The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • NGO kicks as new oil spill ravages Rivers community

    NGO kicks as new oil spill ravages Rivers community

    A new oil spill has caused significant damage in Bodo City, Gokana local government area, an Ogoni territory in Rivers State, following months of similar incidents.

    The Eco Defence Alliance (EDA), a non-governmental organisation, has expressed concern over the frequent oil spills in the Bodo community. EDA criticized the government’s inability to implement permanent solutions to the ongoing crisis in Bodo.

    “This is not funny to hear that Bodo is a community with the highest number of crude oil spills that the world has ever recorded in human history”, the NGO said.

    EDA spoke at the site of the oil spill in Bodo City shortly after a visit to the scene on Thursday.

    The group in a statement signed by its coordinator, Damian Gbogbara said the latest spill occurred on Thursday 4th July 2024, at about 12:45 am in the Sugi area of the Bodo community, not far from where multiple oil spills occurred in recent times the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) Ltd.

    Read Also: Updated: INGO launches community-based approach to end violence in Rivers, others

    Mrs Monica, whose residential home is located close to the spill site said: “A loud sound was heard like that of last year’s blast at about 12:45 am.

    Members of EDA and community folks report that the latest spill was allegedly caused by equipment failure.

    The community-based environmental advocacy group said it had lost count of oil spills in Bodo due to incessant occurrences.

    The group warned that caution should be exercised by relevant authorities in the quest to find out the cause of the spill and subsequent closure of the leaked pipes to avoid any crisis in the community.

    The statement said: “Again, there is the need for transparency in the whole process, from constituting the JIV team to its implementation and its final result to avoid any form of crisis as witnessed the other time.

    “The JIV report will help to hold the companies to account and also served as evidence-based documents for possible litigation on the ecosystem destruction, and safe the fragile Bodo, Ogoni, and Niger Delta Environment, especially with the ongoing Clean Up exercise by the Bodo Mediation Initiative (BMI), beside the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) coordinated Clean Up gearing up to start in the area.

    “Eco Defence Alliance, therefore, calls on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to immediately embark on a joint investigation visit (JIV) with Shell and other relevant stakeholders to the spill site in Sugi Area of Bodo City and not to delay as it has always been doing, and thereby refused to carry out JIV on the February 18th, 2019, Oil Spill till date.”

    Damian said the JIV report was important as it would help to determine the cause of the spill, the volume of the spill, and the extent of damage to the environment and the ecosystem.

    He warned against any attempt to manipulate the JIV process and its outcome.

  • Delta APC chieftain urges Tinubu, NSA to disregard calls to sack Otuaro

    Delta APC chieftain urges Tinubu, NSA to disregard calls to sack Otuaro

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, High Chief Michael Johnny, Agadiwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to disregard those he described as mischief-makers calling for the sack of Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

    Johnny, in a statement in Warri, said those calling for the sack of Otuaro were only afraid that it will not be business as usual for them in the Amnesty office, as Otuaro has vowed to stop any form of corrupt tendencies in the Amnesty office.

    The Gbaramatu chief also condemned what he believed were orchestrated blackmail and media attacks on Ijaw National leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.

    He warned against the attempts by certain individuals and mischief-makers to instigate other Ijaw kingdoms in Delta State against Gbaramatu Kingdom, noting that the misleading insinuation or allegation that Gbaramatu Kingdom is shortchanging other Ijaw kingdoms in Delta State for political appointments and federal benefits was not true and should be disregarded.

    “ For the records, Gbaramatu Kingdom has only produced the immediate past Deputy Governor, Dr. Kingsley Otuaro, which was a joint ticket with former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the incumbent Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor. It should be made clear that RT. Hon. Julius Pondi, representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abuja, is an Ijaw from Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area,” he began.

    He added: “ The immediate past Senator for Delta Soutg Senatorial District, Senator James Manager, is an Ijaw man from Akugbene-mein Kingdom in Bomadi Local Government Area, who spent five terms in the Senate. Also, another Ijaw man, Mr. Godsday Orubebe from Burutu Local Government Area, was Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “ I still recall that when Bosin Ebikeme from Gbaramatu Kingdom was to be appointed a Minister by former President Goodluck Jonathan, it was Tompolo who objected it and insisted that Orubebe should be appointed. Till date, Gbaramatu Kingdom has not produced a Minister, Senator nor member of House of Representatives. Why the unnecessary envying and hatred against Gbaramatu Kingdom.”

