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Tag: Abubakar Momoh

  • Okuoma killings: FG committed to bringing killers to justice, says Momoh

    Okuoma killings: FG committed to bringing killers to justice, says Momoh

    The federal government on Friday, March 22, reiterated its commitment to bring the killers of the 16 military personnel, who were murdered in the Okuama community in Delta state last week, to justice.

    Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, who expressed the government’s resolve, also called for peace in a statement he personally issued on Friday.

    He extended his condolences to the victims of the Okuama community tragedy.

    Momoh revealed that law enforcement agencies have been mobilized to conduct a thorough investigation, adding that the government will leave no stone unturned in its quest for truth and accountability.

    The statement reads in part: “I express my deepest sympathies to the Nigerian Army and the families affected by the barbaric act that unfolded in Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

    “The loss of lives, including a Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, twelve soldiers, and one civilian, is a profound tragedy that has shaken us all to the core.

    Read Also: Okuama killing: Troops will not rest until perpetrators are identified, says GOC

    “To the families who have lost loved ones, I offer my sincerest condolences. Your sacrifice and your pain will never be forgotten, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with you in solidarity, sharing in your grief and offering our unwavering support.”

    While commiserating with the military, Engr. Momoh said: “To the Nigerian Army, I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication to protecting our nation. Your bravery and selflessness in the face of danger serve as an inspiration to us all. We mourn the loss of your comrades and vow to honour their memory by continuing to support and uplift our armed forces.”

    He urged the warring communities of Okuama and Okoloba to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolutions to their grievances.

    According to him, “Violence only begets more violence, and further bloodshed will only deepen the wounds already inflicted upon our communities. Let us come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation, working hand in hand to build a future free from conflict and strife.

    “The government is fully committed to bringing the perpetrators of this barbaric act to justice. Law enforcement agencies have been mobilized to conduct a thorough investigation, and we will leave no stone unturned in our quest for truth and accountability. It is only by working together, as one united nation, that we can overcome the challenges that confront us and create a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

    “Let us honour the memory of the fallen heroes by reaffirming our commitment to peace, unity, and justice. Together, we can heal the wounds of the past and build a future filled with hope and promise for generations to come.”

  • Momoh calls for NSE’s collaboration to mitigate climate change effects on Niger Delta

    Momoh calls for NSE’s collaboration to mitigate climate change effects on Niger Delta

    Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, has called on the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to collaborate with his ministry in the effort to address the dire impact of climate change in the Niger Delta region.

    A statement issued by Special Assistant to the Minister of Niger Delta Development on Media, Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, Momoh made the call at the 34th investiture ceremony of the NSE, which marked the investiture of Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntola, as the first female President of the society.

    Momoh, who was in attendance, passionately appealed to the society’s leadership to forge a strong alliance with the Niger Delta Ministry to uplift the region from its current state of impoverishment, caused by the adverse effects of climate change.

    The minister highlighted how climate change has taken a toll on the region, transforming it into a lamentable and impoverished state.

    “The heart of the minister’s plea was a call to action – a call for the NSE to lend its expertise and support to the Niger Delta Development Ministry in the battle against climate change.

    Read Also; Fresh posers over deadly Ibadan blast

    “He emphasized the importance of decarbonizing the environment and stressed the need for engineering professionals to actively assist the ministry in implementing effective strategies to mitigate the environmental challenges faced by the region.

    “Moreover, Minister Momoh urged the newly sworn-in president, Engr. Magaret Aina Oguntola, FNSE, to play a pivotal role in expanding the NSE’s membership. Setting an ambitious target, he challenged the leadership to achieve a membership base of over 100 thousand within the next two years.

    “According to the minister, a larger and more diverse membership would enhance the society’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development.

    In her inaugural address, the new President of the NSE, Engr. Magaret Aina Oguntola, outlined her visionary plans for her tenure.

    With a commitment to propelling the NSE to greater heights,Oguntola shared a roadmap that included initiatives to enhance the professional standing of engineers, foster innovation, and contribute to national development.

    The investiture ceremony drew high-profile attendees, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who represented Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, state governors, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and other prominent Nigerians.

