The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo State

  • Guber poll: APGA promises to build fashion village in Edo

    Guber poll: APGA promises to build fashion village in Edo

    Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the September 10, governorship election, in Edo State, Mr. Osaro Onaiwu, has promised members of the Tailors and Fashion Design Association (TAFDAN) that he would build a fashion village in the state if elected as governor.

    This promise is coming 24 hours after tailors in the state threatened to pull support from the All Progressives Congress (APC) over unfulfilled promises by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    Onaiwu who was the former Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum said the fashion village would be equipped with all necessary infrastructures for the fashion industry to attract more investors to Edo State.

    He said his intention is to create a better business environment for the textile and Fashion industry to excel.

    In a press statement issued yesterday in Benin City, Onaiwu said his administration would also focus on employable education whereby everyone trained in any vocation is gainfully employed before finishing the formal  training.

    Onaiwu enjoined all eligible voters in the state not to mortgage their future for temporary frivolous gifts from selfish politicians who do not have their wellbeing at heart.

  • Ex-Council boss drags Igbinedion to court over land

    A former Chairman of Oredo Local government Area for Edo state, Samuel Omede, has asked a Benin High court to stop a two-time governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion from trespassing on a disputed piece of land.

    Omede is requesting for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants from occupying the land.

    The former council boss in the suit filed through his Counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, is demanding for an order of interlocutory injunction in respect of a piece of land measuring 5,010 hectares lying and situate at Evbuodia Community near Ogba River on Airport Road, Benin City, pending the determination of the substantive suit filed.

    Omede, in his statement of claim, averred that he (Omede) is the rightful owner of the said parcel of land delineated in survey plan No. JAO/EDO/2013/105 dated 30th/06/2013 which was allocated to him vide an application of a Building plot allotment committee in Ward 2, in Evbuodia Community to the Odionwere (Community head) and the Elders Council of the Community.

    He said he was devastated on seeing some persons working on the plot of land and that he was informed by the 2nd Defendant, Joseph Osagiobare, that he was acting on Lucky Igbinedion directive.

    The Claimant further prayed the court for a declaration that the Defendant’s act by allegedly forcefully trespassing on his land is illegal and against his Constitutional Rights to have quiet possession and enjoyment of his land.

    He is also demanding the sum of N50m as general damages for the illegal and forceful trespass on his land.

     

  • Chicken pox, scabies outbreak hit Edo IDP camp

    Management of the Internally Displaced Persons camp at Uhogua village in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State has raised alarm over outbreak of chicken pox and scabies in the camp.

    It said about 1000 children at the camp have been infected.

    The affected children are now being quarantined at a corner of the camp.

    Coordinator of the camp, Pastor Solomon Folunsho, told newsmen that the camp is in need of health workers and support from philanthropists and government to deal with the scale of infection.

    Pastor Folunsho said facilities at the camp are overstretched as food has become a big challenge.

    He said he spent N40, 000 naira daily to buy diesel, petrol to provide water and electricity.

    Pastor Folunsho called for support from government and the general public to help deal with the health challenges at the center.

    He said majority of IDPs have made strides in their educational pursuit and appealed for more assistance in the areas of writing materials and books.

  • Edo 2016: Labour Party denies endorsing Ize-Iyamu

    Edo 2016: Labour Party denies endorsing Ize-Iyamu

    The Labour Party in Edo State has denied reports that it has endorsed and adopted candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

    It warned the PDP and Pastor Ize-Iyamu to desist from anti-democratic antics by fraudulently misrepresentating to the people that the party has endorsed its candidate.

    In a press statement made available to journalists and signed by the state Chairman and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Kelly Ogbeloi and Hon. Sam Uruopa respectively, the LP disowned a banner bearing the logo of the party with the inscription “Labour Party for Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu forward Ever Backward Never”.

    According to the statement, “We hereby state categorically that our party is not in any discussion, alliances nor has it any intention to neither be in any alliance nor support any political party and its candidates for the September 10 2016 Governorship election.

    “The whole world is aware of our primaries held on the 4th of July 2016 where our members elected Barrister Cyril Odiboh as our flag bearer and we hereby make a clear and unambiguous statements that our party (LABOUR PARTY) shall run/contest the election come September 10 2016.

