The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo State

  • Man stones father to death

    A 32-year old man, Rufus Akande, has been arrested by men of the Edo State Police Command for allegedly killing his 75 years old father, Usman Akande with a stone.

    Rufus was said to have committed the act inside the late father’s cashew farm at Ibillo, Akoko-Edo local government area.

    He was alleged to have used a stone to hit his father severally after an argument inside the farm.

    State Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosun, said late Usman told his son not to enter the farm again which made his son to attack him.

    Read Also: Polls: Police to deploy over 12000 personnel in Edo

    Rufus, however, denied hitting his father with a stone.

    He said his father was chasing him around the farm with a cutlass and fell down hitting his head on a stone.

    “I did not kill my father. He was pursuing me and he fell down. The stone was on the ground. My father died six days later at the hospital.”

    Odumosun said the suspects would soon be charged to court.

  • Polls: Police to deploy over 12000 personnel in Edo

    Edo State Police Command said over 12,000 security personnel would be deployed for Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The elections would be conducted in 192 wards across 18 local government areas.

    State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosun, who stated this at a media briefing on Monday said three additional Commissioners of Police would be deployed to be in charge of each senatorial district.

    Odumosun said voters would be allowed to be at polling units even after voting but would be made to stay 300 metres away from where actual voting is taking place.

    Read Also: Police arrest Uber driver ‘s alleged killers, recovers car

    The Edo Police boss warned youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used for any act of violence during the conduct of the election.

    He promised to provide level playing field for all political parties and cautioned politicians not to see the election as war.

    According to him, “Other sister security agencies will support us. The people should not be afraid of arrest. We are adopting various strategies to ensure peaceful elections.

  • Obaseki mobilises teachers to vote for APC candidates

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged teachers in the state to support candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections, which will enable his administration sustain ongoing reforms in transforming the state’s basic education sector.

    The governor made the appeal while speaking at a forum organised by the Association of Primary School Heads of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Oredo Local Government Chapter, to honour the governor for the successes recorded in transforming the basic education sector.

    Obaseki, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, said to sustain the transformation and developmental strides by his administration, stakeholders in the education sector should come out en masse to vote for candidates of the APC in the forthcoming general elections.

    “The success recorded by my administration in the education sector was due to the support received from the legislative arm of government. In order to sustain the tempo and even do more, there is a need to elect those whose aspirations will be in consonance with that of our government,” he explained.

    He said he has made verifiable progress in transforming various sectors of the state as a result of the support from members of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), urging teachers to join hands in voting in candidates that will ensure formidable representation in Abuja, to fast-track development in the state.

    Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, expressed appreciation to governor Obaseki for the tremendous support and transformation in the education sector.

    She urged teachers to reciprocate the gesture of the governor by supporting the candidates of the APC to ensure victory for the party across all levels in the 2019 general elections.

    Chairman, Oredo LGA Chapter of AOPSHON, Comrade Imafidon Sunday, whose speech was delivered by the Secretary of the association, Enogie Noragbon, thanked governor Obaseki for the developmental strides in the education sector and for impacting on the lives of teachers in the state.

    “You introduced Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme through which over 7,000 teachers have been trained. Teaching methods have also been migrated from analogue to digital. We appreciate your prompt payment of teachers’ salaries, allowances, gratuities, and pensions.”

    Imafidon also applauded the governor for the ongoing renovation of 230 primary schools across the state.

  • Varsity accuses ASUU of plotting to destabilise institution

    Management of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State has accused the leadership of the institution’s  Academic Staff Union Universities (ASUU) of engaging in deliberate smear campaign to tarnish the image of the university and its management.

    It said the Chairman and Secretary of ASUU-AAU, Dr. Monday Igbafen and Dr. Anthony Coker are pursuing a centrifugal agenda against the administration of the present Vice Chancellor and his family.

    A statement signed by university’s spokesman, Mr. Edward Aihevba said the duo were focused on destabilizing the university system and making AAU ungovernable through “their epistles of blackmail and war-mongering has libeled many,  and dragged the name of the university to the mud”.

    Aihevba said the ASUU chairman wrote letters to the Council of Legal Education and the National Universities Commissions (NUC) in alleged effort to degrade and smear some of the university’s academic programmes, the Governing Council, Senate and university management.

    Read Also: ASUU suspends strike after deal with Fed Govt

    He said the university management would not fold it’s hands and watch anybody destabilise the university under the guise of trade unionism.

    “The university community is thoroughly appalled at the series of malicious, libelous, insultive, unguarded and damaging statements made against the person of the vice chancellor, his family members, the university management and indeed the university as a whole by the chairman of ASUU-AAU, Dr. Igbafen and secretary of ASUU-AAU Dr. A. A. Comer and a few his cohorts.

