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Tag: Deputy Governor

  • Imo impeachment saga: Abuja moves to save Madumere

    Following protests against Imo State House of Assembly’s moves to impeach the State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, there are fresh moves by powerful forces in Imo and Abuja to frustrate the move, reports Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu

    SINCE the Imo State House of Assembly formally served an impeachment notice to the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, on Tuesday this week, the battle of supremacy between his supporters and those of his principal, Governor Rochas Okorocha, has assumed a new dimension. Today, top officials of the Federal Government in Abuja, according to our sources, have intervened to frustrate the move and save the embattled deputy governor.

    The notice, in which the lawmakers accused the Deputy Governor of gross misconduct, was servQed on Madumere through substituted means (newspaper publications) in Owerri. It was signed by the Speaker, Acho Ihim and 13 other lawmakers, including Ugonna Ozuruigbo (Nwangele), Chinedu Offor (Onuimo), Ikechukwu Amuka (Ideato South ),  Lawrence Duruji (Ehime Mbano), Uche Ejiogu (Ihite Uboma), Henry Ezediaro (Oguta), Maxwell Odunze (Orlu), Lloyd Chukwuemeka (Owerri North), Chika Madumere (Nkwerre),  Uju Onwudiwe (Njaba),  Ngozi Obiefule (Isu), Victor Onyewuchi (Owerri west),  and Arthur Egwim (Ideato North).

    Months before the lawmakers’ latest action, alleged plan to remove the Deputy Governor over new calculations for the 2019 governorship race had dominated interest amongst observers of Imo State politics. It dates back to initial speculation that Okorocha had resolved to support his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, to succeed him as against his deputy, Madumere, who many had over the years seen as Okorocha’s choice. The matter had generated so much tension until the governor finally made the declaration publicly.

    That declaration marked the final parting of ways between the two close associates as Madumere, citing the interest of his people, insisted on contesting for the governorship position on the ticket of APC, in spite of Okorocha’s decision.

    The initial negotiation: Senate or governorship?

    The Nation gathered that before the hitherto close associates finally parted ways, Okorocha had the burden of settling his political family, especially his deputy, who, we gathered, was the real coordinator of the political family since Okorocha came to power. Sources within the family confided that the issue of what to give Madumere was a very difficult subject even for Owelle. At a point, the source said, the governor toyed with the idea of settling Madumere with the Owerri Senatorial ticket, as a way of making way for Nwosu. “That idea did not work because Madumere with other important Owerri stakeholders and many others, who supported the deputy governor within the family, saw it as an unfair deal and so they probably advised Madumere not to accept the offer. This development deepened the crack as the governor viewed the attitude of the deputy and the concerned members of the family as a direct challenge to his authority as the leader,” he said.

    Considering the proximity of the impeachment saga to the failed settlement negotiations, it seems the result was the plan to cut the deputy governor to size through formal impeachment. But our source explained that some lawmakers vehemently opposed the idea, leading to the intrigues that preceded the service of the impeachment notice. It would be recalled that while the two sides were still denying any knowledge or plan to impeach Madumere, five lawmakers, known to be his supporters, were suspended in very controversial circumstances. After the first four lawmakers, were suspended, another one was finally suspended, bringing the number of pro-Madumere lawmakers suspended to five. At this stage, it became clear that the state House of Assembly was set to impeach the Deputy Governor.

    So, when on Tuesday, this week, the lawmakers served the impeachment notice to Madumere, in spite of the subsisting legal battles over the matter, a new round of intrigues and efforts to save the deputy governor commenced.

    Madumere’s response

    Madumere had since responded to the allegation in a statement signed by Uche Onwuchekwa, the Special Assistant/CPS to the Deputy Governor of Imo State. The statement reads: “The office of the Deputy Governor of Imo State has received the notice of gross misconduct circulating round the State and shared in various platforms on the social media signed by 13 members of Imo State House of Assembly that bothers on the following:

    1. Absence without official reason or permission duly obtained from office for a period of three (3) months.
    2. Failure to perform any of the constitutional function of Office of Deputy Governor of Imo State, including but not limited to:
    3. Failure/refusal to attend constitutionally mandated proceedings of the State Executive Council;
    4. Failure/refusal to attend constitutional mandated proceedings of the State Security Council.
    5. Refusal to attend, and to hold meetings with the Governor and Commissioners of the Government of Imo State for the governance of Imo State made compulsory by and under S.193 (2) of the 1999 Constitution
    6. Concealment of felonious conduct affecting the presentation of self as eligible candidate of Office of Deputy Governor, Imo State, having been convicted and imprisoned for theft in the United States of America.

