conduct the election despite the current difficult circumstances.

    “Of the 14 activities listed in the timetable released in February, we have carried out 12.

    “The only two left are the deadline for campaigns slated for September 17 and the election proper holding on September 19.

    “All the logistics needed for the election have been taken care of. The non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the 18 local governments,” he said.

    The Executive Director of ICP, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said the key objectives of the webinar were to strengthen the capacity of the media to engage professional, ethical, issue-oriented and gender-sensitive issues.

    He said it was also to improve their capacity on inclusive sensitive and conflict sensitive reporting of the electoral processes and elections.

  • Shaibu’s wife, Oshiomhole in war of words

    Shaibu’s wife, Oshiomhole in war of words

    Bisi Olaniyi, Southsouth Bureau Chief

    The wife of Edo Deputy Governor Mrs. Maryann Philip-Shaibu and a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has engaged in a war of words over an alleged threat to her life.

    The Deputy Governor’s wife in a petition to Edo Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Kokumo, by her lawyer, Idemudia Ilueminosen, alleged Oshiomhole sent thugs to monitor her movements.

    According to her: “We are informed by our client that on Sunday, September 6, 2020, at Jattu in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign tour to the community, Comrade Oshiomhole, a chieftain of APC, threatened to deal with our client, Mrs. Maryann Philip-Shaibu, after casting aspersions on her person and sending several warnings that she steers clear of campaigning for her party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under which platform her husband, Hon. Philip Shaibu is contesting as a deputy governorship candidate, along with the standard-bearer, the Governor, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki.

    “We are further informed by our client that Comrade Oshiomhole did not only threaten to deal with her but he has also declared that he has sent some thugs to monitor her movements in Etsako West LGA, with a view to carrying out the threat of dealing with her.

    “Consequent upon this, our client for fear of being hurt or harm by Comrade Oshiomhole and the assigned thugs has not been able to continue with her campaign.

    “It is on this note that we passionately plead with you (Kokumo) on behalf of our client, to use your good office to investigate the incident, with a view to bringing Comrade Oshiomhole and his cohorts to book, to avert any unpleasant and unforeseen harm coming to our client, especially as the Edo State governorship election is by the corner; precisely on September 19, 2020.

    READ ALSO: Stop threatening violence, APC warns Shaibu’s wife

    ‘’This is more so that the lives of our client and her family (by this threat) are at stake and the situation may degenerate into a full-blown crisis if nothing urgent is done.”

    But Oshiomhole, through his media aide, Victor Oshioke, dismissed Shaibu’s wife’s petition as a futile attempt to divert attention from her trending video threatening to flog women, old enough to be her mother, if they attend any event other than the one she organised.

    Oshioke said: “The petition is a calculated attempt to drag down the name of Comrade Oshiomhole. Shaibu and his wife should find another way to launder their family image, which has been badly damaged by their numerous unguarded public utterances, captured on video, threatening violence on the Edo people.

    “Comrade Oshiomhole is a man at peace with himself and his environment. He is focused on marketing the Edo governorship candidate of APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and his SIMPLE agenda manifesto to Edo people, for the ultimate benefit of Edo people.

    “Comrade Oshiomhole cannot, under any circumstance, be distracted by the buzzing of baby mosquitoes like Shaibu and his wife.

    “There are many petitions against Shaibu and his wife pending at the office of Edo Commissioner of Police, which cannot be acted upon, because of the immunity from prosecution, which the deputy governor currently enjoys.”

  • ‘Ize-Iyamu best option for voters’

    ‘Ize-Iyamu best option for voters’

    Our Reporter

     

    THE United Kingdom chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised the electorate not to vote blindly during the coming governorship election slated for September 19.

    Mr. Ade Omole, leader of the chapter, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, while speaking about Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s SIMPLE agenda.

    He said Ize-Iyamu, the APC governorship candidate, meant well for Edo and its people judging from his SIMPLE agenda and manifesto.

    “I advise the electorate to get copies of his manifesto and study it ahead of the election to avoid voting blindly and wrongly too.

    “I have no doubt that Ize-Iyamu has been assigned by God to enthrone good governance and development in Edo at this point in time because I have studied his manifesto and his SIMPLE agenda.”

     

     

     

  • Edo elite hail Obaseki’s stellar performance

    Edo elite hail Obaseki’s stellar performance

    Our Reporter

     

    EDO elite, under the auspices of Concerned Elite Citizens of United Ogbe, have hailed Governor Godwin Obaseki, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for his purposeful leadership style and landmark achievements.

    The elite comprising retired professors, directors, engineers, lawyers and permanent secretaries of Ogbe origin, in a statement issued on Tuesday at a news conference in Benin City, said they are “not unaware of the unveiled manipulations, many of which are utterly illogical by the former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole. We emphatically reject in its entirety, the tendency to lock two Benin sons in a game of death.”

    Read Also: Obaseki’s men and violence 

    The statement was signed by lziengbe Eghomwan, an engineer; Sunday lyalekhue, Peter Obobaifo, Efe Thomas Obanor, Godwin Okpefa and David Nosa lmafidon, on behalf of Ogbenaghidi Brothers and United Ogbe People.

    They said: “We are particularly alarmed to know that most of the opposing foot soldiers on the different platforms and parties are Ogbe young people and we cannot afford to be in self-denial to lose any of our children. Hence, we make this order, not appeal.”

     

  • Centre hails Oba of Benin’s peace initiative

    Centre hails Oba of Benin’s peace initiative

    Our Reporter

     

    CENTRE for Democracy and Development (CDD) has hailed the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, for initiating the peace discussion which brought together major contestants in the September 19 governorship election in Edo State.

    Ms Idayat Hassan, director CDD, in a statement in Abuja, said the monarch took an important step to get the politicians to see the implications of their utterances and conduct.

    She said CDD praised the monarch for taking the decisive and patriotic step of getting the actors to reflect on, and rethink their actions, as well as the effects of their conduct on the electoral process.

    “The group notes that by lending his very weighty and influential voice to the task of de-escalating the tension in the state, the monarch has demonstrated astute leadership worthy of emulation by other monarchs across the state.

    “CDD commends the monarch for ensuring that the two major parties, which have been engaging in divisive, inciting and provocative rhetoric against each other, understand the damage they have been doing to peace and social order in the state.

    Read Also: Edo: Obaseki, Oshiomhole renew verbal war

    “What the monarch told them at that meeting is the same thing civil society has been shouting about since we started noticing the rise of political tension as a result of hate speech, verbal attacks among others.

    “It is clear that the political actors across board and the people of the state have immense respect for the monarch.

    “We are convinced that the message of peace, orderly conduct and sportsmanship, which was well articulated by the monarch, would get to not only the political leaders, but also reach party supporters and voters at the grassroots.”