    “We hereby state categorically that Labour Party take exception to a situation whereby People Democratic Party members carried a banner with the logo of Labour party in PDP’S rally.

    “Our Party is taken  aback at the  fraud perpetuated by the PDP aimed at earning cheap popularity especially at this time where Edo people are trying to forget and forgive them of their past misrule fraud and under
    development of Edo state.

    “A party desirous of victory in the scheduled Edo election must be above board and show its sincerity, commitment, honesty and integrity to Edo people in order to earn their trust and confidence. This is more so for the People Democratic Party.”

  • Ambode lauds Oshiomhole’s development strides

    Ambode lauds Oshiomhole’s development strides

    …drums support for APC guber candidate, Obaseki

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday lauded his Edo State counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for his achievements in the last seven years, saying that it has impacted positively on not just the economy of the State but the country in general.

    Ambode who spoke when he visited Governor Oshiomhole at the Government House, Benin, said he draws inspiration from Oshiomhole’s style of leadership to bring good governance to the people of the State.

    Governor Ambode who was recently appointed as the Chairman, All progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship Election slated for September 10, 2016, said, “On a personal note, I am very proud of all the things you have done for Edo State and even this country Nigeria, and I can say the few achievements I have actually attained in Lagos State were driven and inspired by the kind of energy you bring to governance and I am very proud to be associated with you and the government of Edo State.”

    He said he was pleased and humbled to be saddled with the task of leading the APC campaign to retain the State, adding that continuity was germane to sustain the path already laid down by the present administration.

    “I have come here this afternoon to accept physically the daunting task which has been laid upon me by our national party and appointing me as the chairman of the gubernatorial campaign committee of the gubernatorial election coming up in Edo State.

    “I am very pleased and humbled by that appointment. And I have come here, firstly, to apologize for not being around on Saturday when the committee was inaugurated because of some exigencies, and to show my presence a few days after, and my commitment to ensure that our gubernatorial candidate not only wins the election, but he is able to show his footprints just like what the present governor has done, that the APC and the change mantra is really in totality about what we want governance to be in Nigeria,” he said.

    Governor Ambode further added, “I like to also say that what we have ahead of us as a party, that is, APC, is beyond ordinary election. We need to take Nigeria out of its doldrums, and the only party that can do that is APC, of which we are happy to be aligned with your state and other progressive states in the country. And that is why we are here as brothers, we offer ourselves and we will continue to also send the same message across board across all the progressive states.”

    He said that Lagos State would explore the opportunities available to develop a major commerce and economic relationship with Edo State as soon as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki emerges as Governor of Edo State, expressing optimism that the partnership would ensure that Edo develops at a faster pace.

    He said, “What I can promise your Excellency is that we have decided that we will bring the whole machinery of the Lagos model to Edo State. In addition to that, we believe strongly that Edo State has the potential of becoming a giant in Africa also, and this relationship is beyond the fact that it is historic, we also want to use this platform of this campaign to start a major paradigm shift in terms of economic and political relationship between Edo State and Lagos State.

    “If we are to look deeply, we believe strongly in the potential of Edo State which actually lies in the symbolic relationship that it can have with Lagos.

    And that is why I am personally taking this responsibility of being the campaign chairman to ensure that beyond the campaign and the success of the election, a major commerce and economic relationship commences immediately with the in-coming governor, and also to let us actually start to have bilateral economic and political relations that will be of benefit to the people of Edo State, firstly, and then to the improvement of the economic growth of Edo State.”

    On his part, Governor Oshiomhole commended the Lagos Governor for taking his assignment as the Chairman, APC National Campaign Council for Edo State governorship election very seriously.

    He said, “For us in Edo, it is clear that you have taken this assignment seriously. It is one thing to accept an assignment, but the passion with which you have accepted it, and to the extent to which you are determined to go to ensure that we do everything we need to do to continue to retain the governance of this state.

    “Under your leadership, I have no doubt. We couldn’t have had a better campaign organization. So, I thank you for that.”

    Oshiomhole who introduced the Governorship candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his running mate, Mr Philip Shaibu to Governor Ambode said, “We have a credible messenger that you are going to be able to help us to market, and we also have a compelling message to put across to Edo State. And we believe the election will be won on the basis of the pedigree of the political parties, the pedigree of the individual and what the two parties have to show to the people.”