    We hereby respond as follows:

    1. The first claim of absence is rather an old ploy of calling a dog a bad name to hang it. Fortunately, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere is an administrator per excellence who does not joke with his duties, especially his constitutional responsibilities. As such, he has never absconded from office the period so claimed. He is constitutionally saddled with the responsibilities of superintending Boundary Commission. By our records, the Deputy Governor of Imo State has never abdicated from such responsibility. Considering the period under review People of Umuoma of Ihitte-Uboma local government, Ihube of Okigwe local government among others can testify of the Deputy Governor’s sagacity in crises resolution with particular reference to April 11, April 16 2018.

    His Excellency also participated in one day retreat for Stakeholders in the management of Nigeria boundaries, which held in the Airforce Conference Center, Abuja on May 7, 2018 in the company of the Surveyor General of the State and the Principal Secretary to the Deputy Governor.

    1. A. Refusal to attend Constitutional mandated proceedings of the State Executive Council is also one of the allegations that cannot stand any administrative procedure. There are laid down procedures through which a Deputy Governor or any member of the executive Council can be invited for Executive council meeting. We hereby state that the Deputy Governor has never been invited for such meetings either through a memo or any official notices and thereby cannot stand against the deputy governor with the period in review.
    2. As stated above, the Deputy Governor can only attend a meeting he is officially invited to and he is no spirit to know when meetings are slated except he is duly informed.
    3. Refusal to attend, and to hold meetings with the Governor is to say the least another exercise in triviality as the Deputy Governor cannot force himself on the Governor, especially when he has been tagged a pariah in the Government circle. We state here that Governor Okorocha has never created such opportunity to meet with the Deputy Governor to discuss the programmes and activities of the Government other than the once we embarrassingly hear by the road side and other sources. To this extent, where the Deputy Governor’s inputs are needed, there are right procedures through which he could be reached either through his Principle Secretary and other principal officers or directly to the Deputy Governor.
    4. The most embarrassing, among the spurious allegations, is the annoying allegation of concealment of felonious conduct affecting the presentation of self as eligible candidate of office of Deputy Governor of Imo State. This is not only astonishing but an extreme show of lack of due diligence. The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, has never been convicted of any civil matter let alone theft.

    We are pained to state that two times the Deputy Governor had to go through the pains of losing his freedom in detention were all in the course of saving Owelle Rochas Okorocha from public disgrace. He rather had to carry Okorocha’s cross and bore his shame. It will be recalled that Prince Madumere shortly after Achike Udenwa’s victory at the polls in 1999 where he had to face contempt of Court for failure to make it to the court. He was in detention in the United States for about one month all because he was delayed by Governor Okorocha. To the glory of God, Prince Madumere was acquitted of any wrong doing.

    The second time he had to stoop that Governor Okorocha may be spared of the humiliation of getting incarcerated, Prince Madumere again yielded and was detained for almost two months on phony charges, which he also been absolved of all charges.”

    Fresh moves to save Madumere

    Soon after the ‘newspaper’ notice was published, supporters of the deputy governor took to the streets to formally protest the move and seek ways of stopping the impeachment. They took over the streets of Owerri as early as 6 am, singing various anti-Okorocha songs, even as they accused the governor of masterminding what they described as kangaroo charges against his deputy.

    They carried placards with various inscriptions such as, “Okorocha leave Madumere alone;” “Okorocha, must you foist your son-in-law on Imo people?”; “We are in a democracy not in ‘familiocracy;’” “We say no to Okorocha’s third term agenda;” “APC will not accept the imposition of family candidate;” “NWC, rise up before we lose Imo to PDP;” and “We appeal to President Buhari to intervene in Imo situation.”

    “Okorocha controls the House as his personal estate, without reference to the feelings and aspirations of the citizenry,” they said.

