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Tag: Dr. Pius Odubu

  • SERAP faults N300m mansion bill for Oshiomhole, deputy

    SERAP faults N300m mansion bill for Oshiomhole, deputy

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the N300 million mansion retirement benefits for immediate past governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, and his former deputy, Dr Pius Odubu, and called on governor Godwin Obaseki to “immediately withdraw the bill, and use the funds to clear the backlog of pension arrears spanning between seven and 45 months.”

    This is contained in a statement by the right group on Thursday, following reports of amendment of Law for Pension Rights of the Governor and Deputy Governor by the Edo State House of Assembly, with the immediate past governor and deputy governor expected to be some of the beneficiaries.

    The new amendment contains the provision of residential buildings worth N200m and N100m for the governor and his deputy at the expiration of their tenures. The bill also provides that the buildings could be sited in any location of their choice.

    In the statement dated 17 November 2016, SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni said: “Coming at a time the Edo State government can’t even pay its pensioners and salaries of workers, the amendment by the Edo State House of Assembly is immoral, unfair, unconstitutional, unreasonable, and a rip-off on a massive scale. Governor Obasaki must reject this grotesque bill if he’s to fulfil his election promises and lift millions of Edo State pensioners out of extreme poverty.

    “This so-called proposed legislation means that millions of Edo pensioners and workers will have to fund the massive and unjust pensions for former governor Oshiomhole and his deputy and others that will come after them.”

    The statement reads in part: “Many of the retirees whose pensions have not been paid have been evicted from their apartments due to their inability to pay their rents‎. According to SERAP’s information, one of such retirees is Ihama Friday who at 60 is now squatting with friends. Another pensioner Osa-Aighobarueghia who retired as a headteacher continues to live a life of debts because the Edo State government has refused to pay her 30 months’ pension benefits.

    “SERAP is aware that the Edo State government is not the only state passing such obnoxious pension laws to provide outrageous retirement benefits to former governors and deputy governors and that many of them are already in the National Assembly receiving multiple benefits and putting their personal bank accounts ahead of the common good. SERAP is finalising a comprehensive legal strategy to challenge these unjust laws and to name and shame those who continue to benefit from such laws.

    “Nigerians should not be made to subsidise these bloated pensions and clearly undeserved perks. Governor Obaseki should not see disadvantaged Nigerians and poor pensioners according to Orwell’s Animal Farm dictum: ‘All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others’. Approving the amendment by the Edo State House of Assembly will amount to a fundamental breach of the governor’s constitutional oath declaration to serve the interest of justice, common good, transparency and accountability.

    “SERAP is appalled by this apparently unfair and discriminatory law. There is absolutely no justification for such law at a time the pensions systems across the country are in poor shape, and pensioners continue to be denied the fruit of their labour. Former governors and their deputies can’t lawfully give to themselves a steady stream of public funds for life at a time millions of pensioners including in Edo State face cut to their pension schemes and remain in poverty without any state support.”

  • Edo Assembly approves N200m house for Oshiomhole

    Edo Assembly approves N200m house for Oshiomhole

    …Deputy gets N100m building 

     

     

    Edo State House of Assembly has amended the “2007 Pension Rights of the Governor and Deputy Governor Law” to provide a residential building worth N200million for the immediate past governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

     

    The amended also provided N100million worth of house to his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu.

     

    Oshiomhole left office last Saturday after the end of his tenure.

     

    If the amended law is assented to by Governor Godwin Obaseki, the former governor and his deputy stand to enjoy the pension benefit of residential buildings worth N200 million and N100 million.

     

    The provision of the residential building was the only amendment to the law.

     

    Both the former governor and his deputy are to have the residential buildings worth N200 million and N100 million in any location of their choice in Nigeria.

     

    According to the bill with the subhead titled, “provision of a house” read thus; a house in a location of choice in Nigeria of the Governor provided that the total cost of building the house shall not be in excess of 200 million naira while 100 million naira for the deputy governor.

     

    Other benefits to be enjoyed by former governors in the state are, a pension for life at a rate equivalent to 100 percent of his last annual salary in addition to an officer not above salary grade level 12 as Special Assistant, a personal secretary not below grade level 10 who shall be selected by the former governors from the public service of Edo state.

     

    Former governors are also entitled to have two cooks, two armed policemen as security, three vehicles to be bought by the State Government and liable to be replaced every five years, three drivers who shall be selected by the former governor and paid by the state government as well as free medical treatment for the governor and his immediate family.

     

    Former deputy governors are entitled to 100 percent of their last annual salary as pension, a personal staff not above salary grade level 12 as Special Assistant, a personal secretary not below grade level 09 who shall be selected by the former deputy governor from the public service of the state, a cook, two policemen as security.

     

    Two vehicles bought by the state government and liable to be replaced every five years are to be provided, two drivers who shall be selected by former deputy governors and paid by the state government and free medical treatment for them and their immediate family.

  • Odubu denies rift with Oshiomhole

    Odubu denies rift with Oshiomhole

    The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr Pius Odubu has denied having an altercation with the Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, over the shift in the Governorship election from September 10 to September 28.

