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Tag: Adams Oshiomhole

  • 936 teachers seek reinstatement

    936 teachers seek reinstatement

    Some 936 primary and secondary school teachers who were disengaged from the services of the Edo State Government last December have appealed to be reinstated.

    Their names were deleted from the government’s payroll after a staff audit.

    They were found to have falsified their age and presented false documents.

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole said the teachers were not sacked but their salaries were only stopped.

    The affected teachers yesterday marched on the House of Assembly, calling for  lawmakers’ intervention.

    Their spokesperson, Osagiede Omoruyi, said: “We are appealing to the government to please reinstate us because the same exercise was carried out in other ministry and the same problems found there were rectified.”

    “For six months now, our names have been removed from the pay roll. The government should help us we are dying. We are begging. It has been like hell all these months.”

    Speaker Uyi Igbe urged the teachers to forward a petition and state reasons why they should be considered.

    He said: “As soon as you send it to me, I promise you we will work on it.

    “We will deliberate on it. If you were unduly and unnecessarily disengaged, we will ensure your reinstatement.”

  • Pay us, teachers beg Oshiomhole

    Pay us, teachers beg Oshiomhole

    The Coalition of Unions of State Owned Tertiary Institutions of Edo State yesterday appealed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole to wade into the non- payment of the 16-month salary arrears owed it.

    A communiqué at the end of a joint meeting and signed by its Chairman, Fred Omonuwa, sought the resolution of the 35 per cent and 65 per cent wage bill/salary sharing formula allegedly imposed on the management of the institutions.

    The unions praised Oshiomhole for transforming the educational sector. The unions said they had embarked on strikes to call the government’s attention to their plights, all to no avail.

     

  • Oshiomhole, Akpabio, Uduaghan condole with Sambo over brother’s death

    Oshiomhole, Akpabio, Uduaghan condole with Sambo over brother’s death

    •Fayemi sends condolence letter to vice-president 

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has commiserated with Vice-President Namadi Sambo on the death of his younger brother, Captain Sabo Sambo, who died on Sunday in an accident in Abuja.

    In a condolence letter to the vice-president, Oshiomhole said: “I learnt with great shock the news of the death in a road accident in Abuja of Your Excellency’s younger brother, Captain Sabo Sambo, on Sunday, April 27, 2014. I offer the condolences of the good people and Government of Edo State as well as my personal commiseration over the sad loss. This trying period, no doubt, calls for a renewed faith in the glory and Majesty of Almighty Allah, from whom we all come and to whom we will all return.

    “I appreciate the pain of the sudden departure of such a close and dear brother and confidante, particularly at a time when his care and support are direly needed by his immediate and extended family, his community and professional colleagues.

    “We, however, take consolation in the fact that Capt Sambo lived a fulfilled life and served the nation diligently as a thoroughbred pilot. He would be sorely missed not only by the aviation industry but also by the many he touched with his generosity and kindness.

    “Our supplication is for Almighty Allah to, in His infinite mercy, receive his soul with His love and forgiveness and bless him with al-jannah firdausi. “We also pray Almighty Allah to give Your Excellency and the entire Sambo family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of such an amiable personality.”

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has condoled with the family of Vice-President Sambo on the death of his immediate younger brother, Capt Yusuf Sambo, on Sunday.

    The governor, on Monday, paid a condolence visit to the vice-president at his Aguda House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Akpabio said: “On behalf of the people of Akwa Ibom State, I commiserate with you on the sudden and unfortunate departure of your brother, whose death occurred Sunday, which is not something we all wished for.

    “Your heart is broken and your family feels the great loss. You are not alone in your misery. We share your pains and sorrows, for God gives and takes and we cannot question the will of God or ask Him why this is happening because God decides who comes into this world and who He decides to take.

    “We pray God should accept him in Paradise and we pray that God console you and the entire family, give you the fortitude to bear the loss. We also pray that this untimely death would no longer happen again to the family.”

    Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan also consoled with the family.

    The governor said the late Capt Sambo impacted positively on the Aviation sector, his family and the country.

    He prayed God to console and strengthen the family.

    A former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana, who represented the Northern Economic Summit Group (NESG), also condoled with the family.

    Prof Gana described Capt Sambo’s death as shocking.

    The former minister said the North was mourning with the family.

    He prayed God to comfort the family and give its members the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Sambo expressed appreciation to who condoled with the family.

    The vice-president said God gives and takes.

    He prayed Allah to receive his brother’s soul in al-jannah firdaous and grant journey mercies to his visitors.

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi commiserated with the vice-president on the death of Captain Yusuf Sambo (rtd).

    In a statement yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, the governor described the death of Yusuf, 58, as tragic and heart-rending.