  • NASS: I was robbed of victory, says PDP candidate

    Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Edo North senatorial district in the February 23rd National Assembly election, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, has said that he was robbed of victory by National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    Comrade Oshiomhole hails from the district and defeated the PDP with a wide margin both in the Presidential and National Assembly elections

    Engr. Momoh said Oshiomhole was the brain behind the ‘massive’ deployment of mobile policemen drawn from Mopol 60, lyamho, Oshiomhole’s country home.

    He stated that the deployment of many mobile policemen was to ensure the entire community was barricaded to pave way for the free rein of massive thumb printing of ballot papers by APC members.

    Read Also: Atiku made no demand on Buhari – PDP

    Hon. Momoh who spoke through a press statement signed by the Director General of his campaign organization, Dr Wilson lmogah, condemned what he termed unholy alliance between security agencies and some powerful APC chieftains.

    Momoh said he was robbed of victory due to electoral fraud, voters’ intimidation vote buying and use of security agencies to influence the outcome.

    He also accused the APC candidate, Senator Francis Alimikhena of using soldiers to arrest and detain PDP stalwarts across Weppa Wanno, whilst ballot box stuffing took place in Ugieda, Anwain and Agbede.

     

     

  • Auchi monarch to PDP: we’ll support party that fixed Auchi gully

    Edo North senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) Engr. Abubakar Momoh got the shock of his life at the palace of the Otaru of Auchi, HRH Alhaji Aliru Ikelebe III on Tuesday.

    The monarch told the candidate Auchi people would vote for the party that fixed the gully erosion problem that ravaged the community for many years.

    It was former Governor Adams Oshiomhole that solved the gully erosion problem.

    Momoh was at the Otaru’s palace to seek endorsement of the monarch for Saturday’s polls.

    The Otaru reportedly told Momoh that he would only give his support to the party and people that rescued the community from total collapse when it was ravaged by erosion.

    The Daniyan of Auchi Kingdom, Alhaji Usman Abudah, who confirmed the development, told newsmen that the Otaru of Auchi also advised all political office seekers to desist from the “unacceptable efforts to involve the palace of the Otaru of Auchi with their misgiving political pursuits.”

    His words: “Specifically Hon Abubakar Momoh who has on numerous occasions been seeking for political positions at the wrong time in wrong places visited the palace of the Otaru of Auchi and on each occasion, HRH Otaru of Auchi explicitly advised him to find a way to fall into line of the realities of the moment.

    “The Otaru said he will never while alive not to be appreciative of any government that came to the aid of the community during the problematic erosion problem which Oshiomhole government in collaboration with the World Bank solved for the community.

    “Otaru will never in his life mislead his people he has spoken and will continue to speak the truth to the people of his domain.”

  • PDP candidate challenges Alimekhena to debate

    -You are selfish, Alimekhena

     

    Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Edo North Senatorial seat, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, has challenged its opponent in the All Progressives Congress, Senator Francis Alimekhena to a public debate.

    Momoh told Senator Alimekhena not to hope on the political oxygen of National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to win the 2019 elections.

    In a statement signed by him, Momoh who was a former member of the House of Representatives accused Senator Alimikhena of poor performance and discrimination against the Owans and Akoko-Edos.

    He said the political oxygen Comrade Adams Oshiomhole provided for Alimekhena in 2015 has been exhausted and dried out.

    He said, “The debate will provide a platform for Senator Alimikhena to present his score card to the constituents while I will also provides my score-card as a former member of House of Reps representing Etsako Federal constituency and my blue-prints for the Senatorial district if elected.

    “As we prepare for the 2019 polls, I call on my supporters to judiciously use the power of the PVCs by trooping out en-masse to vote for the PDP.

    “Surely, I will not disappoint you all. You have tested my capacities and capabilities and I believe I did not fail you. This time will not be an exception. I will redouble my efforts to ensure adequate and effective representation of your varied interests in Abuja”.

    But Alimekhena said he would use the outcome of the 2019 elections to retire Momoh from politics.

    Read Also: Two serving senators lose primaries in Niger

    A statement by his Personal Assistant, Benjamin Atu, said the people of Afemai land were tired of politicians like Momoh who has constantly sought elective positions since 1999.