    The Ijaw leader of APC in Delta State said nobody should envy or castigate Gbaramatu Kingdom, as the sacrifices by Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Niger Delta struggle can not be quantified.

    “ Gbaramatu Kingdom lost over 20 indigenes that were killed and buried in the struggle. Property worth Billions were destroyed in Gbaramatu Kingdom by the Federal Government. In 2009, when Federal Government attacked Gbaramatu Kingdom, only the indigenes of Gbaramatu suffered the lost. My 7-Bedroom Duplex was burnt down by the Federal Government in the Niger Delta struggle. Nobody gave me money for my house that was destroyed. I personally built it back.

    “ Papa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark has contributed immensely to the unity, progress and development of Ijaw Nation and by extension the Niger Delta region. Therefore, it is totally unacceptable for any Ijaw son going to the media to attack Papa Clark. Ijaw Nation respects Papa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, and it will continue to be so. Any insult whatsoever on Papa Clark is an insult to the entire Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta. Such will not be tolerated from anybody especially from fellow Ijaws,” he submitted.

    He backed Tompolo on the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Limited, warning that nobody should fight Tompolo for his private contract.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s backing spurring Wiketo restore Abuja Master Plan

    “ Tantita Security Services Limited TSSL, is a private company, and Federal Government awarded the pipeline surveillance contract to Tompolo’s company on merit after following due process. It was not an Ijaw contract, the Federal government or NNPCL did not award the pipeline surveillance contract to Ijaw Nation, but to a private security company. So, why would fellow Ijaws fight Tompolo for his private contract”

    “ Interestingly, since Tantita Security Services Limited was awarded the contract, the country’s revenue from oil production has increased, and oil theft and illegal bunkering also reduced drastically. I commend Tompolo for being generous in handling the pipeline surveillance contract, because he subleted to other companies and carried more people along, including other ethic tribes,” he argued.

    He added: “ Tompolo should be allowed to do his job and execute the contract, which he is doing very well even beyond expectations. The Federal Government and NNPCL have absolute confidence in Tompolo and Tantita Security Services Limited, and of course the entire country are seeing the results in the fight against oil theft being championed by Tompolo.”

    He noted that Ijaw Nation is one and Gbaramatu Kingdom is not in competition with any other Ijaw kingdoms. According to him: “ More so, Gbaramatu Kingdom will never take what belongs to other Ijaw kingdoms. Let us continue to leave in peace and collectively fight for the progress and development of Ijaw Nation.”

    He argued Otuaro since assumption of office has shown capacity and taken the right steps required to move the Amnesty programme forward.

    The Ijaw chief warned that should there be any break down of law and order, or attacks on oil facilities, the federal government should go after the mischief-makers who are fighting Tompolo and Otuaro.

  • Edo2024: Diaspora tour demonstrates support for Ighodalo-Prince Odigie

    Edo2024: Diaspora tour demonstrates support for Ighodalo-Prince Odigie

    Prince Emmanuel Odigie has expressed admiration for the tremendous show of support for Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, during their diaspora tour in Europe. 

    Edo indigenes in Europe came out in large numbers to engage with the duo, highlighting the deep-rooted connection and enthusiasm of the Edo people towards their candidacy.

    Odigie underscored that the resounding endorsement received by Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie is a testament to the exceptional level of competency and sophistication demonstrated by the duo. 

    Read Also: Edo indigenes in Germany, Italy, England endorse Asue, deputy for gov

    “The overwhelming support from the Edo diaspora community reflects their belief that Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie are the right individuals for the job.

    “Asue Ighodalo and his running mate,  Osarodion Ogie, resonate with the values of excellence and meritocracy that the Edo people hold dear. Their unmatched experience and intellectual capacity set them apart from other political candidates in the field,” he said. 