    They said Madumere was innocent of the charges levelled against him. It was the first formal effort to frustrate the move.

    Though the impeachment notice, titled, ‘Notice of gross misconduct,’ alleged that the deputy governor had “concealment of felonious conduct affecting the presentation of self as an eligible candidate of office of deputy governor, Imo State, having been convicted and imprisoned for theft in the United States of America,” among other charges, the protesters declared Madumere innocent, accusing the lawmakers of abandoning their legitimate duties to do the bidding of the governor. They also described the move against Madumere as a grave injustice, saying that the allegations were trumped up charges aimed at impeaching the deputy governor for daring to oppose Okorocha’s position to install his son-in-law as the next governor of the state.

    Not impressed by the demonstration, the House, during its Wednesday’s sitting, however ordered the Clerk, Chris Duru, to write the state Chief Judge, Paschal Nnadi, to probe the allegations and ascertain if the deputy governor was guilty of gross misconduct as contained in the petition signed by 13 members of the House.

    They also described the state House of Assembly as the worst Imo had ever had, calling it a mere rubber stamp in the hand of Okorocha.

    They also described the state House of Assembly as the worst Imo had ever had, calling it a mere rubber stamp in the hand of Okorocha.

    Aside the protesters in Owerri; Prince Madumere has received support from unlikely quarters. In Imo, most of the outstanding members of the opposition have openly spoken in support of the deputy governor, a development some observers describe as a signal that if the lawmakers succeeds in impeaching Madumere, there may be major alliance between the state APC and some major opposition parties and leaders to battle Okorocha.

    Senator Victor Umeh’s decision to add his voice to the growing opposition, according Chief Christian Uba, has further expanded Madumere’s support beyond Imo. But in Imo, prominent leaders like former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Chief Zeek-Martins Nnadozie and former Governor Ikedi Ohakin are among prominent Imolites that had openly berated Okorocha and the House of Assembly over the impeachment moves. They described it as undemocratic.

    Ihedioha alleged that the impeachment process was masterminded by the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha. According to him, Okorocha’s interest in Madumere’s impeachment was because Madumere had expressed desire to contest the state governorship which was contrary to Okorocha’s preference for his in-law, Uche Nwosu. “This unfortunate development is particularly alarming and indeed worrisome to all the advocate and defenders of democracy and the rule of law.

    “It is therefore, incontrovertible that this move, being undertaken by Governor Okorocha and Imo House of Assembly is a colossal assault on all known democratic tenets, including freedom of choice, freedom of association and the right of an individual to aspire to any political position in the land.”

    A source close to the Imo State Government House, who confirmed the intervention of the presidency on Friday said it is certain that the planned impeachment has been stalled. “It cannot hold again. This is because the presidency has intervened. The presidency is of the view that the allegations against the deputy governor were not proved and so he cannot be impeached on the basis of such spurious allegations. They believe he is innocent. According to the them, ‘the man has not been found wanting, so why must he be impeached at this point, considering the likely implication of that action on the party’s fortunes in 2019.”

    Asked if the PDP and APGA leaders in Imo and Anambra states, who are also against the move are working with the presidency on this matter, the source said: “No! They can’t be working together but it is just that what is not justifiably cannot be justified. The Imo PDP and APGA leaders opposing Okorocha on this matter simply see an opportunity to get at him ahead of the 2019 elections. This is what the APC leaders from Abuja may have seen and have therefore decided to intervene,” he said.

    The source however revealed that it is not the Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee of APC that is intervening now to stop the impeachment. According to him, “The new National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has so far shown no interest in resolving the matter. He has not made any concrete move to intervene. The people working hard now to stop the matter and save Madumere from the impeachment move are directly from the presidency. I am not allowed to name them. But they are the ones that are concerned to save APC in Imo. They have said that the House should not continue with the impeachment since the Chief Judge has not constituted the required committee and since there seem to be no justifiable reason to commence the process.”

  • Ocean Surge: Ondo cries out, seeks FG’s aid

    …says problem beyond us

     

     

    Ondo State Government Tuesday made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to come to its aid on the incessant surge from Atlantic Ocean.

    The development has caused damage at Ayetoro community in Ilaje local government area of the state as more than 25 buildings including the only secondary school in the oil producing community have been submerged.

