The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo

  • Edo invites 1,300 teachers to defend certificates

    The Edo State government has invited 1,300 primary school teachers, who have irregularities in their education certificates and age records, to appear before a verification committee.

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole said this at a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), led by Comrade Patrick Ikosimi.

    The governor, who said the exercise was not to witch-hunt anybody, however, insisted that it would not be business as usual and that those who have become too old to teach would have to go.

    Oshiomhole said: “It is not my wish to preside over dismissals, first it is not cheap. Secondly, I have a responsibility to keep Edo going and ensure that our children are in the hands of good teachers who are strong to stand and competent to teach.

    “If the facts reveal that there are teachers who do not have the requisite qualification, you cannot insist that they remain in the system. The good news is that those who are not too old, who are capable of training, if we find that they are deficient and it is possible for them to benefit from training, we will give them training, what is not acceptable is to say it is business as usual,” he noted.

    The governor added: “We can mismanage everything in our country, if you mismanage education, you are killing our tomorrow, our collective future. The roads we are building, we won’t have brains to look after them. In the absence of brains, we won’t have growth and development.

    “I have asked the Ministry of Education to invite those 1,300 teachers, who, from the records, appear to have started their primary school before they were born. Because we are not assuming that those documents are iron-cast.”

    The governor said the teachers would be paid their salaries which were withheld when they went on strike.

    He said this was informed by the fact that the teachers are back in the classrooms and have agreed to cover the lost ground.

     

  • Edo workers protest ‘sack’

    Workers recruited under the Edo Youth Empowerment Scheme yesterday marched on the streets of Benin City, protesting the alleged sack of 4,000 workers.

    They also protested the non-payment of their three-month salaries.

    The protesters said they were informed that over 4,000 names were deleted after the completion of Edo YES staff audit by the government.

    They said they were afraid that they might not be paid as the names of those cleared by the ICT unit have not been made public.

    A source said many ghost workers were discovered among the Edo YES staff.

    The source said those sacked were found to have falsified their ages, presented fake results, especially first school leaving certificate, among other offences.

    Managing Director of the State Rapid Response Agency Mujaidu Dako said the staff audit was to ensure that the workers are real.

    Dako said they learnt that some of the supposed workers were coming from outside the state to collect salaries in Edo.

    He said: “The governor ordered the audit to know those working and to check their educational qualifications.

    “This exercise has been concluded. It is those who know they are guilty that are crying round town that they have been sacked. We want to make sure those employed are not ghosts.

    “We want to make sure that we are not paying people who are not working. I am not aware that the state is broke. This exercise is to make sure that the workers are those we employed. There is need to sanitise the system.”

    The director said the government would begin payment of the salaries this week.

     

  • Mob beats Edo traffic officers

    Two officers of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) were on Friday beaten up by a mob after the vehicle of a traffic offender almost somersaulted at Oliha Junction in Benin City.

    The mob attacked the officers when the offender raised alarm that the traffic officials were “dragging the steering with him.”

    It was the police that rescued the officers and it was learnt that the offender was just learning how to drive.

    The State Commissioner for Transport, Isimeme Iriogbe, described the incident as unfortunate, saying the mob acted out of ignorance.

    “They acted out of ignorance. The offender was driving one way and he is a learner. It is so easy for the public to attack our officers. Our officers acted promptly and were not dragging steering with the offender. The offender was not a victim.”

    Isimeme added that several traffic officers have been sacked or suspended for acting against their rules of engagement.

  • Edo revenue board seals off Benin Airport

    •We didn’t shut airport, says Oshiomhole
    •Police arrest board chairman
    •FAAN: agency exempted from tax payment

     

    Activities were grounded at the Benin Airport yesterday as the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue sealed off the administrative offices of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) for non-remittance of N40million Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax.

    It was gathered that FAAN owed the government N15million and NAMA N25million allegedly deducted from the salaries of employees in 2011.

    Passengers could not leave the airport as the two gates in the facility were locked.

    Some passengers left by breaking down the barbed wire that served as perimetre fencing at the airport.

    Passengers scheduled for morning flights were stranded.

    EDIRS Chairman Oseni Elemah, who led security operatives to open the airport gates, said the locking of the gates was a ploy to blackmail the government.

    Elamah said only the offices were sealed off by his officials.

    He said several means have been deployed to get the airport management to pay the tax.

    Elamah was later arrested on the orders of the Inspector-General.

    A FAAN official said sensitive documents regarding flight plans were in the locked offices.

    Airport Manager Sunday Ayodele refused to comment but was seen being whisked away by operatives of the State Security Services (SSS).

    The General Manager, Corporate Communications, Yakubu Dati, described the sealing off as an invasion.

    He said the board could have explored all avenues of communication instead of carrying out activities that could threaten public safety.

    But Governor Adams Oshiomhole, at a briefing, said the airport was shut by Sunday after officials of the revenue board served a restraining order on him.

    Oshiomhole said it was unfortunate and worrisome that the police arrested those enforcing the law rather than those breaching the law.

    Dati said significant revenue has been lost by airlines, the airport authority as well as the airspace agency.