    In a statement, the Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kelly Odaro, said: “Our attention has been drawn to the falsehood being circulated by some disgruntled elements on the social media especially by one Ugiagbe Josh Eseiwi that the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr Pius Odubu is at war with his boss, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, over the shift in date of the Edo Gubernatorial Election.

    “The said post even went further to suggest that the Deputy Governor had an altercation with the Governor to the extent that the Governor directed his security details to walk his Deputy out of his (Governor’s) office.

    “This statement is entirely false, a figment of the authors’ imagination and a desperate and continuous move to drive a wedge between the Governor and his deputy.

    “For emphasis’ sake, Dr Pius Odubu is a perfect gentleman who is imbued with the principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for authority and above all the fear of God.

    Edo State Government and Governor Adams Oshiomhole have no power to fix, regulate or shift elections as being canvassed by the authors of this falsehood. It is the sole responsibility of INEC to regulate and conduct elections in Nigeria.

    “Edo people should disregard this post as Governor Oshiomhole and Dr Odubu will continue to enjoy a harmonious relationship.

    “Dr Odubu and his supporters have put the issue of the APC Primaries behind them. He is currently mobilising his supporters across the state to campaign and vote en masse for the APC candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki.”

  • “Edo PDP smarting from political anxiety disorder”

    “Edo PDP smarting from political anxiety disorder”

    • Hails Odubu, Osunbor, Esele, Agbomhere others

    The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) may have been smarting from “political anxiety disorder” since the peaceful, free and fair primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which they had waited to benefit from but were soon disappointed, a statement endorsed by the Executive Director Media and Public Affairs, Governor’s Office said on Wednesday.

    It said, “The PDP thought they would reap from unresolved skirmishes resulting from the delegate elections of the APC but soon discovered that what unites the party is far greater than what divides. This is the disappointment convulsing the PDP and reeling it in political anxiety disorder.”

    The signed by Mr. John Mayaki said: “All our aspirants are the party men who know that it’s hard to oppose your own party’s nominee – in this case – the 2016 Governorship candidate of the APC – especially a well-prepared one at that.

    “I want to appreciate those who worsened their insomnia  – the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu – deserves great credit for his principled political stand for the party. Himself and other party luminaries who contested the primary election and bought into the result of the election and understand that they need to disappoint those who thought they would take their political careers to the dogs.

    “I commend Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor once more – just as Comrade Peter Esele and Chief Blessing Agbomhere. What about Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi and Bar. Kenneth Imansuagbon among others who sent out a strong signal about their genuine resolve to seek inclusion rather than division. They all acted sooner with great principle on a major moment, no one should miss – for the sake of the party”.

    “They have moved on”, Mayaki said. “This is in the spirit of equanimity and sportsmanship – this is remarkable and commendable. I believe their actions will advance the values of the party and the government of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who would needlessly alienate anyone – and the man who is now the face of the party in the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki – who openly courted them and all they represent.

    “These are men who have staked their time, resources and connections for the party that has better ideas for Edo people and the future of Nigerians just as they know how healthy and right for them to look beyond today, into the future – as patriotic and productive citizens.

    “Of course, this is why the PDP is at a fix and its defenders irritate more than the party itself. People who are professional apologists for the atrocious things that brought this country to her knees, not until it was rescued from them. Today, they want to reap where they have not sown and this is the anxiety causing them political disorder – by September 10, a well-aimed kick in PDP’s rear end would have had a lasting rest,” Mayaki said.

  • Edo APC primaries: Delegates conveyed to stadium under tight security

    Edo APC primaries: Delegates conveyed to stadium under tight security

    Accredited delegates for Saturday’s All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Edo State were conveyed to the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of the primaries under tight security.

    Accreditation of delegates began simultaneously at three different centers in Benin City at about 11:30am.

    Edo South delegates were accredited at Agbado Primary School, while delegates from Edo Central were accredited at George Idah Primary School.

    Delegates from Edo North were accredited at Imaguero College.

    Security agents were deployed to all the accreditation centers to prevent break down of law and order at the centres.

    The accreditation was done on local government basis and each local government delegates were conveyed to the venue of the primaries under tight security to prevent others from joining.

    A total of 2,873 delegates are expected to participate in the primaries and 12 aspirants are vying for the right to represent the party at the state governorship election taking place later in the year.

    The aspirants are – Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Major Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Blessing Agbomhere, Dr. Pius Odubu, Kenneth Imasuangbon, Com. Peter Esele, Oserheimen Osunbor, Tina Agbarha, Austin Emuan, Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula and Prof. Ebegbue Amadasun.

    Hon. Philip Shaibu, the lawmaker presenting Estako Federal Constituency said the APC as a civil party had entrenched rule of law and democracy in the country.

    He said the primaries would be peaceful and the results accepted because every delegate came to vote with a mindset of continuity.

