The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo State

  • Obaseki knocks PDP over stir at new five star hospital

    Obaseki knocks PDP over stir at new five star hospital

    Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has knocked chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party in Edo State for causing a stir at the new five star Benin Central hospital.

    Obaseki said the PDP chieftains led by the party’s State chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, wanted to score cheap political point by feigning the illness of a healthy family man.

    Chief Orbih had described the five star hospital recently inaugurated by President Mohammadu Buhari as a fraud when no doctors or nurses were on duty to treat the ‘patient’ brought by the PDP.

    Governor Obaseki who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Mayaki, said governance is not run on an ad hoc approach as the PDP want Edo people to believe.

    Obaseki explained that the ongoing 3-day strategic policy dialogue workshop would afford his administration the opportunity to holistically look at all sectors including the five star hospital.

    He said the workshop is expected to come up with method to administer the various sectors in the state including the new hospital.

    According to him, “After the commissioning of the said facility by the past administration, you are well aware that there was change of guard in government – and as such, this disgruntled people should give us some time to look at the entire sector.

    “Edo people watched the said scene in the electronic media and came to a consensus that the alleged illness of one Ibawah – who surrendered himself for such ungodly act, was not only a charade but orchestrated by the PDP and their mischievous Chieftains.

    “We envision a broader perspective – the possibility of expanding the facility to become a one-stop-shop for medical tourism – and not the normal hospital we are used to – that facility was born a 5-star and nothing short of that for Edo people. After the strategic policy dialogue workshop, a blueprint on government’s direction would be unveiled.”

     

  • Edo to be most prosperous economy in South South by 2019 – Obaseki

    Edo to be most prosperous economy in South South by 2019 – Obaseki

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has said that his administration’s desire is to make Edo the most prosperous economy in the South-South within three years.

    Obaseki said this on Thursday night in Benin at a seminar organised for permanent secretaries as well as leaders and stakeholders in the state.

    He said that in another seven to 10 years, his desire was to position the state as the number one economy in the country.

    The governor said that in “15 to 20 years, we want to be the number one investment destination in the continent’’.

    “To achieve this vision for the state, first class institutions capable of nurturing transformation policies must be built,’’ he said.

    Obaseki stressed the need to deliver on infrastructure better than what was available in the Federal Capital Territory.

    “We must deliver on infrastructure better than what are available in the Federal Capital Territory.

    “We must aim at generating revenue more than Lagos without putting an unbearable tax burden on our people.

    “We must, therefore, aim at developing our institutions because, in the course  of this workshop, we shall be working on six semantic areas, which are the key pillars of our goal for the state, the governor said.

    He said the six semantic areas include how the state would achieve economic revolution that would develop world class infrastructure.

    “ How do we ensure institutions are reformed so they can deliver?

    “How do we ensure that we can create a state that is socially-conscious and create emphasis on the welfare of our people.

    “How do we ensure that our culture which is world-class acclaimed is displayed and made available for the world to enjoy our tourism as well as sustain our environment,’’ the governor said.

    Obaseki said in the case of the economic revolution, the semantic group should focus on how the state would establish an investment bureau that could begin to attract world class investments.

    He also said that focus should be on a strategic plan that could create a minimum of 200 jobs as well as many small scale and medium enterprise that would be  sustainable.

    Obaseki tasked other semantic groups on the expectations of government at the end of their three-day brain storming session, adding that their resolution would be the working document for developing the state.

    He said that in view of this, the state government looked forward to a range of experts in the semantic areas expected to be covered.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Retired Justice Samson Uwaifo, said that effective leadership called for a good decision.

    Uwaifo described the retreat as a revolutionary approach to governance.

    The former Supreme Court Judge urged the people not to misunderstand or abuse the dialogue platform as it was a sign that the governor was ready to serve with the best intention.

    The Deputy Governor of Edo, Mr Philip Shaibu, said that the administration would be an all-inclusive government that would be beneficial to all.

  • Crisis looms in Esan Central over political appointments

    Crisis looms in Esan Central over political appointments

    Three communities in Esan Central local government area have appealed to Governor Godwin Obaseki not to marginalize them in the distribution of political appointments.

     

    Obaseki had requested for six weeks to work with Permanent Secretaries in the state with a view to understanding what shape his administration would take before making political appointments.

     

    Leaders of the communities namely, Ewu, Opoji and Ugbegun, vowed to resist any move to give juicy appointment to politicians from other communities in the locality.

     

    The leaders in a press statement signed by Prince Tom Anuge and Mr Mathew Emiohe, want Governor Obaseki to stop the injustice meted against them in terms of political appointments.

     

    They claimed that they have always voted massively for the victory of the APC in the state but are forgotten when it comes to benefitting from the dividends of democracy.

     

    The statement reads, “We of these three Kingdom seriously demand a change of attitude from the majority group by allowing equitable distribution of infrastructures, political appointment, elective offices that are usually allocated to the local government area, subsequently as this will enhance development and peaceful co-existence among the component Kingdom that make up Esan Central.