    In a statement he said: “The Edo State Government forcefully entered the premises of the Benin Airport and locked out all workers and airport users.

    “The government claimed that FAAN and NAMA had not paid relevant taxes, including tenement rate, to it.

    “This action, which has effectively shut down flight operations at the airport, is in contravention of the laws setting up FAAN.

    “The act establishing FAAN states clearly that ‘the Authority shall be exempted from the payment of taxes and tenement rates and any arrears whatsoever in connection thereto’.

    “The Authority, therefore, views this action as not only unlawful but provocative because it is a well known fact that all airport lands are acquired by the Federal Government and are exempted from paying charges to the states where they are located.

    “The unlawful closure of the airport and the invasion of the airport’s restricted area is a security breach.

    “We wish to assure all passengers, airline operators and other airport users that the Authority is taking urgent steps to ensure that the airport is re-opened for normal flight operations immediately, even as we regret any inconvenience caused them.”

    Oshiomhole noted that the restraining order was served in a way that it does not affect the operation of the airport.

    He said the airport manager assaulted officials of the revenue board and that he was embarrassed when the commissioner of police arrested Elamah.

    Oshiomhole said: “The Edo State Government did not close down the airport. We believe it was possible for FAAN and NAMA to pay their tax obligations without causing pains to travellers.

    “The closure of the airport was unilaterally done by the airport manager, who wanted to shield himself from the charges against him namely deducting taxes and not remitting same to the government in accordance with the law.

    “We need to remind him that these are criminal issues. It is a criminal act if you do not pay your tax. We will pursue it legally. He is using forceful act by dragging the police into it but we will use due process of law to bring the airport manager to justice because we are all creations of the law.

    “The airport manager decided to shut down the airport. He shut the arrival and departure lounges and ensured that nobody goes into the airport. The sealing of his office could not have affected the operations of the airport.

    “When laws are violated, it is those who violate the laws who should be invited and not those who seek to enforce the law. I don’t think the action of the police is appropriate.

    “We need to observe the rule of law with all finesse. The revenue board acted according to the law.

    “We are working hard to send out a clear message that we are under the law. The fact that I am a governor does not give me immunity from my tax obligations. It is a criminal act to collect tax and not remit same.”

  • Edo seals Benin Airport over tax

    Edo seals Benin Airport over tax

    Business activities were on Tuesday paralysed at the Benin Airport as the Edo State Internal Revenue Services sealed up the administrative offices of the Benin Airport over non-remittance of N15m “Pay As You Earn Tax.”

    The money was allegedly deducted from FAAN employees in 2011.

    Passengers that arrived Benin could not leave the airport as the two gates leading to the airport were under lock and key.

    Some of the passengers had to leave the airport by breaking down the barb wire that served as perimetre fencing to the place.

    Cab operators were also trapped inside the airport as well as other passengers that did not want to leave through the fence.

    Passengers scheduled for morning flights could not leave as flights did not depart the airport following the shut down.

    Chairman of EDIRS, Chief Oseni Elemah, who led security operatives to open the airport gates, said the locking of the gates was a ploy to blackmail the state government.

    He said only the offices were sealed by his officials and not the gates.

     

  • Edo Council Chairman dies of Kidney failure

    The chairman of Esan West Local Government Council of Edo State, Mr. Henry Irumundomon is dead.He reportedly passed away on Friday at University of Benin Teaching hospital where he has been receiving treatment  for Kidney related ailment . He was aged 57.

    Late Irumundomon was elected chairman of the council about  two months ago, and would have been celebrating his 100 days in office in August.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the council, Mr. Isaac Ogbeifun while confirming the death described his late boss as an upright man whose humility endeared him to  many.

    The late chairman had earlier been rumoured dead but the report  turned out to be false.

    The rumours had followed the hospitalization of the council boss after he suddenly collapsed at his residence in Ekpoma. But he returned alive from the medical trip.

    Reacting in a chat with Nation after returning  from the hospital, the late council boss had described the information as “bad rumour” peddled by those he said did not wish him well.

    Irumundomon had consequently advised them to be careful next time, so they do not loose the little credibility left in them.

    But the council boss health few weeks back reportedly deteriorated, prompting him to return to the hospital, where he eventually died.

    There weeping and wailing at the residence of the late council boss of Ekpoma on Friday.

  • Oliha buried, Edo, Kwara donate N3m

    Oliha buried, Edo, Kwara donate N3m

    Eguavoen Urges Jonathan to Redeem House Pledge

    The body of late Thompson Oliha was finally laid to rest at his no. 3 Thompson Oliha Crescent off Edo Street, Upper Sokponba Road, Benin City at about 1.30pm yesterday.

    Memorial match was played in his honour by his colleagues led by Austin Eguavoen at the lying- in state at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

    The match which was played by Edo selected and some members of the 94 squad ended 1-1 apiece.

    Also in memory of his last place of work, the 94 squad and some ex internationals were on Kwara football academy jersey while Edo selected were on Insurance Jersey.