     

    He noted that the deceased, a retired pilot, was one of the best professionals in the Aviation sector, where he served meritoriously for about two decades.

    Fayemi urged the vice president and the Sambo family to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a good life and had a positive impact on his generation.

    The loss of a loved one, the governor noted, remains one of the harsh realities human beings have to accept.

    He said such reality does not exempt anyone, irrespective of status in the society.

    Fayemi prayed God to grant the late Capt Sambo a peaceful repose and strengthen the family he left behind.

    The governor also prayed God to grant the family, associates, friends and well wishers of the late Sambo the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    “The government and good people of Ekiti State join the vice-president and his family in mourning the deceased and pray that Almighty Allah will heal the wound created by the loss,” Fayemi said.

    Abia State Governor Theodore Orji has condoled with Vice-President Sambo over the death of his younger brother, Captain Sabo Sambo.

    The governor described the late pilot as a respectful and hardworking gentleman.

    He said Capt Sambo’s death was a huge loss to the Aviation sector.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ajunwa, the governor prayed God Almighty to grant the vice-president’s family and the immediate family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Orji said: “I received the news of the demise of your immediate younger brother with shock and disbelief.

    He was a fine pilot par excellence who, until his untimely death, showed strong commitment to the Nigerian project.

    “The late Sabo’s sudden death came at a time when his wealth of experience and expertise were needed in the development of the country’s aviation industry.

    “I pray God Almighty to grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

    “Though his exit is painful but you should be comforted that he served his fatherland to the best of his ability.

    “My heart-felt sympathy also goes to the government and people of Kaduna State. They should see their son’s death as an act of God.

    “I pray that his gentle soul rest in peace.”

  • Ogbemudia shops for Edo governor

    Ogbemudia shops for Edo governor

    Former Bendel State governor Samuel Ogbemudia has begun searching for a successor for Governor Adams Oshiomhole, whose tenure ends in 2016.

    Ogbemudia, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), supported Oshiomhole’s re-election bid in 2012.

    The former governor, who visited Ohovbe Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, told the crowd to search for a responsible candidate, who will ensure sustenance of the developmental strides of the incumbent administration.

    Ogbemudia said it was time for the people to start shopping for a candidate, who will build on the legacies of the comrade governor.

    “Our brother has done well. We need somebody who will take over from him and continue the good work.”

  • Owanbe prince in Aso villa

    Owanbe prince in Aso villa

    If there is any royal father in Nigeria who does not play servile to any political office holder, be he a governor, senator or president, it is the Oba of Benin. He is a man who guards the integrity and honour of the office with ancient dexterity and pride.
    So it was out of character of the Oba that his son, who is now regarded as the crown prince, to saunter into Aso Villa and scramble for a photo opportunity with the president. Sons sometimes devalue the high prestige of their fathers, and that is in the time-honored abuse of what psychologists call the oedipal complex.
    In this case, Eheneden Erediauwa, who carries the prefix of ambassador, was not the ambassador of the great and proud Benin Kingdom when he appeared with a supine smile, all clad in white cap and white dress in photo op with President Jonathan.
    The tongues of the Benin people have been restless with wonder, asking themselves why the son of the proud and doughty Oba of Benin could go to the corridor of power to dine and wine indiscriminately with power. What was he doing there? Some have asked what kind of support was he seeking from the president?
    His father is not in the habit of leaving the glorious shadow of his palace to do obeisance to anybody. The Benin Kingdom would rather be defeated than grovel, witness the story of the Benin Resistance against the English over a century ago.
    That is the reason for the Ovonranwen Square in the city. It is a homage to the honour and pride of a race that plays no second fiddle to any potentate.
    Not long ago, the story was told of the visit of the President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to the palace in the run up to the last governorship election. With the president’s usual cavalcade of several men, vain and glorious, was the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate. The president wanted the support of the Oba. The Oba did not want to see the candidate and, according to the reports, he sent word that he could only see the president from inside one of his chambers. And so the president visited and he shunned the PDP flag bearer.
    It was a matter of principle. He did not believe in anything other than honour and competence. He endorsed the performance of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and he was not one to be intimidated by the false colour and concourse of a presidential convoy. He sent a clear and unmistakable message. He was not one to be impressed by a president when such a president did not impress his people.
    Was it not the same Oba who sent a minister out of his palace after lashing him for leaving fallow the Benin-Ore express way? So, having known the father, does the son who is called an ambassador appear like an ambassador of the man who now occupies the saddle? Nada!
    The people of Benin are wondering whether they should be preparing for an antithesis of their present Oba, an Owambe prince preening in the vortex of power in self-prophesy of his own reign?