    “Their atrocious proclamations and malicious vituperation against the university are streaming in the social media and the newspapers. The image of the university is being rubbished and denigrated”, the statement read.

    Reacting, Prof. Igbafen described the allegations as untrue and unfounded.

    Prof. Igbafen stated that it was the school management that disrupted ASUU Congress by sponsoring thuggery.

    He said the union was happy that the strike was called of and full academic work has commenced.

  • Obaseki extols virtues of late Madam Christiana Omokhodion

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described late Mrs. Christiana Edenokun Omokhodion, as a rare breed, who bequeathed her boisterous energy and business acumen to her children, and guided many others in contributing to national development.

    The governor said this during the funeral mass held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ujemen, Ekpoma, on Saturday, noting that she led a life worth emulating.

    The eldest son of the deceased and Chairman, Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Governing Council, Chief Lawson Omokhodion, described his late mother as an inspiration, who led a life that motivated others.

    “Mother was a rare breed in peace making and in building a strong and united family. Mama, you were a born leader and you were the centre of peace and progress to the Ujemen Women Social Club in Benin City.”

    Late Madam Christiana Edenokun Omokhodion was born in 1927 in Oduwa-Idumebo to Late Pa and late Mrs Aikhuomogbe Ajobi.

    Late Madam Omokhodion had a successful business career in dress making, trading and food vending across various markets in the state capital, Benin City.

    Among the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Late Madam Omokhodion are Mrs Roseline Okosun, Chief Lawson Omokhodion and Bright Omokhodion.

    Her death was announced on January 6, 2019.

  • Obaseki condoles with Ogbebor family over death of patriarch

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has paid condolence visit to the Ogbebor family over the passing of Chief (Dr.) Joe Aisien Ogbebor, the Efeisoghoba of Benin Kingdom.

    Obaseki, who led the state government’s delegation to the deceased’s residence in Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City, described late Chief Ogbebor as hardworking, dedicated, humble, loving, disciplined and full of inspiration.

    “Your father was an illustrious and accomplished true Benin icon. He is a self-made Benin man, a unique Nigerian who recorded outstanding success in his business endeavours.

    “We will continue to remember him for his humility and calmness. He is so quiet and humble. He is a caring man who takes time out to care for people.”

    The Governor urged his children to emulate the legacies of their father, acknowledging that their father lived a fulfilled life.

    Spokesman for the family, Marcus Ojo, thanked the governor and his entourage for finding time to visit the family at their trying times.

    “We thank you our governor for this visit despite your busy schedule, especially in this electioneering campaign period. We assure you that the family will inform you of the burial plans,” he said.

     

  • Wike, Okowa mobilizing thugs for Edo PDP, says APC

    The ruling All Progressive Congress in Edo State has raised the alarm over the mobilization of thugs from Bayelsa, Delta and River States by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

    It said the thugs were being recruited to cause mayhem, anarchy and bloodshed before and during next Saturday’s general elections.

    A statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the Edo APC, Mr. Chris Azebamwan, accused the PDP of plotting to adopt the Venezualan model of of crisis resolution.

    Azebamwan who called on security agencies to proactive and alert said intelligence made available to the party was disturbing owing to the cache of police uniforms and large quantity of machetes in the consignment.

    He said the PDP had embarked on hate propaganda and spurios allegations to discredit the entire electoral process in its desperation to regain power.

    Read Also: Wike alleges plot to implicate 200 federal judges

    According to the statement, “For the PDP, the election is a do or die but for us it is an integrity test for the main contender.

    “It is an avenue for Nigerians to align with the drive to stamp out corruption from our political culture. The PDP must not be given the platform to resume their nefarious activities and the looting of our common heritage.

    Reacting, spokesman for Edo PDP, Mr. Chris Nehikhare denied the allegation saying it was the Edo Government planning to import thugs and cause mayhem during the elections.

    According to Nehikhare, “That is laungahble. Why would we be involving thugs when the election is ours to win. Edo poeple are with us. We are enjoying their support”.

  • Obaseki flags off reconstruction of Ihievbe-Ogbe road

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has flagged off reconstruction of the 16.2km Ihievbe-Ogbe Road in Owan East Local Government Area, assuring that the project would be completed in 15 months and more of such projects will be executed in the area.

    The 16.2km Ihievbe-Ogbe Road cuts across Ihievbe, Ogbe-Ihievbe, Warrake communities in Owan East LGA and Egeuno community in Etsako West LGA.

    “It is my pleasure to flag off the reconstruction of this road. I promised to rehabilitate the road during my electioneering campaign in 2016 and I am here to fulfill that promise. We have finished the design of the Afuze-Erah Road and the reconstruction will commence soon. My goal is to connect all communities in Owan,” he said.