    According to the statement, “Hon. Momoh who is the PDP candidate for Edo North 2019 election has been a councillor, Local Government Chairman, member of the State House of Assembly and a former member of the House of Representatives.

    “How can a man be so selfish and self seeking? Afemai people have constantly voted for Hon Momoh in different political platform without any project to his credit.”

  • ‘Vote buying will truncate our democracy’

    A former member of the House of Representatives and Edo North Senatorial aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party, Honourable Abubakar Momoh, has warned that vote buying may truncate Nigeria’s democracy if it is not checked by all stakeholders.

    Momoh who spoke in a chat with newsmen at his Auchi residence accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of paying lip service to the issue of vote buying.

    Momoh said political parties used to provide money for mobilization and not to buy vote until the 2016 governorship election in Edo State.

    He explained that the money provided by parties was for party agents to move around and canvassed for votes from the people.

    Hon. Momoh said credible people could no longer win elections if vote buying is not eradicated.

    According to him, “Vote buying is an area where INEC must look into. There was no vote buying in Edo until the 2016 governorship election in Edo. That has now spread to other states.

    Read Also: Two PDP agents held for vote buying attempts

    “What used to happen is for party to provide money for mobilization. The money is to help party agents go round the community. A situation where you carry money to the polling unit is bad.

    “The APC Government has a role to play but they will pay lip service to it because they will tell their people to win at all cost. If vote buying is not eliminated it will truncate democracy. It means credible people can no longer win elections.

    “Everybody in this country is guilty of vote buying.  You even see policemen demanding for money.  It means politicians will go and sleep. On the day of election, they will carry money to share.”

  • Adieu, Abubakar Momoh

    Adieu, Abubakar Momoh

    •He was an accomplished academic and patriot

    It was not just the intensity of the emotions exhibited but also the sheer diversity of persons and groups that have expressed deep pain at his sudden passing that gives intimations into just how many lives the late Professor Abubakar Momoh touched and how much impact he made within a relatively short life span. Perhaps it is of more than fleeting significance that the distinguished academic took his exit from this side of eternity on May 29, 2017, Nigeria’s Democracy Day. For, one of the defining essences of his life was a consistent commitment to the study and practice of democracy in all its facets and manifestations. Professor Momoh’s life epitomises the saying that it is not the length of the individual’s life that matters but how well we live.

    A distinguished political scientist, Momoh obtained his doctorate in political theory and began his academic career as a teacher and researcher in 1988, rising to the very apex of scholarship as a professor through sheer brilliance, industry and commitment. His versatility as a scholar was demonstrated by the variety of prestigious institutions across the world in which he served as researcher and lecturer at various times.

    To cite only a few, he was a Research Fellow, Institute of Development Studies, University of Helsinki, Finland; Fellow, Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University, Sweden; Visiting Scholar, Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Guest Researcher, Nordic Africa Institute, Sweden; Senior Fulbright Scholar, James Coleman African Studies Centre, University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA and Visiting Researcher and Tutor, Conflict, Security and Development Group (CSDG), King’s College, University of London.

    At the Lagos State University (LASU), where he served continuously throughout his peripatetic scholarly preoccupations, Momoh rose to become Head of the Department of Political Science as well as Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. As a teacher and university administrator, students and colleagues testify to his exemplary level of integrity, high ethical standards and his uncompromising fidelity to justice in treating all who came within his purview fairly. Beyond LASU, his sterling qualities no doubt informed Professor Momoh’s being invited at various times to serve as External Examiner to the University of Lagos, the University of Ibadan as well as the Nigerian Defence College (NDC).  This was in addition to serving on the boards of various academic and scientific communities such as the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA).

    At the time death came calling, Professor Momoh was serving as Director-General of the Electoral Institute of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), utilising his learning and research skills to help strengthen the country’s electoral system. He equally contributed to national development as a member and coordinator of the “Foreign Policy” Subcommittee of the Federal Republic of Nigeria “Vision 20:20” Technical Committee and a member of the team that drafted the policy on “Peace Support Operations (PSOS) for the Federal Government.

