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Tag: Edo Assembly

  • Edo Assembly warns contractors against delay

    Edo Assembly warns contractors against delay

    Edo State House of Assembly Special Ad-hoc Committee on Project Inspection has warned contractors handling road projects across the state not to delay completion of the projects.

    It urged the contractors to accelerate work on the projects, especially during the dry season, to enable residents enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    Committee Chairman Addeh Isibor gave the warning during an inspection of projects in Ovia North East, Uhunmwonde and Ikpoba-Okha local governments.

    He said residents must begin to enjoy the dividends of democracy as promised by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    Addeh said the inspection was part of the House’s continuous assessment of projects executed by the Governor Okpebholo administration.

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    He said the committee was impressed that the contractor remained on site despite the adverse weather conditions.

    He said harsh weather should not be used as an excuse for delay in project completion.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects Monitoring and Inspection, Phoebe Williams-Bello, an engineer, said about 850 metres of earthworks of the Upper Ekehuan road had been completed.

    He said persistent rainfalls had been a major constraint to completion of the projects.

    Other projects inspected were Catholic Charismatic Renewal Road, Ugbihoko Quarters, Palace Road along Upper Mission Road, Ekiuwa-UNIBEN Road and Temboga Road.

  • Edo Assembly summons contractor over shoddy job

    Edo Assembly summons contractor over shoddy job

    The Edo State House of Assembly Committee on Project Inspection has summoned the contractor handling the 1.6km internal roads project in Oza community, Orhionmwon local government area.

    Besides the contractor, the Committee also invited the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOPADEC), being the intervention agency executing the project.

    They are to appear on Monday December 15th, 2025.

    Sources said Chairman of the Committee, Hon Addeh Isibor, was peeved over the shoddy jobs of the contractor.

    It was learnt that Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr. Phoebe Williams-Bello, was also disappointed at the poor job.

    The Assembly Committee had visited the project site as part of its oversight function on government spending.

    Other projects being executed by the state government visited by the Committee included the Ramat Park Flyover, the Adesuwa junction fly-over, the 32 kilometers Benin-Sapele highway, completed Army Day Secondary School, Internal roads in Ogheghe Community, 23 kilometres old Benin-Sapele highway.

    Chairman of EDSOGPADEC, Francis Osabuohien, said he would appear before the Committee to clear grey areas.

  • Edo Assembly vows to stop Okpebholo’s detractors

    Edo Assembly vows to stop Okpebholo’s detractors

    The Edo State House of Assembly has vowed to stop anybody or group that wants to thwart the efforts of Governor Monday Okpebholo to develop the state.

    It said Edo people are happy with Governor Okpebholo.

    The lawmakers said the Governor has been prudent in utilising the State’s funds.

    Deputy Speaker of the Edo Assembly, Hon. Atu Osamwonyi, spoke on Wednesday when he led members of the House ad-hoc Committee on Project Inspection on a comprehensive oversight inspection of several ongoing infrastructure projects embarked upon by Governor Okpebholo.

    Hon Otu declared that the inspected projects were unprecedented in the history of Edo State.

    Among the projects visited were the Sapele road fly-over, the 5.8 kilometres road project linking Amagba and Obagie-N’Ebvuosa, reconstruction of the old Sapele road, among others.

    Hon Otu said the projects reflected the Governor’s commitment to infrastructure renewal.

    He said Okpebholo has demonstrated transparency and visible delivery in project execution, unlike past administrations, where funds were approved without tangible results.

    According to him, “In my entire life in Edo State, this flyover project is the first of its kind. We are here physically, and work is ongoing.

     “This is the fifth site we have visited since yesterday. We are impressed with what we have seen so far, and as a House, we will stand by the governor to ensure he finishes strong.

    “The legislature does not play politics with accountability, and we will speak the truth at all times.

    “If Governor Okpebholo is not doing well, we will say it. But I stand here today to affirm that the funds appropriated are being used judiciously for the benefit of the people.

    “Despite limited financial resources, the governor has delivered projects many believed were impossible.

    “But today we are standing here with joy. The governor has brought democracy to Edo in a way the people can feel,” he said.

    According to him, contractors handling the projects confirmed that although the initial timeline was two years, work would likely be completed within one year and six months due to the speed of implementation.

     “That tells you that Governor Okpebholo is not eating Edo people’s money,” he added.

    Hon. Osamwonyi stressed that the Assembly would resist any attempt to derail the governor’s momentum.

    “This is the continuity we want in Edo State. Anybody who wants to thwart the governor’s efforts, we will not agree,” he said.

    Commissioner for Works, Felix Akhabue, said the governor gave strict directives to monitor all contractors and ensure adherence to specifications.

     “The lawmakers did not just appropriate funds; they want to see how the money is being used.

    “Their presence keeps us on our toes because Edo people are waiting for the completion of these projects,” he said.

  • Edo Assembly inspects Okpebholo’s projects

    Edo Assembly inspects Okpebholo’s projects

    The Edo Assembly ad-hoc committee on Project Inspection, led by Speaker Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku, has begun inspection of projects being executed by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    Speaker Agbebaku constituted the Committee to inspect Okpebholo’s projects to ascertain if funds appropriated by the House were being used judiciously and that the projects were up to the required specifications.