    Commissioner for Infrastructure, Hon. Osahon Amiolemen, explained that the reconstruction of Ihievbe-Ogbe Road was initially captured in 2018 but challenges of under-scoping and funding issues caused the delay.

    Amiolemen added “The road is 16.2km, and will be asphalted and have concrete drains. The road is being constructed to bring hope to the people of this locality.”

    During his visit to the Palace of His Royal Highness (HRH), Alhaji Jimoh Awudu, the Ukor/Otare of Ihievbe Clan, Governor Obaseki thanked residents of Owan East LGA for being the most peaceful council in the state. He assured that the security challenges in the area have been captured in the state’s new security architecture.

    Speaking on behalf of the royal father and palace chiefs, the Ogie of Ivbiaro land, Salufu Elabor, thanked the governor for his developmental projects in the local government area, while appealing that the governor assists in constructing Uokha-Ohanmi-Arokho, Afuze-Erah, and Ivbiaro-Warrake Roads, adding “these roads are very short and put together are not more than 45km.”

    Responding, the governor said, “I know the importance of Afuze-Erah Road and it has been captured in the budget and will be awarded.”

  • PDP accuses lawmaker of being in possession of ‘destroyed’ PVCs

    Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) has raised the alarm thousands of Permanent Voters Cards(PVCs) destroyed by flood last year were in possession of the lawmaker representing Oredo West constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon. Chris Okaeben.

    It said Hon Okaeben was spotted to be in possession of thousands of the supposedly destroyed PVCs and distributing same to his party loyalists and supporters.

    Edo Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, in a press statement said they party has received information on the role INEC Electoral Officers (EOs) were playing in the local government areas they were assigned to supervise.

    Nehikhare said the party was also aware of the N500,000.00 alert from Edo State government agents for the EOs  cooperation to smuggle APC members into the list of ad-hoc staff.

    He alleged that the EOs have given APC candidates PVCs in bulk to be distributing among their members while depriving other citizens and eligible voters their cards.

    Read Also: PDP not committed to peace accord, says BMO

    His words, “To mask this fraud, the EOs are claiming flood have destroyed them. We believe the cards with Okaeben are some of the purportedly destroyed PVC”.

    But, Hon. Okaeben who is seeking re-election on the platform of the APC said the PDP was raising dust to create impression to Atiku and their national officers that they are on ground in Edo.

    Okaeben who threatened legal action against Nehikhare challenged him to produce produce evidence where he was distributing PVCs.

    His words, “It is clear that the opposition parties are not ready for elections but willing to cause commotion with a view to creating impression before the international community that they are being intimidated and harassed.

    “They do not have the money to pay their agents Edo. They are relying on River and Akwa Ibom state governments.

    “It is not a secret that they have turned Wike as their farm where they go to collect political support and political oxygen. To buttress their claims in their proposal to Wike, they decided to bring in my name to their failed project. I am not afraid of political battle. The PDP has no political base in Oredo.”

  • Obaseki inspects revamped Abudu College

    …assures Benin-Abraka Road to be completed in 2 years

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the reconstruction of the College of Education in Abudu, which will serve as Special Training Centre for teachers in the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme, will open up new opportunities for development and capacity building in the state.

    The governor said this when he inspected the ongoing reconstruction work at the College during his visit to Orhionmwon Local Government Area, where he campaigned for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    While addressing APC members and supporters in Abudu, headquarters of the LGA, he assured residents that his administration will complete the Benin-Abraka Road project within two years.

    He urged the residents to vote massively for APC candidates in the forthcoming elections to enable them join him in developing the state, adding, “Orhionmwon has 118,000 registered voters and the target for me is 75,000 votes from Orhionmwon, I will not let you down. My administration will complete the 106km Benin-Abraka Road, within the next two years. I know how important that road is to you and with the completion of the road, development is sure for Orhionmwon LGA.”

    Read Also: I didn’t become Governor to make money, says Obaseki

    He continued, “I need help from Abuja and support from the state, and a vote for APC will ensure we sustain the development in the state as our representatives in Abuja and Edo will join hands with me to embark on the massive development of our dear state.”

    Obaseki promised not to disappoint residents of Orhionmwon, noting that he will continue to work to develop the local government area.

    APC candidates contesting to fill elective offices in the area, include Hon. Nosayaba Okunbor, Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) candidate for Orhionmwon East Constituency; Hon. Roland Asoro, EDHA candidate for Orhionmwon South Constituency; Rt. Hon Patrick Aisowieren, House of Representatives candidate for Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, and Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Edo South Senatorial District candidate.

    The APC candidates pledged to team up in their support for President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Obaseki’s development agenda for the state.