    He added: “The confident endorsement of Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie by the Edo diaspora showcases a strong belief in their ability to deliver on their mandate and elevate Edo state to new heights. Prince Emmanuel Odigie expressed unwavering confidence in the duo’s capabilities and their commitment to realizing the true potential of Edo state.

    “As Edo2024 approaches, the groundswell of support and enthusiasm for the candidacy of Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie continues to strengthen, reflecting a shared vision for progress and prosperity among the Edo people.”

  • We spend N4m on electricity, diesel monthly, says Rivers nightclub

    We spend N4m on electricity, diesel monthly, says Rivers nightclub

    The Beer Barn, a nightclub and bar in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has urged the Federal Government to ensure steady supply of electricity and reduction in energy tariffs, lamenting that it currently spends about N4m on diesel to generate its power monthly.

    The Beer Barn, which operates three branches in Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja, said despite the challenges especially the high cost of doing business, it had successfully maibtained 300 employees in its efforts to help in solving the problems of joblessness.

    Speaking during the Port Harcourt’s Beer Barn’s 10th anniversary, the General Manager of the club, Mr. Toni Cheikwata, said the firm currently placed emphasis on survival instead of posting high profit margin.

    He said: “We are celebrating our 10 years anniversary in Port Harcourt. We have our first Beer Barn branch in Abuja opened in 2012. Beer Barn Port Harcourt was opened 2014 and Beer Barn Lagos was opened 2017.

    “We are celebrating our customers, our staff and rhe management and everybody that has worked hard to make this business stay for 10 years. It is not easy. We thank God we have made it.

    “We are always keeping it up. We have faced many challenges. Every business has challenges. The main challenge is the high cost of running business; the cost of diesel, cost of electricity, goods and drinks. They have all gone up.

    “So, to maintain your standard you keep adjusting your prices to keep moving. It is not time you can make a lot of money. What you have to do is to survive. Most important is to keep paying our staff salaries, our rents and our suppliers. We are not owing anybody.

    “We used to pay N800,000 a month to generate our own electricity. But now we pay around N3m N4m a month and it is extra expenses”.

    On the importance of steady electricity to the survival of businesses in the country, Cheikwata appealed to the Federal Government to drive a process of giving the country 24-hour power supply with affordable tariffs.

    He said: “The federal government should work on reducing the tariff, it is too much. Not everybody can survive with this rate. They should have a clear plan for Nigeria to have 24 hour light or at least 20 hours; not using diesel and generators all the time.

    Read Also: Electricity cost, insecurity threats to our survival – Manufacturers

    “The best way is to give light. Since we can give light to other countries, why don’t we keep light for 24 hours.

    He said the main objective of opening Beer Barn was to generate employment for people especially the youths adding that the firm had grown from 25 employees to about 300 staff strength.

    He said: “Our aim of opening Beer Barn is to give job opportunies to people. We started with 25 employees now we have almost 300 staff in the three branches which is a good thing for everybody.

    “They are working hard to take care of their responsibilities. There is always security challenge but we took out decision to keep security in all our branches”.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of Beer Barn, Dr. Abu Inu Umoru, said the firm was planning to open another branch in Port Harcourt because of its success in the oil-rich city.

    While commending the people of Rivers for trusting the brand, he said the firm was always studying thebmarket and adopting the right strategies to survive the prevailing economic challenges.

    He said: “It has been splendid. We thank God for this initiative in Rivers particularly Port Harcourt. We thank the Port Harcourt people and the trust they have in our establishment.

    “We thank the management and staff. Port Harcourt has been a blessing and we intend to remain here and probably open more branches. We need to identify our market strategy and how to approach the present economic hardship and challenges.

    “We try to keep a price that is affordable. Most of the time we try to look for products that we can promote. It is all about relaxation. But we want to have a price that people can afford”.

    Hundreds of customers, who trooped out to celebrate the 10th anniversary, were treated to free costly drinks, gifts, entertaining performances and music.

  • Edo 2024: Asue Ighodalo pledges commitment to building Edo that works for all

    Edo 2024: Asue Ighodalo pledges commitment to building Edo that works for all

    Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state, has assured Edolites in the diaspora that he and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, will not only get the job done but also elevate Edo state to be the envy of other states in Nigeria.