    Despite having over 70 academic publications to his credit, Professor Momoh was not a closet ivory tower intellectual. He was very active in the labour movement serving as National Treasurer of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) between 1991 and 1995 and was one of those who helped forge a strong working relationship between ASUU and the Nigeria Labour Congress during the period of military dictatorship. Fulsome tributes from various civil society and labour groups indicate his strong bond with working class and pro-democracy movements, notwithstanding his own aristocratic provenance as a prince of Auchi.

    We join millions of Nigerians in mourning this great, principled but unassuming patriot.

  • Edo North: Gladiators battle for Senate

    Edo North: Gladiators battle for Senate

    The battle for the Edo North senatorial ticket has started within the two major parties; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ten aspirants are in the race. Who wins the ticket? EMMANUEL OLADESU examines their strengths and weaknesses.

    Edo North Senatorial District is a politically conscious zone. It has produced prominent politicians who are making waves in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Although the ban on campaigns has not been lifted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the aspirants are mobilising stakeholders, ahead of next general elections.

    Instead of campaigns, contenders and their supporters have resorted to rallies, which are campaigns in disguise. Town hall and village square meetings, visit to palaces of prominent monarchs and homes of party elders and influential community leaders, and meetings with interest groups have increased. There is also a gale of endorsements for aspirants by stakeholders.

    The contenders are bold, courageous and determined. In the politics of Edo North, they have not taken the back seat. They have served in government before and they are in reckoning with the people. However, the senatorial poll appears to be a different ball game. Therefore, the wheat will still be separated from the chaff at the primaries.

    The aspirants include Senator Domingo Obende (APC), Hon. Abubakar Momoh (PDP), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (APC), Francis Alimikhere (APC), Hon. Pascal Ugboma (PDP), and Chief Richard Lamai (PDP).

     

    Obende

     

    Obende became a senator in 2011 on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The politician from the Akoko Edo area is now one of the leaders of the APC in the district. Edo North is made up of Akoko Edo, Etsako and Owan. It is a tripod arrangement. Indeed, the senatorial election has always created tension among these three areas.

    Obende has a second term ambition. His campaign train has rolled into towns and villages. Armed with his score card, he has been calling attention to his achievements as a federal legislator and a community man. His ambition has divided the district. But, his supporters believe that his achievements will continue to endear him to constituents. These include the hand pump boreholes, which he attracted to the area,  the sponsoring of Christians and Muslims on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and Mecca and skill acquisition training for constituents.

    But, his major feat as a senator is that he sponsored the bill, which criminalised same sex marriage. The bill has become and act.

    Those objecting to his re-election bid have said that they were not impressed by his performance. Critics have alleged that Obende os inaccessible, although they acknowledged that he has attracted some projects to the constituency. Others have an axe to grind with him on the projects. They said he sited many of the projects in his area, thereby leaving other five local governments in the cold. Some constituents even questioned the quality of the work done by the contractors.

    Stakeholders from Owan (East and West) and Etsako (Central, East and West) are agitating for power shift. But, those supporting Obende in Akoko Edo have urged them to wait for their turns. Their argument is that the two areas have enjoyed the slot in the past. Etsako produced Senator Kassim Oyofo, who was in the Upper Chamber between 1999 and 2007. Also, Owan produced Senator Yisa Braimoh, who served from 2007 to 2011. But, Braimoh is campaigning against his successor, saying that he is unfit for a second term. He urged stakeholders to beam a searchlight on his credentials. Obende camp believes that the senator is a victim of blackmail and bitter struggle for power.

    But, can Obende get the ticket? A source said that, unlike 2011, his popularity has waned, not because of non-performance, but because some powerful forces are not willing to back him for a second term. Having seen the handwriting on the wall, some of his supporters deserted him.

