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Tag: Edo

  • Edo Govt lifts suspension on state security corps

    Edo Govt lifts suspension on state security corps

    The Edo government says it has lifted the suspension on the operations of the state security corps to strengthen the state security apparatus.

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor announced this via a statement issued in Benin on Friday.

    “In a move to fortify the security architecture of Edo State, the government has lifted the suspension imposed on the Edo State Security Corps in September 2024.

    “The decision made by the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, marks a comprehensive shift in the state’s quest for enhanced safety and security.

    “The suspension was initiated by the Inspector General of Police ahead of the Sept. 21, 2024 Gubernatorial Election.

    “The suspension was based on the constitutional stipulation that election security is the sole responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force, although it can be assisted by other sister agencies within the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

    “However, with the successful conduct of the gubernatorial election, the Edo State Government has deemed it necessary to reinstate the security corps,” he said.

    Read Also: Edo governor inspects schools, frowns at deplorable condition of facilities

    Ikhilor said the move was to bolster the state’s security apparatus and ensure the safety of its citizens.

    According to him, all returning officers are required to report to the office of the State Corps Commander or the three zonal offices of the Corps.

    “This directive aims to ensure a seamless transition and the effective deployment of the security corps,” the SSG said.

    (NAN)

  • Reps to probe CNG cylinder explosion in Edo, call for legislation to regulate sector

    Reps to probe CNG cylinder explosion in Edo, call for legislation to regulate sector

    The House of Representatives has announced an investigation into the CNG cylinder explosion in Edo State, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives and severe injuries. 

    The investigation aims to determine the causes of the incident and prevent future occurrences.

    In addition, the House has called for the establishment of legislation to regulate the production, installation, and use of CNG tanks and systems in vehicles. 

    This legislation would ensure that these processes comply with internationally recognized safety standards and prevent the manufacture of substandard CNG tanks by unqualified individuals.

    Following the adoption of an urgent public importance motion sponsored by Fuad Kayode Laguda (APC, Lagos), the House urged the relevant departments of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) to collaborate in enforcing strict certification standards for CNG tank production and installation. 

    They also emphasized the need for only qualified and accredited workshops to be authorized for CNG vehicle conversions.

    The House directed the Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW) and other relevant agencies to develop training and certification programs for local artisans and workshops involved in CNG tank fabrication and installation to ensure that only certified professionals handle such highly sensitive tasks. 

    It advocate for the creation of a mandatory inspection and certification program for all vehicles using CNG, including periodic integrity checks of both the CNG cylinders and the vehicles on which they are mounted, thereby preventing dangerous failures. 

    It directs the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to work in conjunction with relevant government bodies to monitor and enforce environmental safety standards in the manufacturing and usage of CNG tanks. 

    Also, it direct the Nigerian Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to establish clear guidelines for the safe conversion of vehicles to CNG use and ensure that these guidelines are adhered to by all workshops and vehicle conversion centers. 

    It said the Presidential Committee on CNG Initiatives should arrange frequent sensitization programs and exercises nationwide. 

    The House said this initiative will significantly enhance public awareness of the conversion process, safety regulations and maintenance procedures, adding that through consistent engagement and education, the risk of accidents and safety violations can be minimized, a more informed citizenry will not only adhere to safety regulations but also contribute to a safer, more efficient energy sector. 

    Leading a debate on the motion, Lagunda said the House must act swiftly to protect the lives of Nigerians and ensure that the adoption of CNG technology remains a safe and viable alternative for the country. 

    He recalled that the Federal Government’s Presidential CNG Initiative seeks to promote the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cleaner, more affordable alternative to petrol and diesel in vehicles, thereby reducing dependence on imported fuel, lowering emissions, and making transportation more cost-effective for Nigerians. 

    According to him, the Presidential CNG initiative is a component of the Palliative intervention of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration intervention program to cushion the resultant hardship effects of the fuel subsidy removal. 