    Similarly, over 200 persons are now homeless.

    The Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, who represented the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, made the appeal after inspecting the damage caused by the surge in Ayetoro.

    Read Also:Flood sacks hundreds in Ondo riverine community

    Agboola, accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ifedayo Abegunde, Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Funso Esan and the Chairman of OSOPADEC, Gbenga Edema, sympathised with the residents, particularly with those that are directly affected by the sea incursion.

    He lamented the loss of houses and property to the disaster, urging the Federal Government to do more in the protection of the oil producing community.

    The Deputy Governor, a former member of the House of Representatives and chairman House Committee on NDDC said only modern technology could put an end to the crisis.

    He said “I remember when I was at the House of Representatives, I personally led member of the NDDC to this community and I also traveled to Netherlands to look at the modern technology which we felt it would have been able to solve the problem.

    “As I am here now, you should know that Ondo State is here, the SSG is here, Chairman Ilaje local government is here, we are all here.

    “As a matter of fact, the Governor would have been here personally but he is away with Mr. President in Netherland. He directed us to be here today to express our feeling, to assess the level of damage and look for best way to prevent future occurrence.

    “Certainly you can see this has gone beyond Ondo State government. We will make noise and let the whole world knows that Ayetoro is in danger, Ondo State is in danger and the federal government should rescue this oil producing community.

    “Probably what they did in Lagos will solve this problem. Look at Eko Atlantic city, this was able to stop this sea incursion and people are able to drive freely and not only this, they are even building houses on top of the sea.

    “Like what the community said, they are about three kilometers away now, a lot of houses have been eroded, children cannot go to school. So we are worried but we are assuring our people that we will not relent on our efforts to stop this disaster”.

  • Bauchi gets new deputy governor

    Bauchi State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed Audu Sule Katagum as Bauchi State Deputy Governor.

    The confirmation was made at a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Honourable Kawuwa Shehu Damina, on Friday.

    Before his new appointment, Katagum was the Chief of Staff, Government House, Bauchi. He was nominated by Governor Mohammed Abubakar in June, after wide consultation with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

  • Edo monarchs at war over land

    There is a looming war between Uzairue and Auchi communities in Estako West local government area over alleged unprintable words used by the Otaru of Auchi, HRH Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III on the state Deputy Governor, Hon Philip Shaibu.

    The lingering crisis between both communities was said to be over a parcel of land on which the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) installed its sub-station.

    It was gathered that the TCN sub-stations could not be installed for over three years following ownership of the disputed land between‎ both communities until the intervention of the State Government.

    The Otaru of Auchi was said to have worked out on Hon Shaibu after using unsavoury utterances when he was at Auchi to represent Governor Godwin Obaseki to mark the Muslims celebration of Sallah last Friday.

    Read Also:Robbers kill musician in Edo

    Peeved by the abuse of one its prominent subjects, the Ogieneni of Uzairue, HRH Kadiri Imonikhe Omogbai IV, in a statement he personally signed warned that “the Uzairue will resist any attempt from the palace of the Otaru to rubbish, embarrass, hurt or tarnish the image of Shaibu”.

    The Ogieneni stated that the utterances of the Otaru of Auchi was aimed at embarrassing Shaibu.

    He said the friendly and accommodating nature must not be taken for granted by the Otaru of Auchi.

    The Ogieneni of Uzairue insisted that the land on which the TCN sub-station is cited belongs to the Uzairue saying it was unthinkable for any community, not even Auchi Kingdom to lay claim to the said land.

    He said the community released it because the State Government needed it for the good of the Etsako and the Afemai people in general.

    According to him, “In as much as we are very ready to live in peace with our neighbours, the Uzairue are not ready to yield an inch of their God-given land to any community not even Auchi.

    “We want to call on the state government and relevant security agencies to check the excesses of the Otaru of Auchi and his unguarded and overzealous palace Chiefs to avert the breakdown of law and order in the local government”.

    ‎In his reaction, the Otaru of Auchi, Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, said the Ogieneni “has right to do what he should do.

    “That right is given to man by God. I won’t join issues with him. I want to wait to see what Government will do”.

    The Otaru added that he has great love for his community and does not want any ‎of his subjects to die over land.