    Among the projects visited as of press time were the Ramat Fly-Over and the reconstructed Army Day Secondary School.

    At the Army Day Secondary School, the lawmakers inspected the new buildings, furniture, and laboratory.

    Speaking after the inspection, Speaker Agbebaku commended Governor Okpebholo for renovating the school to international standards.

    Agbebaku said the House would collaborate with Governor Okpebholo for the state to wear a positive look.

    According to him, “I was here three years ago. What I am seeing here now is different from what was on the ground. You can see the perimeter fencing, the football pitch. The resources they are putting here are worth it because this school is located in a flood-prone area.

    “There is a need for more security to prevent the activities of vandals. In this kind of environment, where huge sums of money have been spent, there is a need for adequate security.

    “I saw the laboratory. It was perfect. I urge Mr. Governor to extend the gesture to other schools. By this, I know the money we are appropriating for Mr. Governor is being spent judiciously. We are going to collaborate with him as a House to make sure Edo is wearing a positive look.”

    At the Ramat Park, the Speaker described the project as wonderful.

    He said Edo taxpayers are happy.

    “We want to make sure that the job that is done here is done properly. We want to make sure that Edo taxpayers’ money is used properly. That is why we are here today. We are impressed with the quality of work. We have told the contractor that the Edo people are hungry to use the bridge. They should hurry up.”

    Other lawmakers present were Deputy Speaker, Hon Osawonyi Atu, Deputy Majority Leader and ad-hoc committee chairman, Hon Adeh Isibor, Hon Kingsley Ugabi, Hon Yekini Idiaye, Hon Edosa Osaro, and Hon Abdulganiyu Akokhia.

  • I will not appear before Edo Assembly panel, says Obaseki

    I will not appear before Edo Assembly panel, says Obaseki

    Immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, said he would not appear before the Edo State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee set up to investigate funding and ownership of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Radisson Blu hotel.

    The Edo Assembly set up the panel following a request by Governor Monday Okpebholo that the Assembly should probe funding and ownership of the projects including extent of the state government N3.8bn investment in the MOWAA and N28bn in Radisson Hotel.

    Former Governor Obaseki is scheduled to appear before the Committee on Thursday, December 4th, 2025.

    The Committee, had in a letter signed by its Secretary, Bekisu Oshone Wilson, listed other persons invited to include a former Edo Finance Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Eboigbe, former Attorney General of Edo State, Mr. Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi and Managing Director, Tilbury House Nigeria Limited.

    Others are Mr. Pramod Thorat, Project Manager of Hospitality Investment and Management Company (HIMC) Mr. Ugochukwu Anigbogu, Managing Director, Afrinvest Capital Limited, Managing Director, Meristem Trustees Limited and Managing Director, Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd.

    The statement said attendance by Obaseki and others were required as part of the committee’s investigation.

    Obaseki, who spoke through his media adviser, Crusoe Osagie, said it was offensive and laughable for the Assembly to invite him over a matter that was already in court.

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    He said the Edo Assembly should learn to know how the law works.

    The former Edo Governor said he could not be subjected to answer separately on the same issue.

    “It is subjudice for the former Governor to appear before the Edo Assembly in a matter already in court.

    “Why subject him to another round of questioning on the same issues?”

    Management of MOWAA had also refused to appear before the Edo Assembly Ad Hoc Committee.

    Its Counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, said the Assembly could only make recommendations but that the Court woulds make the final decision on the issues.

  • MOWAA declines to appear before Edo Assembly

    MOWAA declines to appear before Edo Assembly

    Management of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has declined to appear before the Edo State House of Assembly Ad hoc Committee which was set up to investigate its operations and funding.

    It said it earlier informed the Committee that it would be subjudice for it to attend the public hearing due to the pendency of the same matter before the Federal High Court, Benin City.

    In a letter by its Counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, MOWAA informed the Committee that the Federal Government, as well as the House of Representatives, have constituted same committees to look into the same issues.

    The letter said documents it previously submitted to the Assembly showed that everything about MOWAA were genuine and transparent.

    In the documents presented by MOWAA, it said, “No funds from any international institution had been received for the building of MOWAA until after it was very clear what MOWAA was and was not. 

    “All funding was received subsequent to the time in the middle of 2021 that it was clear to potential donors that there would be two separate organisations one focused on Benin heritage art and another on modern and contemporary, broader West African art and research/education. 

    “Funding from German Government did not come until end of 2022 – a year and a half after the Palace disassociated itself from MOWAA. The fact that there would be two separate museums was communicated to the Benin Dialogue Group (the European museums) in the meetings of October, 2021 at the London meeting and again in Hamburg in the meetings of March 2023, and further confirmed in writing to all Benin Dialogue Group members approximately two years ago when MOWAA formally withdrew from the group meetings.”

    In his presentation, the Edo Accountant General, Julius Oseimen Anelu, said the N3.8bn funding for MOWAA by the Edo State Government was appropriated for in the budget.