    He argued that CNG has proven to be a sustainable and viable alternative fuel for transportation in many countries worldwide, but its safe use hinges on proper manufacturing, installation, and inspection of the CNG tanks and systems used in vehicles. 

    He expressed concern about the recent tragic incident in Edo State, where an explosion of a locally fabricated CNG cylinder, in a bid to cut corners, resulted in the loss of lives, numerous injuries, and property damage, has highlighted the critical need to address the safety and integrity of CNG tanks produced and used in Nigeria. 

    He said the lack of regulatory standards and legislation governing the local fabrication, installation, and inspection of CNG cylinders is causing a surge in the production of substandard tanks by unqualified artisans, leading to avoidable explosions and loss of lives. 

    Read Also: Reps align with Senate’s call on Tinubu to sack CCT Chairman Umar

    He alleged that many CNG conversion workshops and artisans are operating without proper technical certification or oversight, creating unsafe conditions that endanger the lives of vehicle owners and passengers. 

    He said without immediate legislative intervention to regulate the production, testing and certification of CNG tanks and installation processes more Nigerians will continue to face the risk of similar explosions, injuries, and fatalities.

    He stressed that the use of substandard materials, faulty installations and inadequate testing of CNG cylinders before their deployment in vehicles could undermine the success of the Presidential CNG Initiative and lead to widespread public mistrust in CNG technology. 

  • Okpebholo inaugurates assets verification committee in Edo

    Okpebholo inaugurates assets verification committee in Edo

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, inaugurated a 16-member Assets Verification Committee, led by Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, emphasising that it was not for witch-hunting.

    He tasked the committee with confirming the existence, conditions, locations, and ownership of all state assets.

    At the inauguration held at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Benin, Okpebholo stated that the committee’s purpose is to strengthen the fight against corruption.

    He said: “Prior to my inauguration on the 12th of November 2024, I set up a transition committee to collate all necessary information for a seamless handover of government. The committee, which was headed by Dr. Pius Odubu, has since submitted its report.

    “Based on the report, we have found it necessary to set up this committee to establish the true status of our assets as a state.

    “The assets’ verification is a process that will confirm the existence, conditions, locations, and ownership of all assets; whether fixed or movable, tangible or intangible.

    Read Also: Okpebholo inaugurates appointees, vows to chase criminals out of state

    “We are trusting this 16-member committee to do thorough checks and provide us with an updated record of Edo State assets and property.”

    Edo governor also noted that the assignment for members of the committee was in line with his promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government.

    Umakhihe, while speaking with reporters after the inauguration, stated that members of the committee were on a fact-finding mission, to unravel the state of affairs as inherited by the current administration.

  • Deploy security personnel to Edo communities to safeguard lives, Reps tell IGP, DSS

    Deploy security personnel to Edo communities to safeguard lives, Reps tell IGP, DSS

    The House of Representatives on Thursday asked the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, and Director General, Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy security personnel to communities in Edo state to safeguard the lives and property of the people.

    The House also tasked the security agencies to investigate the killings of innocent persons in communities in Itsukwi, Imegba, Okpekpe, and Imiakebu communities in Etsako East local government area of Edo state to fish out those behind the act.

    Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) the House called for financial assistance to those whose farmland was destroyed by the attackers to enable them to prepare for the farming season.

    Leading a debate on the motion, Osawaru reminded the House that Section 14 (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended) provides that the people’s security and welfare shall be the government’s primary purpose.

    He said: “Section 17 (b) of the Constitution provides that the sanctity of the human person shall be recognised and human dignity shall be maintained and enhanced; governmental actions shall be humane.

    “Also, Chapter 4 of the nation’s Constitution in Section 33 (1) provides that “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”

    Osawaru said every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person” and accordingly, “No person shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment.”

    Read Also: Reps Committee seeks to strengthen police service commission for effective oversight

    He disclosed that “on Monday, October 28, 2024, herdsmen invaded Ugbereke, a popular farmland known for its fertility, and destroyed completely the yam plantation of a youth leader in Itsukwi community (Ward 9, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State), Mr. Samuel Igbeneghu.