     

    Momoh

     

    Momoh, an engineer from Etsako, is a member of the House of Representatives. He represents Etsako Constituency, which comprises of Etsako Central, Etsako East and Etsako West. He is a grassroots politician and he has supporters. For him, the Senate should be a compensation for hard work and a sort of elevation. Momoh has served as a councillor, supervisory councillor, and Chairman of Etsako East Council. He was a member of the House of Assembly for eight years. In 2003, he won election into the Lower Chamber. In 2011, he returned to the House.  Momoh is a household name in Edo North. But, some stakeholders have grudges against him. According to them, Momoh has not become an exemplary federal legislator. He has also been accused of playing the ethnic card. The legislator is said to be behind the “Etsako Agenda.” The agenda is to mobilise all Etsakos to endorse him for the Senate. Hid ally, according to sources, is Alhaji Usman Shagadi, who is in charge of the mobilisation.  The Shagadi/Momoh calculation is that, since Etsako is more populous than Akoko-Edo and Owan, Momoh can rely on the bloc votes from his area to defeat other contenders. However, since this calculation may flounder, he defected to the PDP.

     

    Alimhikhena

     

    Alimhikhena is a retired soldier and lawyer. He is a veteran aspirant, having tried his luck thrice at the PDP primaries. Many party men have hailed his courage, despite the political adversity of losing at each turn. Alimhikhena has not stirred controversy. But, his ambition is not a threat to any contender. He has experience, which he garnered in the military. He has built political structures, which he can rely on. He is a reliable politician. He is popular in Etsako East.

     

    Ihonvbere

     

    The political scientist and university don fought for democracy. He was in the trenches during the dark days of the military rule. When he returned to the country, many were taken aback when he joined the Obasanjo Administration. But, while in that government, he did maintained his puritanical zeal. Many are still expecting him to document his experience as the former Presidential Adviser on Project Monitoring and Evaluation from 2003 to 2007.  During the period, he developed a wide network of contacts locally and internationally.

    An accomplished and erudite scholar, the Secretary to Edo State Government left the PDP for the defunct ACN in 2012, when he was short-changed by the PDP in his quest for the governorship ticket. He was indeed, the front runner in the race. Ihonvbere defected with thousands of supporters. His ability to communicate, integrity, accessibility, and experience are assets.

    Ihonvbere is also a modest philanthropist. Through the Julius Ihonvbere Foundation, he has extended a duty of care to the needy. Many ouths and women have benefitted from his empowerment programmes. He is perceived as  a tested and trusted politician, who has what it takes to represent the district in the Senate. Already, stakeholders from four local governments have endorsed him. These are Akoko-Edo, Owan East and Owan West. He also has some supporters in Etsako Central, East and West. Party chieftains believe that his credentials place him above other aspirants. He is focused, humble, charismatic and goal-oriented.

     

    Ugbome

     

    A lawyer and an astute politician, Ugbome served as the former Chairman of Etsako Central local government between 2004 and 2007. He is the Director of Organisation of the PDP. He was a member of the House of Assembly between 1999 and 2003. He represented Etsako Central Constituency. Like Obende, Hon. Ugbome is a Deacon. He has connections. He is a loyal party member, committed and dependable. Stakeholders say he stands a good chance of clinching the ticket of PDP as a fitting reward for his commitment, loyalty and dedication.

     

    Lamai

     

    He is the son of the late Senator Ekpemoriri Lamai. He is the youngest aspirant. Lamai is a shrewd businessman with interests in hospitality, oil and gas. He contested in 2007 and lost narrowly to Senator Braimoh at the primaries. His supporters now believe that he will do better at the proposed shadow poll. But, the aspirant has some hurdles to cross. Some have questioned his commitment to the party. They point out that he only comes around during the electioneering. Some have advised him to vie for a seat in the House of Assembly. In their opinion, age is still on his side.

     

     

     

  • Can Senator Domingo get second term?

    Can Senator Domingo get second term?

    Three aspirants are jostling for the Edo North senatorial ticket on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). OSAGIE OTABOR writes on their strengths, weaknesses and other factors that will shape the poll.

    Senator Obende Domingo represents Edo North Senatorial District in the Senate. His ambition to return to the Upper Chamber in 2015 is being threatened by political heavy weights eyeing his job.

    The senatorial aspirants include the Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Major Francis Alimekhena and Hon, Abubakar Momoh, who is representing Estako Constituency in the House of Representatives.

    The three contenders are from the three major tribes-Owan, Etunu and Estako- that make up the district. Estako has three local governments. Owan has two councils and Etunu has one local government.