    “Government has the duty and responsibility to investigate. Government cannot judge without looking at the evidence. If Government does that that would be injustice,” the Otaru said.

  • Ekiti 2018: 40 candidates to battle for governorship seat

    …Two women among candidates published by INEC

    A total number of 40 candidates on the platforms of various political parties are to contest for the governorship seat of Ekiti State on July 14.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday published the names of candidates who emerged from the primaries conducted by their parties.

    Their names were forwarded to the electoral umpire to beat the May 15 deadline for the receipt of candidates’ names.

    The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is fielding the incumbent Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola while Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi is running on the platform of the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Two women are among the candidates jostling for the Ekiti governorship seat. They are: Mrs. Margaret Ilesanmi of Accord (A) and Olajumoke Saheed Democratic Alternative (DA).

    Read Also:Ekiti 2018: INEC promises not to compromise standard

    Published on the list are: Comrade Shola Omolola of Action Alliance (AA), Mr. Lawrence Ogundipe of Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD), Dr. Jide Ayenibiowo of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Mr. Olaniyi Agboola of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Chief Ayodele David Adesua of African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Also on the list are Otunba Segun Adewale of Action Democratic Party (ADP), Mr. Lucas Arubuloye of AGA, Mr. Stephen Oribamise of All Grand Alliance Party (AGAP), Rev. Tunde Afe of Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Malam Saheed Jimoh of African People’s Alliance (APA), Mr. Tope Adebayo of Advanced People’s Democratic Alliance (APDA) and Evangelist Gbenga Adekunle of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Prince Adegboye Ajayi is representing Better Nigeria People’s Party (BNPP), Mr. Olalekan Olanrewaju of Democratic People’s Congress (DPC), Pastor Stephen Oladejo of Democratic People’s Party (DPP), Mr. Adewale Akinyele of GPN, Mr. Tosin Ajibare of Independent Democrats (ID) and Temitope Amuda of Kowa Party (KP).

    Former Deputy Governor, Dr. Sikiru Lawal of Labour Party (LP), Mr.Olabode Jegede of Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN), Mr. Sunday Balogun of Mega Progressive People’s Party (MPPP), Comrade Sunday Ogundana of National Conscience Party (NCP), Former Senator, Dr. Bode Olowoporoku Nigeria Democratic Congress Party (NDCP) and another ex-Deputy Governor, Chief Adebisi Omoyeni of PANDEF are on the ballot.

    The list also include Mr. Ayoyinka Dada of PDC, Mr. Goke Animasaun of Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA), Mr. Stephen Obasanmi of Providence People’s Congress (PPC), Mr. Ebenezer Ogunsakin of People’s Party of Nigeria (PPN), Mr. Akinloye Ayegbusi of Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    The names of Dr. Olusegun Adeleye of United Democratic Party (UDP), Mr. Femi Bade-Gboyega of Unity Partyof Nigeria (UPN), Mr. Ayodeji Faokorede of Young Democratic Party  (YDP) and Mr. Temitope Omotayo of Young Progressive Party (YPP) were also listed as candidates.

  • Oshiomhole’s legacy made Edo APC congresses peaceful – Deputy Governor

    EDO State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, says the state had peaceful ward congresses because former governor, Adams Oshiomhole, returned democracy to the people. Shaibu who spoke to reporters in Benin City, said members of the APC had been imbibed with the spirit of carrying out consultations before going into any contest.

    The deputy governor said the journey to the conduct of peaceful congresses started in 2008 when Oshiomhole took over governance in the state. According to him: “Oshiomhole was able to take the party to a level where everything became organised and peaceful and where respect was observed across the state.

    “Democracy was returned to the people and the party members understand that you don’t do things without consultation with the people. The idea of relating with the people and letting them make their input is what we have consolidated and it was shown in the congresses. “Everybody has to make input and if you say you want to go into full congress, people have to come out to contest. If you want to go into consensus, it means all stakeholders must agree on one person. That ability must be seen to be free without any bias. That is what we have done.”

  • Over 3,000 repentant bandits surrender weapons in Zamfara, says deputy governor

    No fewer than 3,000 repentant bandits have surrendered their arms at the instance of the state’s Dialogue, Reconciliation and Disarmament Committee, Deputy Governor Ibrahim Wakkala said yesterday.