     

    “Throughout the years, we have watched patiently and painfully from the political wilderness that we seemed to have been how Irrua Kingdom continues to snatch in the most unjust manner most of the political position of significance in our local government especially important position of council chairmanship. From 1999 till date, the chairman of the Council, all executive directors, special assistance, board chairman allocated to the LG are all centred in Irrrua Kingdom”

     

    “It is our humble hope to pursue political and peaceful avenue for protest that is available to us until this great marginalization, injustice melted on us by the Irrua people is fully addressed. We shall agitate constructively, protest peacefully in order to avoid the real possibility of a breakdown of law and order if this trend remain unattended to”.

  • Obaseki appoints Chief Judge 

    Obaseki appoints Chief Judge 

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has appointed Justice Esther Ikponmwen as the Chief Judge of Edo State.

     

    Obaseki in a letter to lawmakers in the State House of Assembly said the appointment followed recommendation of the National Judiciary Council.

     

    He urged the lawmakers to confirm the appointment Justice Ikponmwen.

     

    Speaker Justin Okonoboh who read the letter of the governor at plenary Wednesday referred the request to the House Standing Committee on Judiciary.

     

    He urged the committee to present the report at next Plenary for consideration.

     

    Speaker Okonoboh announced the dissolution of all House Standing Committees with immediate effect.

  • Obaseki promises to reduce cost of governance

    Obaseki promises to reduce cost of governance

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has promised to reduce the cost of governance not by sacking workers but by realigning the current workforce.

    Governor Obaseki said his team would work with the Permanent Secretaries in the next six weeks with a view to understanding the processes and redefining the system to make it more efficient.

    He spoke while swearing-in the new Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie.

    It was his first function when he assumed Monday.

    Obaseki said the total monthly revenue including Internally Generated Revenue of the state has dwindled to about N4bn unlike when it stood at about N7bn six years ago.

    He reminded the newly appointees and Permanent Secretaries that his purpose in governance is to serve the people because expectations from the people are high.

    Obaseki assured that his administration would deliver on its promises but it began from the way he organise government right from the quality of people who head government.

    He disclosed that he started working with Ogie nine years ago when he (Ogie) was asked to join the team that drew the blueprint for Oshiomhole’s administration?

    His words, “Our project is God’s project. God has given us strength. God has given us the power. Ogie and I started this project nine years today. Both of us have been at the integral part of the Edo project. I feel secure that he is somebody who understands what this is all about.

    “It requires a lot of hardwork, commitment and dedication to our people. I have no doubt that the task is daunting. We do not have the kind of resources we had six years ago. Everywhere we travelled to during the campaigns; people had demand for better schools, healthcare system and new lease of life. We cannot afford to make excuses. Even though we have these challenges, it is incumbent on us that we must deliver and it starts from the way we organise government right from the quality of people who heads government.

    “We will tackle the challenges ahead of us. We are cognizant of what is going on around. Government has to work for politics to succeed. Initially, We will emphasize more governance.

    “Let us put in place a governance structure so that our political structure can survive and endure. For the next six weeks we are going to work with the Permanent to understand the structures of government so that we can make governance much more efficient. We cannot afford with the high cost of governance we run today. The money is not there. We can restructure how we work. We can get more from the people we already have.”

  • Obaseki appoints SSG, Spokesman

    Obaseki appoints SSG, Spokesman

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state on Monday in Benin announced the appointment of Mr Osarodion Ogie as the Secretary to the State Government.

    Also appointed were Mr Taiwo Akerele as Chief of Staff and Mr John Mayaki as interim Chief Press Secretary.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obaseki had before making the announcement, met with the state Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries.

    He directed the permanent secretaries to take full charge of the affairs of their ministries, pending appointment of commissioners.

    The governor solicited for maximum cooperation from the civil service to enable him discharge his mandate effectively.

    He expressed confidence in the civil service, and pledged that his administration would build a stronger, vibrant, trusted, competent and reliable workforce to meet the challenges ahead.

    “I have no doubt about the capacity of the civil service, but we will also need to clear the clog on the wheel of progress,” he added.

    The governor said the administration would re-evaluate the recruitment process into the service to ensure that merit and objectivity were not compromised.

    He promised to study the report of his transition committee alongside that submitted by the permanent secretaries, before setting up a policy group to outline specific programmes for the administration.

    Obaseki noted that the state would not afford a government unable to create value across board.

    He assured the people of Edo, that he would be a listening governor, who discharges his responsibilities firmly and professionally.

    The governor assured that the administration would be fair to all, and would sanction any civil servant found wanting.

    Responding, Mrs Gladys Idahor, the Head of Service assured the governor that civil servants in the state were ready for the task ahead and pledged their support and loyalty.

  • Oshiomhole appoints head teacher Permanent Secretary

    Oshiomhole appoints head teacher Permanent Secretary

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has appointed a head teacher, Mrs Obosamwinye Obazee, as a Permanent Secretary.