    Domingo hails from Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. He was elected on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in 2011. He had wanted to contest for the seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007, but without success. The PDP leaders opted for Yisa Braimoh, who he later displaced three years ago.

    What worked for Domingo was the agitation for the seat by the Etunu people, who complained that they had been marginalised by the two major tribes. They said that the seat was rotating between the Owans and Estako. Also, Governor Adams Oshiomhole supportedDomingo against another aspirant, Tunde Lakoju.

    Ahead of 2015, Domingo is scheming to keep his job. He has debunked the allegation of non-performance. In a pamphlet being circulated in the district, the senator listed the projects he has attracted to the state. They include solar-powered street lights, distribution of empowerment materials, construction of classroom blocks, community centres and boreholes. His supporters are of the view that he deserves a second term like his predecessors.

    But, can he beat Ihonvbere at the primaries? Following the declaration of interest by the political scientist, other aspirants have returned to the drawing board. Ihonvbere has made attempts twice to be the governor under the PDP. He served under President Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Adviser on Project Monitoring before returning to Edo to vie for the governorship, which he lost to Senator Oserheimen Osunbor in 2007. In 2011, he was among the aspirants that staged a walk-out during the PDP primaries. He later defected to the defunct ACN. Ihonvbere was appointed as the SSG when Oshiomhole was re-elected as the governor.

    The eminent politician, Momoh, is not a push-over. He was a member of the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007. He was re- elected in 2011. He started his political career as a councillor. Later, he became the Chairman of Estako East Local Government. He was elected into the House of Assembly in 1999.

    The retired soldier, Alimekhena, was a leader of the PDP before be defected to the ACN . He was a senatorial aspirant in 2011. But, luck did not smile on him.

    Observers argue that the governor is a factor in the senatorial race. he is likely to determine who wins the ticket. Sources close to Oshiomole disclosed that he would not support any political neophyte. “The governor will not just support anybody he cannot trust, someone who will not perform. Those he helped in the past have disappointed him by not fullfilling their electoral promises. Some of them have not reported to their constituency since they were elected”, said an aide.

    The zoning formula may also shape the exercise. The zoning agreement may heat up the primaries. Senator Kassim Oyofo from Estako was in the Senate between 1999 and 2007. He was succeeded by Braimoh from Owan, who served for four years before Domingo from Akoko-Edo took over.

    The Owan people have argued that Domingo truncated the agreement by not allowing Braimoh to complete two terms. Their position now is that the position can be contested by all the ethnic groups. Some Estako youth have warned their elders against conceeding the slot to other tribes.

    At a meeting convened by the APC Interim Deputy Chairman, Chief Usman Shagadi, Estako leaders adopted a resolution to support their son for the ticket. The leaders also agreed to sink their political differences.

    Shagadi told the gathering that it would be an injustice for the Etsakos to be shut out of the race after conceding eight years to other zones in the spirit of oneness.

    He described that the Edo North ticket for 2015 as the birthright of the Etsakos, urging the Owans and Akoko-Edos to reciprocate Etsako’s past gesture. He recalled that Estako conceded the slot to them without bitterness and acrimony in 2007 and 2011.

    The leaders agreed to field a consensus candidate, promising to communicate the resolution to the governor.

    Ihonvbere has also been endorsed by Owan, Etsako Central and East leader. But, he is being accused of riding to the Senate on the governor’s back.

    However, Alimekhena is unperturbed. He said he has a high chance of clinching the ticket because he hails from Estako.

    The Edo North ticket may slip from Domingo’s hand because he is from a minority ethnic group in the district. His critics have alleged that he has not lived up top expectation. But, his media aide, Balarabe Oshiafi, disagreed. He said: “The relationship among the people of Estako, Owan and Akoko-Edo and Governor Oshiomhole and Senator Domingo is as cordial. Domingo is a humble servant of the people, whose track record is well known and appreciated by the good people of Afemailand. Hence, they have asked him to return to the Senate in 2015”.

    “It is expected that the enemies of progress will try to distract us, but Senator Domingo will continue to bring manifest development to all corners of Afemailand.”

    Governor Oshiomhole hails from Estako. He is yet to declare his next political move. Whoever his ‘magic wand’ touches will get the ticket. But, the governor is interested in a performer.