     

     

  • Benin Disco explains improve power supply

    Benin Disco explains improve power supply

    …consumers may pay N23 per kilowatt for solar power

    The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has explained that the improved power supply experienced in some of its service area in Benin City and environs was because of increased in power generation and not because of the presence of the Minister of Power, Housing and Works, Babatunde Fashola.

    Residents in some parts of Edo State took to social media to celebrate improved power supply since on Sunday morning.

    Some said BEDC used to supply power three hours a day but increased it to six hours while others said they were yet to experience power failure since Saturday night.

    They attributed the improved power supply as a decoy by management of BEDC to the Minister who was to attend the 7th Monthly Power Sector and Stakeholders Meeting.

    Members of the Edo State Civil Society protested to the venue of the meeting with placards calling for provision of meters and decried the services of BEDC.

    Some residents of Uteh community in Ikpoba-Okha local government stormed the meeting with placards saying they have been in darkness for the past six years.

    Managing Director of BEDC, Funke Osibodu, who dismissed claims by the protesters that power supply improved since Sunday because of the Minister’s visit said the hydro stations were working to full capacity because of rising water level.

    Osibodu stated that activities of the Niger Delta Avengers affected gas supply and the dry season led to low power generation.

    According to her, “Our ability to deliver power depends on generation and not the minister presence. We have two sources of power generation. Gas and water. During the dry season, the hydro power stations were shut down.”

    “The hydro is picking up in the absence of gas. We do not store power. When there is no generation, there would be no distribution.”

    Addressing the protesters, Fashola appealed to them to be patient with the new investors as according to him, three years was not enough to address problems in the power sector.

    The former Lagos State Governor said the situation in the power sector was not a hopeless one.

    He expressed optimism that power situation in the country would improved if the Azura Power project is delivered on scheduled.

    Speaking to protesters and stakeholders of the power Fashola noted that it was not the fault of BEDC that only one out of four turbines was functional at the Ihovbor Power plant.

    Fashola assured the protesters that issues of alleged excessive billing by BEDC were being resolved.

    He told stakeholders in the power sector that the signing of the solar power initiative would be beneficial to the entire value chain in the power sector.

    His words, “Let us understand that power is a product, it has to be manufactured. You need gas in some places, you need coal in some places, you need solar in some places, it has to be put together. Assuming I am trying to cook a pot of soup and you are angry and you take the pot away, can I still cook? But if you bring the water while I am getting the wood I think we will have a meal.”

    “The power plant in Ihovbor, we have four turbines there, only one is working and that is not BEDC’s fault, they don’t just have gas to power it so there are three idle plants there because they don’t have gas. I went to Azura, they are working there.”

    “Not less than 12 solar developers and promoters have come around to gives us their commitment to a more competitive price regime. I had said before now that it was difficult and impracticable to have a solar tariff at 17 cents per kilowatt power but the cheering news as a result of further interactions, innovations on the side of the developers, private sector and government, the new tariff of 11.75 cents has been reached which amounts to about N23 per kilowatt”

    “That is the first good news in terms of a major need for incremental power which we will be of benefit to the entire value chain. The Azura power project is on course it is on schedule and therefore if it stays like that, the expectation that we will get more power remains positive.”

  • Edo 2016: Osarodion Onaiwu emerges APGA candidate

    Edo 2016: Osarodion Onaiwu emerges APGA candidate

    Former Director General of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governor’s Forum, Mr Osaro Onaiwu has picked the governorship ticket of the All Progress Grand Alliance (APGA) in Edo state.

    He emerged the candidate of the party ahead the September 10 governorship election after polling 372 votes.

    It would be recalled that Onaiwu who was one of the governorship aspirants of the PDP pulled out from the PDP race few weeks to the primaries of the party after he alleged plans to rig the primaries in favour of one of the aspirants.

    Onaiwu who disclosed to journalists that he will kick off his campaigns next week, said “I am willing to serve my people and we have come up with our four pillars, which is security, trade and Commerce, agriculture and industrialization. Once we are able to achieve those four then we are home and dry.

    “Dangote has come to Edo state to invest because Edo is peaceful, we will improve on what the incumbent governor has done so that we will accelerate development to our people”.