  • Reforming ‘Oshiomhole police’

    Reforming ‘Oshiomhole police’

    As a local resident and typical of one in the hinterland of Edo State, I always watch Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS, the state government owned media outfit especially at 8pm, to monitor government programmes and polices, special announcements such as job vacancies and opportunities. I need to be informed, to avoid being deformed and more so, to track and monitor the governor on his electoral promises.

    On this particular Wednesday, I watched Governor Adams Oshiomhole as he addressed the excesses of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA). If anyone needed evidence that the cup of the agency that has long acquired the sobriquet of “Oshiomholes’ police” by reason of their highhandedness and impunity was finally full and running over, this would be it.

    The intention behind the creation of EDSTMA was certainly noble. Trust, Nigerians when it comes to obeying simple rules, regulations and instructions; we are never there except an extra-ordinary measure is employed to whip us into line. Tuke-tuke or bus drivers in Benin City are a typical example: never patient, always in a hurry oftentimes veering-off the lane to face on-coming traffic.

    In Benin, it is commonplace to find motorists, both private and commercial, drive against traffic and beat traffic lights. In fact, statistics say in every 100 vehicles that passes a traffic light, 80% of this number violate the red light rule. Oftentimes, it is not because the drivers lack education on road signs and traffic rules but rather evidence of the thriving culture of impunity and brazen disregard for law and order.

    It is against this background that “Oshiomholes’ police” is best situated. Unfortunately, theirs too became a case of curing impunity with impunity. Ifeoma Okoronkwo, a lecturer at the Department of Philosophy and Religions, University of Benin would capture the dilemma this way: “the interpretation of traffic rules by many of these officials is suspect….This is even made worse by the fact that Benin is now one huge road construction site….They can improve on their activities by simply being honest and friendly in their interactions with Benin City drivers”.

    Is anyone worried about the flagrant display of wares/goods by traders on walkways around mission road, Oba market, New Lagos Road by new Benin market area? What of the indiscriminate parking of vehicles along the major roads which constitute bottlenecks to free flow of traffic?

    This is what the “Oshiomhole police” – EDSTMA’s – is all about; to help reduce the horror caused by reckless driving in the state.

    This would partly explain the stiff resistance from the motorists and other road users. The truth is that the job of this agency is not one to be admired, fancied or coveted. And as one would imagine, the agency was not without its own internal challenges; some unpatriotic elements unfortunately found their way into the agency with the result that it became a bye-word for incivility. Indeed, the agency, until the intervention of Governor Adams Oshiomhole was fast developing into a monster. They would harass, intimidate, coerce and embarrass. Oftentimes, some over-zealous officers would attempt to wrest the steering wheel from motorists in a bid to effect arrest of traffic offenders. Crude and unconventional means were deployed to track their victims.

    Today, Governor Oshiomhole has risen to the challenge posed by the operations of the agency. Now, workers know that it is not business as usual particularly with the coming of Commissioner Orobosa Omo-Ojo, into the transportation ministry. I watched him caution officials against unruly and uncivilized means in the discharge of their duties on commuters.

    For Governor Oshiomhole, it is a case of constant admonition on the officials to be civil in dealings with traffic offenders even when an offence has been committed. Said he: “we must be civil in our methods. We must wear a smile while being firm on the issue. The important thing is to keep our eyes on the ball…You must not extort, you must not criminalise innocent people, and you must not let offenders go after extortion. If anybody beats the red light, you must arrest the person, no matter his status. If it’s the governor or deputy governor, you must arrest and interrogate him. The only person exempted from the red light rule is the President or Vice President, when they visit, in which case the road will be blocked for their easy passage”.

    While further charging them, he would note: “if you can stop and interrogate the governor for beating the red light rule, no other person is bigger in the state that you can’t stop. Anybody that contravenes the red light rule, stop him and detain him for at least two hours. Many innocent people have been crushed because someone wanted to contravene the red light rule. This must stop.

    As for their deplorable methods, the governor was unequivocal: “I speak the minds of Edo people when I say that many people have been victims of your very crude and harsh traffic management methods. When you misbehave, as some of you do, people in anger dismiss you as Oshiomhole police. I have no police. In fact, I am one of the few, who have spoken out against state police. I am commended for so many things, but not so many people have commended me for this particular intervention, even as you have come into existence to help control traffic.”

    Edo people are unanimous on the need to assist Governor Oshiomhole in the cleaning of the agency’s Aegean stable.  The governor has restored our confidence that government works for the benefit of the people and for the general good. He has also shown that he is that leader who will act as an agent of positive change as exemplified by his polices and programmes.