    The Edo state governorship election, scheduled for September 21, is set to redefine the political landscape, not just in Edo state, known as the heartbeat of the nation, but also in the broader context of Nigerian politics.

    Nosakhare Onaiwi, deputy Diaspora head Asue/Ogie movement in the press statement, detailed how from the 24th of June through the 29th of June, 2024, Asue Ighodalo engaged with the Edo Diaspora community in halls filled across 5 cities in Europe telling the people about his vision of an Edo state where prosperity for all is achievable, and to him mandatory.

    The statement read: “There are close to 20 candidates seeking the mandate to occupy the Osadebe House in Edo State, but one candidate stands out and has engaged the Edo People at home the most. That candidate has transversed Edo South, Edo North, and Edo Central talking to the people and selling his vision for Edo State to the people. That candidate is Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party.

    “In an expression of the unequaled commitment to an Edo State that works for all, the Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie Ticket knowing that of the 36 States and the FCT Abuja, Edo State arguably has the highest Diaspora population, chose to engage with Edolites in Diaspora across Europe. It was a Tour, it was a Trip, it was a hall meeting, and it was in every respect a didactic engagement like no other.”

    “He was clear and unequivocal on every issue, from Infrastructure to Education; from Trade and Investment to tourism and culture; from the security of lives and property to health care; from skill acquisition to job creation; from Agriculture to Food Security; and from support for Small Businesses at to Home to creating an enabling environment and security for Diaspora investments. Asue Ighodalo was in every respect straightforward and forthright about his vision for an Edo state that works for all.”

    Read Also: Edo 2024: Onobun steps down, endorses Asue Ighodalo

    “Asue Ighodalo spoke with passion and commitment, he showed a matchless grasp of the issues that define the Edo tapestry, and he covenanted to deliver on the promises enshrined in his Prosperity for All Manifesto. He assured and reassured the people that himself and his Deputy Governorship Candidate Osarodion Ogie Esq. will not only get the job done but will make Edo State the envy of other States in Nigeria.”

    “A striking manifestation of the capacity and the competency of Asue Ighodalo came to light when he landed in Reggio Emilia, Milan, Italy, and before the Town-hall began, he had to first address A Special NBA Business Forum from far away Italy albeit virtually, speaking on the topic Foreign Direct Investment: A sure way to economic stability and investment security. Asue Ighodalo’s capacity to undertake issues centering on Public Policy Development, Economic Development, Business Development, and The Legal Framework for Development, Investment, and Business is second to none.

    “He was clear-headed and lucid, and tying the uncanny coincidence of the moment with the Diaspora town halls for which he was in Europe, Asue promised to create an enabling environment for investment in Edo State, he also promised to partner with the Edo Diaspora Community in ensuring that funds remitted from the Diaspora are safe and that investments made are protected. He promised to set up a special agency that will partner with and engage with the Edo Diaspora to take Edo State to the next level.”

    “As a business expert, a former chairman of Several Bluechip Companies, and the immediate past chairman of Sterling Bank, Asue Ighodalo assured the Edo Diaspora community that he is not in the race for private/personal wealth or profit, but to transform Edo State for good. He promised to bring his intellectual wealth, expertise and capacity to bear in the day-to-day running of the State and he challenged the people to critique his prosperity for all manifesto stating that his dream for Edo State is to create a First Class State that appropriates her wealth both human and natural for the collective good.”

    “In no uncertain terms, the Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie Ticket clearly dwarfs all the other Tickets in the race to Osadebe House ditto the Edo State Governorship Election come September 21. From Community and Youth Engagement on Issues to a Pan-Edo engagement of the Old, the Young, and Women; from engaging with the People across the three senatorial zones (Edo South, Edo Central, and Edo North) to the engagement with the Edo Diaspora Community; and from issues bothering on competency, capacity, character, credibility and commitment to the common good to Fairness, Equity, and Justice, the Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie Ticket is most certainly the way to Prosperity for All Edo People.”