    In a short remark, Comrade Adams Oshiomole of Edo State said the death of Oliha was such a big loss to the people of Edo state and Nigeria in general.

    The governor who spoke through the commissioner for youths and sports, Lady Omorede Osifo said that the State will be organizing a yearly Youths football championship, to be called Thompson Oliha Soccer Championship.

    The governor also donated 2million to the two kids of Oliha and personally appealed to the family to come to the government house on Monday with the kids where he will present the cheque to them.

    On the part of Kwara state governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed made a donation of 1million to the kids.

    In his speech made by the Kwara State director of sports Mallam Tunde Kazeem expressed the feelings of the government and people of Kwara State over the death of Thompson Oliha.

    He condoled the government and people of Edo State, especially the Oliha Family adding that Thompson Oliha was a dedicated and loyal employee of the state government who will be missed by all.

    On her part, Perpetua Clement, the admin manager, Kwara football academy described him as a hard working gem.

    Nigeria Football Federation represented by Barr. Leye Adepoju and Dr. Chris Emeruwa in their own speech said Thompson Oliha was a loyal, dedicated and respected player in his day at the national team.

    They therefore urged the current players in the Super Eagles to learn and emulate the loyalty and dedication of the LATE Thompson Oliha when he played for the senior National Team.

    Austin Eguaveon who led the likes of Ben Iroha, Alloy Agu, Emeka Ezeogu and others said that it is regrettable that up till now the 23 of the 94 squad who chose Lagos for their house promises up till now are yet to get their promises from the Federal Government even when the 9 others had already received theirs in Abuja.

    Eguaveon further said that he believed that one day the president, Jonathan Goodluck will have the wisdom of God to redeem their image in the eyes of the world.

    Immediately the Nigerian Flag and a football that carried the autograph of some of the 94 squad was presented to the son of Thompson Oliha, Jesus Asosa Oliha by the Edo State commissioner for sports Omorede Osifo, the little Oliha however reiterated his commitment to follow his fathers footsteps.

    Little Oliha who is in basic four at the high bridge school Lagos said he is already captaining the junior team of the school.

    He said he hopes that someday he will wear the green white green.

     

     

  • Edo denies signing another execution warrant

    Edo denies signing another execution warrant

    The Edo State Government has denied that Governor Adams Oshiohmole signed the execution warrant of two more prisoners on death row in the state.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Peter Okhiria, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Oshiomhole, and issued on Wednesday in Benin.

    The statement described media reports on the issue as false and intended to cause disaffection in the state.

    It, therefore, advised members of the public to disregard the information, adding that the governor would not shy away from carrying out his constitutional duties when the need arose.

    In another development, the state government has appointed Mr. Aremiyau Aligame-Momoh, as the Executive Director on revenue matters, as part of effort to improve on its revenue generation and effectively monitor same.

    A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said the appointment took immediate effect.

    The News Agency of Nigeria quoting the statement reports that the office would henceforth handle the functions of the former task force on revenue generation.

     

  • Tax collectors ‘kill’ suya seller in Edo

    A barbecue (suya) seller, Musa Ali, has been allegedly killed by some youths who collect night taxes from barbecue sellers, night food vendors and tea sellers.

    Musa was said to have been stabbed after demanding money from the tax collectors, who bought suya from him.

    His death made his colleagues march on the secretariat of Oredo Local Government Area demanding the abolition of night taxes.

    One of the protesters, Usman Umaru, said: “We are made to pay N200 each night and that most time this is collected with violence and harassment.

    “On the night Ali was killed, they came and he gave them money. They came back and bought suya but did not pay.

    “When Musa asked them for money, one of the boys stabbed him and they used a stone to hit his head. They collected the money on him and ran away.”

    Chairman of suya sellers Shehu Abdullahi said it was only in Oredo that night taxes were introduced.

    He said they paid taxes at the point of purchase and could not pay another tax at the point of sales.

    “Giving tickets at night as tax is not good. The chairman should cancel night tax. Why should they tax suya sellers after collecting tax where we buy the meat?”

     

  • Pastor held for defiling two teenagers

    A pastor with the Deeper Life Bible Church, Eze Fidelis, has been arrested by men of the Edo State Police Command for allegedly defiling two teenagers at the same time.

    Fidelis was among the 32 suspects paraded for various offences ranging from kidnapping, car snatching, armed robbery, cultism and fraud.

    He was alleged to have had carnal knowledge of a nine years old girl at Abudu in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.

    The state Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo, said it was the victim’s father that noticed that she was not walking fine and upon enquiry said the painful movement was as a result of sexual intercourse with the pastor.

    In a chat with journalists, Fidelis blamed the devil for his ordeal, saying he committed the act over a year ago.

    He said the victims who are in primary school came to his house during school-break but did not have proper sex with them.

    “I am 47 and have been a pastor for 10 years. The parents were my church members before they left but they were still coming to my house. Joy came with her friend and the devil tempted me. They didn’t cry and I did not do anything reasonable with them. I gave them N50. The parents discovered and confessed after which they forgave me,” he said.

    Fidelis, however, denied having sex with the victim recently.