    Asked why he left the PDP before the primaries of the party, Onaiwu narrated that “the party leaders were not serious. They lie every day of their lives. For me I have taken my vision to another party that I believe where they will celebrate my vision not a fraudulent party. I have moved on, I have no scandal but we know that one of the PDP candidates have been visiting the EFCC.

    “APGA will take over the state, it is a new dawn, I don’t have a god father, God is my god father. If you look at the candidates of the two other political parties they have a god father but God is my god father. I will lead my people where there is milk and honey,” he stated.

  • Odibo emerges LP Edo guber candidate

    Odibo emerges LP Edo guber candidate

    The Labour Party in Edo State has elected one Comrade Cyril Odibo as its governorship candidate for the September 10 governorship election.

    A total of 126 delegates participated in the election.

    Comrade Odibo polled 96 votes to defeat Pastor Amos Areleogbe who scored 17 votes while three votes were voided.

    A former Private Secretary to Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a renowned poet, Mr. Ofeimu Odia, did not participate in the primaries.

    He was said to have boycotted the primaries over the N7m fee for the party’s nomination form.

    Comrade Odibo in his acceptance speech called on his rivals to join him in taking the party to the next level.

    National Secretary of the party, Julius Abure who conducted the election said the party would lead a vigorous campaign.

  • Edo 2016: PPA, Accord, NNPP pick candidates

    Edo 2016: PPA, Accord, NNPP pick candidates

    More political parties in Edo State Monday elected candidates that would contest the September 10 governorship election on its various platforms.

    The political parties that elected its candidates are People for Democratic Change (PDC) the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) the Accord Party and the Progressive People Alliance.

    Former Managing Director of Daar Communications, owners of AIT and currently the CEO of WAWOO TV, Osaro Agbonifo Obaseki, popularly called Don P emerged candidate of the Accord Party.

    He was elected by over 300 delegates after accreditation.

    Don Pedro said his election was a call to duty and that he would embark on door to door campaigns.

    He said he has unveiled the EDO agenda which covers empowerment, development and opportunity for the people of the state.

    One Bishop Akhalamhe was elected candidate of the PDC as he was the sole aspirant for the race in the party.

    Acting State Chairman of the party, Mr. Erhunmwunse Joseph, said the party’s decision to uphold the election of Akhalamhe through voice vote endorsement was in line with the directive of the national leadership.

    Bishop in his acceptance speech said he was moved to join the governorship race because of the present economic pains in the state.

    He promised to revive the economy of the state through industrialisation with focus on critical income generating infrastructures.

    Former State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Frank Ukonga, who clinched the ticket of the NNPP promised an enhance relationship between the government and workers in the state.

    He said, “In the aspects of labour and workers of the state, I promise to pay salaries as at when due, ratify all promotions and pay local government workers promptly and also to employ more than 50,000 new workers into the civil service of the state.”

    A television broadcaster, Mr. Thomas Sado emerged candidate of the PPA.

    He said his focus for the state is anchored on a seven point agenda aim at ensuring a positively and totally transformed state.

    Sado said, “in line with the PPA manifesto, this cut across health, education, agriculture/employment, industrialisation, infrastructures, security and housing where I and indeed the PPA have a positive difference to impact on our treasured, hardworking, resourceful and culture-endowed Edo people.

    State Chairman of PPA, Mr. Dave Esokpunwu, said the state would be better off if the party won the election.

  • Edo 2016: 520 delegates to participate in PDP primaries

    Edo 2016: 520 delegates to participate in PDP primaries

    No fewer than 520 delegates are to participate in the fresh Peoples Democratic Party governorship primaries to be conducted by the committee set up Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff.

    The primaries will hold at the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.

    Two aspirants, Hon Ehiozuwa Agbonnayima and Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, are to contest at the primaries.

    Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu had earlier emerged candidate of the PDP at the primaries conducted by the Ahmed Makarfi’s committee.

    A visit to the stadium showed that arrangements were being put in place by party officials.

    Spokesman for the Edo PDP caretaker committee, Okharedia Ihimekpen, told our reporter that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission would monitor the conduct of the primaries.

    He said other statutory delegates that are elected members of the party would participate in the primaries.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Sam Olumekun, said it was only the Party Monitoring Department of INEC that could confirm if the commission would be at the Sheriff primaries.

    He directed our reporter to get confirmation from INEC headquarters.