    “As he returns to Nigeria to continue to engage with the People, it is without an ounce of equivocation clear that Asue Ighodalo is not only the front runner in the Edo State Governorship contest but the candidate to beat. Voting for Asue Ighodalo as the governor of Edo State come September 21, 2024, is most definitely the right choice to make. And we are sure that Edolites will choose right,” the statement added.

  • MOSOP appeals for completion of East-West road Ogoni axis

    MOSOP appeals for completion of East-West road Ogoni axis

    The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, urging the completion of the Ogoni axis of the East-West Road.

    In a statement signed in Port Harcourt by MOSOP’s publicity secretary, Saviour Oscar, the group emphasised the dire condition of the road and the pressing need for government intervention.

    The group highlighted the severe deterioration of the road, saying: “Return contractors to complete the failed Ogoni section of the East-West Road or face protests. It is worrisome to mention that despite the substantial revenue generated within the Ogoni ethnic nationality, the stretch of the East-West Road in our area has remained in the worst state, dilapidated, in fact, a nightmare to travellers and a death trap to the Ogoni people.”

    MOSOP criticised the federal government’s inaction, despite the road being hyped as a completed project.

    They also said the neglect of the road has had devastating consequences for the Ogoni people.

    “This neglect persists despite recent tragedies, including a fatal fire that destroyed over 100 vehicles and claimed lives. The road now soaks blood like a vampire. The government’s silence and inaction are appalling. We have recorded a series of deaths and accidents on that road because of its condition,” the statement added.

    Read Also: Ogoni fresh spill: MOSOP wants FG to evacuate affected communities

    The statement also pointed out that the appointment of the minister of works, David Umahi raised hopes for progress, yet the road’s condition has worsened under the current administration.

    The group also alleged that a financial dispute between Umahi and the construction firm handling the project, RCC led to the firm’s demobilisation from the site.

    “We expected that President Bola Tinubu, upon assuming office, would prioritise the completion of the Ogoni axis of the East-West Road, but the reality is unambiguously opposite. Umahi’s clash with RCC over financial disputes led to the firm’s withdrawal from the site, leaving the project area deserted,” the statement continued.

    MOSOP also expressed its displeasure over the government’s failure to compensate the families affected by the fire and criticised their lack of response to the disaster.

    “As a responsible government, it is expected that the president or any of his representatives would have paid an assessment visit to this section of the East-West Road after that fire incident, but to this day, the government has not shown concern for the situation.

    “Their sudden interest in Ogoniland’s oil exploration contrasts sharply with their neglect of basic infrastructure for its people. How can the government prioritize oil exploration over community welfare? Resuming operations without first improving road conditions is unacceptable.”

    MOSOP has given the federal government a one-week ultimatum to reinstate RCC and ensure diligent project management.

    “We want the federal government to do due diligence and return the construction company to the site, or we shall occupy the East-West Road in protest and stop all economic activities of the federal government’s interest until they come to do the needful. It’s time for action. The East-West Road deserves immediate attention, not further neglect.”

  • PDP candidate Dagidi receives flag in Bomadi

    PDP candidate Dagidi receives flag in Bomadi

    There was a significant turnout of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and an unprecedented wave of defections in Bomadi Local Government Area when Hon. Andaye Rawlings Dagidi, the PDP candidate for the upcoming July 13 Local Government Council elections, with his running mate, Mrs. Powei Bekes, received the party’s flag.

    The flag presentation ceremony, attended by the immediate past Senator of Delta South James Manager, Deputy Delta Speaker Hon. Arthur Akpowowo and all political gladiators in Bomadi Local Government Area, was adjudged the campaign event with the highest number of attendees in the history of the Local Government Area.

    The event also marked the defection of Mr. Ebi Barber, the APC candidate for the July 13 council election in the State, to the PDP with his followers.

    Upon welcoming Barber and his supporters to the PDP, the state chairman of the party, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso Esq., commended the decision and remarked that Bomadi was a PDP stronghold. He expressed that the occasion was a mere celebration of an impending victory.

    Esiso expressed gratitude to the campaign council for their tireless efforts in rallying support and making the day vibrant and colorful.