    With Oshiomhole, the feeling that development and progress is anathema or alien to Edo State has finally been laid to rest. The proof is in the monumental and landmark achievements and strides in infrastructure and human capital development recorded in just over five years of his government.  Now, more than ever, we need to assist the administration to succeed and to leave a lasting legacy. We are all involved or else we may all become victims of our undoing. To the extent that the agency is also a window – a mirror – into the activities of the government, it must constantly shun and avoid everything that could bring government into disrepute in the course of its duties.

    • Onaivi sent in this piece from Igarra, Akoko Edo local government.

  • Oshiomhole protests PHCN ‘extortion’

    Oshiomhole protests PHCN ‘extortion’

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has kicked against the N750 monthly fixed charge collected by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

    He said it amounts to extortion and exploitation of electricity consumers.

    The governor spoke at a meeting with the management team of BEDC, led by Mrs Funke Osibodu, the Benin Forum, led by Chief David Edebiri and Civil Society Organisations.

    “Madam, you will recall the day I first received you in my office. I think I mentioned that it is important that you improve on your service delivery to consumers and failure to do so will spark off a revolt from consumers. This is exactly what is happening today.

    “As the people’s representative, I cannot be quiet because it is certain that what is being done in Edo does not exist in other states.”

  • Oshiomhole begins training

    Oshiomhole begins training

    A head of the second edition of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race slated for May 3, 2014, governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has begun training.

    Oshiomhole, who resumed training in the hilly Iyamoh/Ayua community, is being grilled by ex-international athlete, Yusuf Ali who doubles as the technical director of the Okpekpe Road Race.

    Oshiomhole was put through a three kilometres road walk before travelling a few days ago and he has since resumed training.

    A source close to the governor said Oshiomhole undergoes 10 kilometres training and he is ready to pick one of the star prizes this year.

    “Last year, which was the first edition, the governor took the 131st position. This year he is well prepared and ready to be among the first ten positions,” the source said.

    Meanwhile, residents of over six communities including Auchi are eagerly awaiting the second edition of the 10km Road Race which they said had brought life and economic activities to their communities.

    Usman Lawal, a food vendor in the area, said last year’s edition of the Okpekpe Race turned his life around.

    “Oga, last year, I made a lot of money. Now I am able to expand my business. May God bless the initiators of the programme.”

     

  • ‘We’ve assigned roles to women’

    ‘We’ve assigned roles to women’

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said women now have more roles in his administration.

    The governor spoke at an event to mark the International Women’s Day yesterday in Benin City.

    He urged women to liberate themselves from “mental slavery.’’

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, the governor called on the women to get quality education to attain their rightful place in the society.

    Oshiomhole urged women to stop playing second fiddle and adapt to modern trends.

    State Chairperson of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NAWOJ) Mrs. Amina Eboh decried the upsurge of sexual abuse of children and rape cases and called for relevant laws to be reviewed to discourage offenders.

    She said women should begin to conceptualise ideas to help to achieve 35 per cent gender affirmation.

     

  • Communities shut oil coy operation over NDDC appointment

    Communities shut oil coy operation over NDDC appointment

    Four communities in Orhionmwon local government area of Edo State have shut down the operation of Seplat Petroleum Development Company over non-appointment of the Edo State representative into the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The NDDC board was inaugurated in December last year but political bickering had since stalled the appointment of Edo State representative.

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole had nominated Barr. Henry Okhuarobo, but the protesting communities sent the name of one Barr. Courage Enofe while leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state sent several names.

    The protesting communities which comprised Ikobi, Iguelaba, Oben and Obozogbe-nugu stormed the company gate with placards bearing several inscriptions.

    Security was beefed up along the road leading to where the flow stations and oil well heads are located.

    The protest march followed a letter written to the Commander, 19 Battalion, Koko in Delta State dated March 6, 2014 in which the communities resolve to shut down flow stations in their locality.

    Secretary of Oben Community, Comrade Johnbull Omokaro, said Oben flow station contributes about 95 percent of oil and gas produced in the state.

    Comrade Omokaro said the appointment of their son would bring succour to what they have suffered in the past.

    He said, “We have not gotten anybody appointed into positions of such nature. We want our son from this locality to be appointed. That will go in line with the act that established the NDDC.”

    Chief Friday Omoragbon, the Onobare of Oben said there was nothing in the communities to show there was oil and gas in the land.

    He said they were at the flow station to alert the operating company of a possible shut down of their activities if their nominee was not appointed.

    However, Prince Thomas Isibor, Secretary of Obozogbe described the youths that sealed up NDDC office in Benin City, as political errand boys hired to demand for the appointment of an individual.

    A staff of the company, who would not be named, however, said they were carrying out routine maintenance on their facilities which was why the company was not operational during the protest.