    Wakkala who is the committee chairman spoke in Gusau at an interactive session with the Governor Dave Umahi-led National Economic Council (NEC) Committee on Farmers/Herdsmen Clashes.

    The NEC committee was in Zamfara on a fact-finding mission over insecurity challenges faced by the state where 31 people were killed by hoodlums during a recent attack on some villages.

    The deputy governor said that the committee also succeeded in restoring peace and stability among communities in the state.

    “With these efforts, our communities are now leaving peacefully and cooperating with security agencies in sustaining peace in the state,” he said.

    “Our economic activities at local communities who were displaced are now improved, our local markets are now functioning.”

    The deputy governor commended the state government, security agencies and traditional rulers and all other stakeholders for their efforts.

    Also exchanging views with the visiting committee members, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Alhaji Sanusi Rikiji, said that 1,321 people have been killed and 1,881 others injured in bandits attacks in the state over the last seven years.

    One hundred and eighty-five cars and motorcycles were lost to the attacks during the same period, he said.

    Rikiji, who is the Chairman of the state government Damage, Assessment and Relief Committee, added that over 10,000 cattle were lost to rustling and 2,688 hectares of farm lands and 10,000 houses were destroyed within the period under review.

    The speaker said the state government established the committee to ascertain the number of dead and injured persons as well as properties lost to banditry and cattle rustling with the aim of assisting victims.

    “Within the period under review, the state government has, through the committee, spent huge amount of money in providing cash, food items, as well as assistance to families of deceased, and sponsoring medical bills to victims of disasters in the state,” he said.

    In his remarks, Gov. Abdul’aziz Yari urged the federal government to address the problems of shortage of security personnel in the state which he described as the major challenge to government efforts in tackling insecurity in the state. He said the state, with over four million people, has only 2,000 policemen, 315 soldiers, 400 mobile policemen and less than 100 Air Force personnel which he described as ‘highly inadequate’.

    In his response, the Chairman of the visiting committee and Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Dave Umahi, thanked the state government and all stakeholders who contributed during the meeting.

    He said that the committee had identified major issues concerning security challenges in the state and would present its findings to the federal government for further actions.

    Various stakeholders including farmers/herdsmen associations, women groups, members of the National Assembly, Council of Ulama and vigilance groups presented papers at the meeting.

     

  • Ugborodo community accuses deputy governor of supporting enemies

    Ugborodo community accuses deputy governor of supporting enemies

    •Allegations untrue, says Otuaro’s aide

    Ugborodo community crisis worsened yesterday, as the Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC) accused Delta State Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro of working against the Itsekiri.

    Spokesman Comrade Alex Eyengho, in a message to The Nation in Warri, alleged that the deputy governor, an Ijaw, connived with the Olaja-Orori (Spiritual Head) of Ugborodo community, Benson

    Omadeli, to get security operatives withdrawn from the community.

    Reacting to the allegations, an aide

    of the deputy governor, who spoke in confidence, said they were incoherent, considering that the crisis in Ugborodo, as well as the rebellion of the people against the over-lordship of the Olu of Warri were old, well documented and none of the deputy governor’s business.

    Eyengho, who had in an earlier statement indicated that the security operation carried out in the community last Saturday, which claimed a life, was authorised by the Federal and Delta State governments, following a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) by administrative organs of the community, alleged that the deputy governor was working with Omadeli to perfect his rebellion against the Warri crown and get crowned in Ugborodo.

    He enjoined Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and security agencies to be aware of the development.

    Eyengho said: “According to a reliable information at our disposal, Deputy Governor Otuaro is the number one enemy of the Itsekiri and Olu of Warri. He is doing everything, without the knowledge of Governor Okowa, to withdraw the policemen stationed in Ugborodo to maintain law and order after displacing the criminals.

    “His plan is to facilitate the return of Benson Dube Omadeli and his criminal gang so that  fugitive Dube will be crowned as king. We urge Governor Okowa to call his deputy to order. The Army, Navy, DSS and other security agencies should be on red alert and secure life and property. Otherwise, we shall do everything to protect ourselves and defend the integrity and dignity of Ugborodo.”

    When reached to get the deputy governor’s response, his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Bolou Kosin, said a statement would soon be issued to state the deputy governor’s response.