    He criticised the APC-led administration for inflicting hardship on Nigerians. Esiso firmly rejected the APC in Delta and their proponents of darkness, urging the electorate to vote for the PDP to uphold good governance, as exemplified by the MORE AGENDA programmes of Sheriff Oborevwori.

    While presenting the party’s flag to Hon. Dagidi, Esiso reassured the people of Bomadi of the PDP’s unwavering commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the council area.

    “We are gathered here to celebrate the PDP because we recognize that Bomadi is PDP and PDP is Bomadi. This occasion is simply a joyful celebration.”

    In his defection speech, Barber expressed frustration with the poor leadership of the APC at the Federal level. 

    He mentioned that upon learning that the PDP had elected Hon. Andaye Rawlings Dagidi as its candidate, he decided not to expend his time and resources. Being a well-known grassroots figure in Bomadi Local Government Area, he felt confident in his decision.

    In his speech during the ceremony, former senator and gubernatorial aspirant of the 2023 general elections, Sen. James Manager, emphasised the unity of the PDP as a large family. 

    Manager said: “PDP is a close-knit family, and today we celebrate the success of Andaye Dagidi, his vice, and the ward councillors. 

    “For those who were not selected this time, patience is key as opportunities rotate. Let us avoid any form of unrest and come together to honor the PDP.”

    Akpowowo expressed confidence that July 13 will be a decisive victory for the PDP in Bomadi local government area.

    He stated: “There will be no election in Bomadi local government area on July 13 as it is expected to be a clear victory for the PDP. Our party’s candidate is deeply rooted in the community, a dependable and dedicated party member who understands the challenges facing his constituents.

    “The people of Bomadi should rally behind him to empower him to bring the benefits of democracy to every corner of the council area. We, the people of Delta Central, will continue to offer him unwavering support because of his steadfast commitment to the party.”

    Dagidi expressed unwavering passion and determination to serve his constituents at the grassroots level, ensuring improved service delivery.

    “I empathise with the challenges faced by my fellow citizens at the grassroots level. I have personally taken temporary measures to address the poor conditions of the Bomadi-Ohoror road, aiming to alleviate their immediate suffering.

    “With the guidance of the people I am elected to serve, my primary focus will be on understanding their needs and desires. I am committed to collaborative leadership and will prioritize fulfilling the fundamental requirements of my constituents.

    “My administration will be in alignment with the M.O.R.E. Agenda established by our esteemed leader and Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. This agenda aims to bring democratic benefits to all communities within the council area, ensuring inclusivity in governance.

    “The tangible progress under the M.O.R.E. Agenda, including the re-engagement of construction giant Julius Berger Nig. Ltd. in the state, signifies our commitment to meaningful development initiatives.

    “I want to reassure my constituents that the necessary steps are being taken by Governor Oborevwori to provide a lasting solution for the Bomadi-Ohoror road. Governance is an ongoing process, and in the near future, significant improvements will be made to this vital infrastructure,” he said. 

  • Edo 2024: AIM unveils independent campaign council for Asue/Ogie

    Edo 2024: AIM unveils independent campaign council for Asue/Ogie

    The Asue Ighodalo Movement (AIM), a foremost support group campaigning for the election of Dr Asue Ighodalo/Barr Osarodion Ogie, candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State has unfolded an elaborate Independent Campaign Council (ICC) to realize its dream.

    The ICC, according to a document made available to newsmen in Benin, has a total of 300 carefully selected strong and dedicated members of the PDP across the state, representing the 192 wards, 18 local government area councils and the three senatorial zones.

    The ICC is strategically structured in a way that it has a Management/Trustees board led by High Chief Frank Momoh; then there is the State Campaign Council with Hon Daniel Asekhame as Chairman and Chief Tony Alile as the deputy chairman while Emmanuel Osayi is the Secretary.

    There are various sub-divisions such as security with 13 members, mobilization and sensitization with 31 members, senatorial coordinators with each district having one but Edo Central has two; local government area coordinators in all the 18 LGAs and a total of 192 ward coordinators across the state.

    Speaking in a telephone chat, founder and coordinator, Hon Asekhame, who also doubles as the chairman, State Campaign Council of the ICC, said the motivation is nothing other than the fact that Dr Asue Ighodalo, the candidate is the best by far for the position and every hand must be on deck to ensure that Edolites are not short changed by puppeteers who are working day and night to saddle the state with a mere puppet in the name of a governor.