     

  • Odubu, Imasuagbon, Agbonmhere shun meeting with Oshiomhole

    Odubu, Imasuagbon, Agbonmhere shun meeting with Oshiomhole

    Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu who is also a governorship aspirant of the All Progressive Congress Thursday shunned a meeting with Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    Other aspirants that shunned the meeting included Blessing Agbomhere, Kenneth Imasuagbon popularly known as the ‘Rice Man’, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor and Austin Emuan.

    Agbomhere told our reporter on phone that they decided to shun the meeting because there was nothing new they expected to hear from Oshiomhole.

    Seven aspirants that attended the meeting were Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), Comrade Peter Esele, Prof Ebegue Amadasun, Mrs. Tina Agbara and Hon. Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula.

    In his speech, Governor Oshiomhole expressed regret over delay in the release of the delegate list by the National headquarters of the APC.

    Governor Oshiomhole noted that no aspirant would put his hand on the Bible and say, ‘I have not induced delegates with money’.

    He assured the aspirants that the primaries would be free, fair and devoid of violence as adequate security would be provided.

    Oshiomhole stated that his only regret was that some aspirants seemed to be more vicious in the course of intra-party contest rather than focusing.

    The governor noted that enemies of the APC should not be allowed to infiltrate their ranks, take position or create tension such that it would be difficult to work together.

    His words, “We all need to work together. I want to be able to go out with any candidate to campaign. I want to be able to give support.”

    “There will be enough security, and anybody going into the arena will not be able to carry any offensive weapon by however defined. That I can assure you, and it is not a place for supporters’ club. It is a venue for delegates polling.

    “As for the allegation of people spending money, the truth is like what they said in the Bible: who will cast the first stone? Of the seven of you here seated, how many can put his hand on the Bible and say, ‘I have not induced delegates with money’?

    “My plea is let’s maintain our friendship. Let’s not scandalize ourselves. I tell them that what we do in APC is that service delivery and infrastructural development is a way of life in our party, and that explains why even six months or less than six months to the end of my tenure, we are still flagging off new projects when others can’t even pay salaries. I want to service the bond between Edo electorate and the All Progressives Congress as a party so that I will leave the ladder stronger than I met it.”

    The aspirants who spoke emphasized the need to unite behind whoever emerges the candidate of the party with a view to winning the general election on September 10.

  • Assassination Attempt: Edo APC calls on Buhari to act

    Assassination Attempt: Edo APC calls on Buhari to act

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo state has sympathized with all victims of the violent attack on the gubernatorial aspiration campaign team of Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr Pius Odubu at Auchi, Headquarters of Esako West Local Government Area last weekend just as they called on president Muhammadu Buhari to fish out the culprits.

    APC expresses gratitude to God for preventing death so far from the attack and pray for speedy recovery for those who were wounded by gun shots from the hoodlums.

    According to Comrade Godwin Erhahon, State Publicity Secretary of the party, “We apologize to the victims and the public for the statements of some of our officials who sounded sadistic and conspiratorial in a feeble but self-indicting attempt to trivialize the near tragic incident. Their reckless and ungodly utterances do not represent the culture of APC.

    “It is saddening that these heartless officials could not sympathize with those who were wounded in the attack.

    Erhahon said the very godly and peaceful conduct of the Deputy Governor is highly commended as it is now obvious that he does not move about with thugs otherwise casualties would have been recorded on the side of the attackers and that could have helped the sadists and desperadoes to turn the story against him.

    “We commend all the other gubernatorial aspirants who have openly condemned the attack, particularly Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

    “APC appeals to the good people of Edo South to resist the temptation of viewing the attack on their illustrious son, the Deputy Governor as an ethnic plot knowing that godly leaders from Auchi and other parts of Edo North have unanimously condemned the attack.

    “We appeal to the national leadership of our great party and the presidency to rise to the challenge posed by the ugly trend in the ongoing campaign for the gubernatorial primaries of Edo APC.

    “APC prays God to sanitize the hearts of all those who have vowed to rather die or kill than see any aspirant other than their choice emerge as gubernatorial candidate.”

     

  • I didn’t plan to kill Oshiomhole – Odubu

    Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu, has said that he did not sign any pact with any witch doctor or native Doctor to kill his boss, Governor Adams Oshiomhole or any other persons.

    Dr. Odubu insisted he has no rift with Governor Oshiomhole.

    A newspaper report had quoted the Governor Oshiomhole of stating that he was informed that his Deputy plot to kill him through diabolical instrument.

    Dr. Odubu in a statement signed by his Chief Press a Secretary, Kelly Odaro, said it was against his Catholic faith to make pact with native Doctor to avenge for him and would never condescend to that level.

    He noted that it was for God to avenge even when the innocent suffers and mischief makers appeared to triumph.

    According to the statement, “The Deputy Governor will by the grace of God continue to disappoint the dubious expectations of those who are bent on driving a wedge between him and the Comrade Governor.

    “It is his nature and character to be loyal to those who God has set over him because they are his instrument. At times like this, blackmailers are at their best.

    “The Deputy Governor has decided to take solace in God who knows the hearts of men, trusting and believing as always that God will vindicate the just.”