    He said the $18m from donors did not enter the state’s coffers.

    The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, whose presentation was made by Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, said former Governor Godwin Obaseki made efforts to hijack the process of returned artefacts.

    He accused former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and a former Director General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) Albert Tijani, of fighting the Palace to defend actions of the Legacy Restoration Trust (LRT). 

    Oba Ewuare II said the LRT was used to solicit fund abroad using his name.

    The Benin Monarch said the Federal Government gazette, which recognised him as the custodian of the returned artefacts, made the LRT promoters realised that they were fighting a lost battle.

    Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, Hon Ade Isibor, said the suit cited by MOWAA would not stop investigation of the Committee.

    Hon Isibor said the Assembly and the Edo State Government were not involved in any litigation involving MOWAA.

    He expressed shock that MOWAA declined to be present.

    According to him, “The powers of parliament to look into funds disbursed by the Executive is sacrosanct and cannot be taken away by any court.

    “We are shocked that MOWAA did not attend sitting or come to give verbal presentation. The Committee adopt the documentary evidence forwarded to us without by MOWAA.”

  • Edo Assembly refuses to confirm ex-lawmaker as Commissioner 

    Edo Assembly refuses to confirm ex-lawmaker as Commissioner 

    Edo Assembly has refused to clear a former lawmaker Christopher Okaeben, as a Commissioner.

    Okaeben was among seven Commissioner-nominees that appeared before the Assembly.

    Others cleared and confirmed were Mr. John Akhigbe, Festus Ebea, Dr Elizabeth Ebosele, Dr Jerry Uwangue, Dr Kenneth Okoruwa Ihensekhien and Barr. Usenbo Paul Ehigie.

    Okaeben was told to attend to a petition before the Department of State Services (DSS) and appear for screening.

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    Edo Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, who spoke while addressing the emergency plenary, said Okaeben, who represented Oredo West Constituency, had issues to settle with the DSS.

    The Speaker said the report was submitted by the screening committee.

    According to him: “Six out of the seven commissioner-nominees before us today have been cleared and confirmed, except one, who is our former colleague, Hon Chris Okaeben, who has a question to answer with DSS. So I think he has to report to the DSS office for clearance.

    “That is the report before me. The report is from the screening committee and I am not a member of the committee. The committee submitted a report.

    “After his appearance with the DSS. They can take him and clear him. That is not a problem at all.”

  • Edo Assembly clears Okpebholo’s four commissioner-designates

    Edo Assembly clears Okpebholo’s four commissioner-designates

    Edo State House of Assembly has confirmed four persons nominated by Governor Monday Okpebholo as commissioner-designates into the State Executive Council.

    Those confirmed are Barr. Vincent Osas Uwadia, Etin-osa Ogbeiwi, Saturday Uwuilekhue Idehen (JP), Charity Amayaenvbo.

    However, one of the nominees, Prof. Roland Otaru, was absent for confirmation. 

    The lawmakers confirmed the nominees after considering report of the House committee on Rules, Business and Government House on screening of the four nominees presented by the Chairman and Majority Leader of the House, Hon.Jonathan Ibhamawu. 

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    A total of 12 commissioner-designates have been confirmed for Governor Okpebholo.

    Okpebholo has been working with six Commissioners since his administration came on board last year November.

  • Edo Assembly clears eight commissioner-nominees

    Edo Assembly clears eight commissioner-nominees

    Edo State House of Assembly has cleared eight persons nominated as commissioners by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    He had requested the assembly to clear the nominees.

    The house cleared the nominees after considering report of its Committee on Rules, Business and Government House.

    Speaker Blessing Agbebaku said the nominees were indigenes, competent, experienced and were qualified to occupy the positions of commissioners. 

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    Agbebaku urged them to be proactive and work in synergy with the governor to ensure Edo moves forward.

    The nominees cleared are Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua, Felix Akhabue, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius, Ohimai Ehijimetor, Eugenia Abdallah, Godwin Eshieshi and Prince Kassim Afegbua.

    Okpebholo will now have 14 commissioners in his executive council (exco).

    The governor has four additional commissioners to appoint to meet the constitutional requirement of one commissioner per local government.

  • Edo Assembly clears Okpebholo’s commissioner-nominees

    Edo Assembly clears Okpebholo’s commissioner-nominees

    The Edo State House of Assembly has cleared eight persons nominated as commissioners by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    Governor Okphebolo had requested the Assembly to clear the nominees.

    The Assembly cleared the nominees after considering the report of its Committee on Rules, Business and Government House.

    In his remark, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku said the nominees were indigenous, competent, experienced, and qualified to occupy the positions of commissioners. 

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    Agbebaku charged them to be proactive and work in synergy with the state governor to ensure that Edo State moves forward.

    The nominees cleared as Commissioners were Barr. Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua, Felix Akhabue, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius, Ohimai Ehijimetor, Eugenia Abdallah, Godwin Afekokhe Eshieshi, and Prince Kassim Afegbua.

    Governor Okpebholo will now have 14 Commissioners in his cabinet.

    The governor has four additional commissioners to appoint to meet the constitutional requirement of one Commissioner per local government.