    Read Also: ‘Support my dream to make Edo firstworld sub-national in Nigeria’

    “Your question is very valid because a lot of people will really ask, why are these people doing all this? We at AIM are convinced that Dr Asue Ighodalo is the best candidate for the job. He is best by far. He is competent, he has the capacity and he has the character. At least, his antecedent over the years amply supports that claim. Two, he has a rich pedigree that he can’t afford to play with. His father is well known, his mother, well known. A princess and the first woman Perm Sec in Nigeria. So we are very convinced that with him in the saddle, Edo State is surely in safe hands. And so, we are determined to have him because he is the best out of the lot.

    “On the flip side is a gang up against Edo State, a gang up against the people and a gang up against their children and their future by a band of puppeteers. They know very well that their candidate does not have what is needed to govern a highly enlightened and sophisticated state like Edo, no competence, no capacity, no simple knowledge, no self-confidence but they are throwing everything in to make sure they have their puppet as a governor. With that they will be able to control the state for their own selfish ends. We owe it a duty to ourselves and generation of Edolites unborn to stop them. That’s the motivation in a nutshell,” Asekhame stated.

    He further clarified that with about two and a half months of campaign left, the AIM’s independent campaign council is determined to make the best use of the time via house to house, street to street and market to market and other strategic approaches in its sensitization and campaign drive.

  • Edo 2024: Davido endorses PDP’s Ighodalo at wedding ceremony

    Edo 2024: Davido endorses PDP’s Ighodalo at wedding ceremony

    Nigerian music superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has publicly endorsed Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate for the September 21 Edo state gubernatorial election. 

    The endorsement occurred during Davido’s wedding ceremony, which was attended by the current Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

    According to eyewitness accounts and a viral video, Davido declared, “Asue is the man to beat,” and pledged his full support for the PDP candidate.

    Davido’s endorsement holds significant weight, as the Grammy-nominated artist has deep roots in Edo State. 

    His mother, Veronica Imade Adeleke, was born in Benin City on November 23, 1963 and passed away in 2003 at the age of 39. 

    Read Also: Davido weeps, gets N85m SUV at show-stopping wedding to Chioma

    This familial connection to the Benin Kingdom is seen as a testament to Davido’s love for Asue. 

    In his campaign manifesto, Ighodalo said: “My Covenant with Edo People,” Ighodalo has promised to heavily invest in the state’s creative industry, a sector in which Davido and many other notable artists from Edo State are key players. 

    Reacting to the endorsement, Erabor Emokpae, head of Asue media organization expressed optimism, stating that Edo state is poised for a significant boom in the creative industry under the PDP candidate’s leadership.

    Davido’s endorsement is expected to provide a boost to Ighodalo’s campaign and resonance with the state’s youthful electorate, who have historically been an important voting bloc in Edo state’s political landscape.

  • Doctors reportedly boycott NMA’s interaction in Edo

    Doctors reportedly boycott NMA’s interaction in Edo

    Some medical doctors in Edo state reportedly failed to attend an interactive session organized by the Edo Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) with, Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate for November 21 election.

    It was gathered that the event, scheduled to commence at 4 pm on Saturday at the Doctors’ House in Ugbowo, Benin City, was graced by a few executive members of the MMA, Akpata and his running mate Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri.

    Recall that Akpata was recently corrected by the Oba of Benin in his palace when he claimed to be a son of the palace.

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    A member of the NMA, who pleaded anonymity said: “Of course, we didn’t ask anyone to stay away. We extended invitations to all three major aspirants.

    “The APC candidate asked that he should be represented by his deputy, and we declined, but I expected our members to come out and listen to the Labour man today. These things are voluntary, so only those who are not here can say why they chose to stay away.”

    It was learnt that the doctors showed up a week earlier to listen to the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, at the same venue.

    During that session, Ighodalo promised to allocate 15% of the Edo state budget to healthcare if elected governor.

    The Edo state governorship elections are scheduled to take place on September 21.