     

    Mrs. Obazee was among four new Permanent-Secretaries Governor Oshiomhole appointed few hours to the end of his tenure.

     

    Others appointed are Mr Anthony Okungbowa, Ministry of Justice; Mr Kadiri Bashiru, Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress; Mr Y.A Imoudu, Chairman, Association of Secondary School Principals and  Headmistress.

     

    This was contained in a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Oshiomhole, Mr. Peter Okhiria.

     

    The swearing-in of the new appointees which was yet to hold as at press time.

  • Edo Executive Council holds valedictory session

    Edo Executive Council holds valedictory session

    The Edo State Executive Council held a valedictory session in Benin on Wednesday preparatory to handing over to new government on Saturday.

    Gov. Adams Oshiomhole who presided over the session appreciated the council members for their selfless service to the people of the state.

    Oshiomhole said he was convinced that the council did and gave it best for the people as there were evidences that the members were the least paid in the country but worked the hardest.

    He stressed that the development in the state was as a result of the collective industry and commitment of all.

    The governor lamented the death of his Principal Private Secretary, Olaitan Oyerinde, in 2012.
    The governor, who became very emotional and shed tears, said he also regretted the death of his wife, Clara.

    He said she was irreplaceable as she was the only woman who agreed to marry him when he was anonymous, adding, “I miss her.’’

    He described her as a counselor and the person who thought him to pray, adding that she was with him in 2008 during his swearing in, but sadly won’t be around when he hands over to a new administration.

    He urged the council to take a solemn moment to pray for the continued repose of their souls.
    The exco members took turn to express their experiences in working with the governor.

    Mr Osarodion Ogie, Commissioner for Works, said he was a pioneer student of what he called Oshiomhole’s school of governance.

    He said he learnt courage and being positive from the governor.

    He added that “although Oshiomhole is a hard person but he was very humane.’’

    Mr Henry Idahagbon, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice described the governor as a pacesetter, path finder and a beacon of development.

    He said it was difficult to work with him because “he is a perfectionist.’’

    Mr John Inegbedion, Commissioner for Finance described the governor as God sent to the state adding that the situation on ground when the administration assumed office eight ago financially could not support what was on ground today.

    He said the governor took a bold decision and that had kept state afloat.

    His Information counterpart Kassim Afegbua, advised the governor to work on his temper and learn to manage time.

    Commissioners for Budget and Planning, Lawrence Aghedo, Water Resources, Washinton Osifo, Head of Service Mrs Gladys Idaho, SSG Julius Ihonvbere, and Deputy Gov. Pius Odubu also spoke.

  • Declare me winner, Ize-Iyamu tells tribunal

    Declare me winner, Ize-Iyamu tells tribunal

    The People’s Democratic Party and its governorship candidate in the September 28 governorship polls in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has filed a petition against the outcome of the election.

     

    In the petition, Pastor Ize-Iyamu is asking the tribunal to declare him winner of the election.

     

    Candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, was declared winner of the election after polling 319,483 votes against 253,173 votes garnered by Pastor Ize-Iyamu.

     

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu beat the deadline by filing the petition at about 4:45pm even though party supporters and reporters had waited at the tribunal since 12noon.

     

    He was accompanied by the state party leaders and supporters. 

     

    State Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, said they filed the petition within the stipulated time as defined by the Electoral Laws.

     

    Chief Orbih said they presented what he termed ‘a very good case’ before the tribunal.

     

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu said they are asking the tribunal to declare him winner of the election.

     

    His words, “We just filed and in the next few days, you will begin to get brief about what is at stake. We are asking the court to declare us as the rightful winner of the election. 

     

    “Edo people know who won the election. We are law abiding despite the injustice. I thank Edo people for their patience despite their anger against the results announced by INEC. 

     

    “Throughout the campaigns, our people kept asking us if we were ready to defend the votes they are going to give to us. We assured them and they came out to vote for us. Democracy will not thrive if you allow people to allocate votes. Our case is a strong one and by the time sitting will start, Edo people will be amazed at the impunity to win at all cost.”

  • Ondo poll: Professionals urge support for Akeredolu

    Ondo poll: Professionals urge support for Akeredolu

    Ondo State Professionals in Edo State have appealed to aspirants of the All Progressive Congress who lost at the party primaries to support the candidacy of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu for the party to be victorious at the polls.

     

    The Ondo Professionals urged Segun Abraham to sheathe sword and not set the stage fire because he lost at the party primaries.

     

    Chairman of the group who spoke to journalists at the end of the group’s quarterly meeting in Benin City, Dr. Samson Falana, said Akeredolu has the capacity to solve unemployment problems as well as fixing infrastructural decay in the state.

     

    Dr. Falana appealed to National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to support Akeredolu for the overall interest of the APC.

     

    His words, “Ondo APC has spoken by electing Akeredolu to represent the APC in the elections. No external forces should circumvent their collective will.”