    Another source close to the deputy governor, who preferred anonymity, described the allegations as unimaginable, considering that the matter he was accused of meddling in, dated to the time when he was not a deputy governor.

    The source said none of the Itsekiri issues were his private concern.

    He said: “I find it funny that people are linking the development happening in Ugborodo to the deputy governor. You will recall that years ago, The Nation reported the crisis revolving round this management committee, which led to deaths. Then Deputy Governor Otuaro wasn’t even in power. This crisis has been there since. It even reared its ugly head when the deputy governor visited the community during his committee’s advocacy tours and took some people in the team to resolve it.

    “Are they now saying that it is the deputy governor who generated this crisis? People should not tarnish the deputy governor’s image by linking him to a crisis he knows nothing about. It is improper. Don’t forget that it was the people who said they have never been part of Warri Kingdom.

    Was that also said by the deputy governor? This argument has been there for ages, probably before the deputy governor was even born. It is unimaginable that the deputy governor is being drawn into this.”

     

  • Obaseki inaugurates committee on privatisation, commercialisation

    Obaseki inaugurates committee on privatisation, commercialisation

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated a 10-man Technical Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation (TCPC), which will take inventory of all non-operational enterprises owned by the state government and provide guidelines for their privatisation and commercialisation.

    The committee to be chaired by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu, was inaugurated on Tuesday, by the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

    Obaseki noted that the TCPC will “carry-out due diligence on the Uromi Cassava Factory; review and end the previous process for the sale of the factory and carry-out actions that will ensure the selection of capable investors for the uptake of the factory.”

    Obaseki said, “The objectives of the committee will include visits to sites of the state-owned enterprises to identify enterprises that require urgent restructuring through commercialisation, privatisation or partnership. It will carry out due diligence on the status of the identified enterprises.

    He added, “The TCPC will make recommendations for the review of the TCPC law and appoint the Public Private Partnership Office as a standing and Adhoc Committee to facilitate the performance of its functions.

    Chairman, TCPC, Rt. Hon. Shaibu, represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh, expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to support the economic agenda of state government.

    He said, “The committee will put their best in discharging its duties in line with the provision of the Law and economic agenda of Obaseki’s administration. We will be transparent in our engagements.”

    Other members of the committee include, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Kabiru Adjoto; Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Osagie Inegbedion; Commissioner for Infrastructure, Hon. Osahon Amiolemen; Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh; and the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Prof (Mrs.) Yinka Omorogbe.

    Others include, a Director in the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, who will act as Secretary of the committee; Mr. George Etomi, of Etomi and Partners; Mr. Olu Akpata, Templars Law firm and Mr. Cephas Afebuameh, Supply Chain and Operations Director, Suntory Beverage and Food Nigeria.

  • 2019: 10 jostle for Kano deputy governor

    2019: 10 jostle for Kano deputy governor

    Barely 24 hours after Kano State Deputy Governor Hafiz Abubakar declared that he would not contest in 2019, over 10 people have shown interest in the position.

    Those vying for the job include two vice chancellors; two members of the State Executive Council; a professor of over 15 years; and a retired federal permanent secretary.

    A principal member of the House of Assembly, who pleaded for anonymity, said he had received calls from top indigenes, advising him to sponsor a motion to impeach Abubakar.

    He said: “Since the deputy governor declared his intention not to recontest in 2019, I have received over 50 phone calls, asking me to support his impeachment.

    In fact, when I spoke to some members, they confirmed receiving phone calls.

    “Though I may not know his reason for making such a declaration, I view it as unfortunate and a dent to his image. If he feels he is no longer interested to serve the people, the honourable thing to do was to resign and allow others, who are more capable, to continue.

    “From what he said and his manner of presentation, he has given the wrong impression that all is not well between him and the governor, which is not true.

    “Everybody knows that Governor Ganduje gave him a free hand to operate. For all I know, he has never been sidelined, so only him can explain his reasons for betraying the people’s mandate.”

    Efforts to reach Ganduje were unsuccessful

    Commissioner for Information, Youths and Culture, Muhammad Garba did not pick his calls.

    Abubakar, on Tuesday, said he won’t contest in 2019 with Governor Ganduje.