    “On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, three farmers by the names Umuagene Obey, Emuesugheli Obi and Ogbitabu Imoudumhe (all from Okpekpe community in Ward 10, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State were ambushed on the way to their farms and brutally murdered by suspected herdsmen.

    “On the same day, the killers made their way to Ugbereke, and killed one Undyar Aondongu, male, while at five women were beaten and left to flee with various degrees of injuries.

    “If the federal government fails to take the necessary steps to protect the lives and property of the people; acute hunger owing to food scarcity would be the natural consequence, not just for the people of the area but the entire Etsako East Local Government Area and by extension, Edo State as a whole.”

  • Edo Gov dissolves university councils, sacks management of state hospitals

    Edo Gov dissolves university councils, sacks management of state hospitals

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has dissolved the governing councils of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, and other state-owned tertiary institutions in the state. 

    The affected council members have been directed to hand over all government property in their possession to the heads of their respective institutions. 

    In a related move, Governor Okpebholo also approved the immediate disengagement of the management staff of Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin. 

    Read Also: Okpebholo will excel as Edo governor, says Oba of Benin

    The decisions were announced by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, who directed the hospital management staff to hand over to the most senior officers in their respective institutions.

  • Okpebholo declares war on cultism in Edo

    Okpebholo declares war on cultism in Edo

    Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has ordered heads of various security agencies in the state to make Edo unsafe for criminal elements.

    Okpebholo gave the directive during an inaugural security meeting held on Monday night in Benin, the state capital.

    In a statement on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, the governor said his administration places high priority on security.

    He said that his government would do everything possible to ensure that the state was safe for every resident, adding that his administration would not fold its arms while cult-related killings go on in the state.

    Read Also: Okpebholo signs revised N486b Appropriation Bill into law

    Okpebholo urged security agencies to collaborate and ensure that they put a stop to killings in the state, especially in the state capital.

    “During my campaign, I placed security above all. It is a priority for my administration because it is important. The rate of cultism is not acceptable by my administration.

    “The issue of cultism is not acceptable in Edo. We do not want to lose anybody, and we will be firm about this.

    “We must smoke criminals out of the state, wherever they are hiding and ensure that the state is safe for all,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that several lives have been lost in recent renewed cult clashes in the state, particularly in Benin.

    (NAN)

  • Okpebholo will excel as Edo governor, says Oba of Benin

    Okpebholo will excel as Edo governor, says Oba of Benin

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has expressed confidence that Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo will succeed, given his extensive experience as a businessman and visionary politician.

    He congratulated Okpebholo on his inauguration scheduled for November 12 and encouraged him to establish an inclusive government to improve the well-being of the state’s residents.

    In a press statement issued by Frank Irabor, Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), the first-class monarch assured that Governor Okpebholo would fulfill his mandate to the people of Edo, both at home and in the diaspora.

    Read Also: Okpebholo, PDP clash over road construction in Benin

    The Oba of Benin also prayed to God Almighty and the ancestors to grant the newly inaugurated governor the strength and capability to lead Edo and elevate the South-South state to greater heights.

  • Okpebholo: President Tinubu not happy with Edo’s current situation

    Okpebholo: President Tinubu not happy with Edo’s current situation

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is dissatisfied with the current state of Edo, particularly due to the lack of sufficient infrastructural development and the absence of legacy projects.

    Governor Okpebholo promised to initiate the construction of flyovers in the state.

    He emphasised that his administration is already taking action and assured the public that President Tinubu would join him in efforts to improve Edo, which he believes will be accomplished.

    During a recent inspection in Benin, Okpebholo assessed ongoing road construction and repairs. He visited several locations, including the Upper Mission Road Extension by Aduwawa Junction, Obadan Junction, and the Benin-Auchi Expressway, to evaluate the progress made since contractors were mobilized to the sites.

    The governor acknowledged that the deteriorating conditions of Upper Mission Extension have made life difficult for residents and traders in the area.

    He reassured the community that his administration is committed to working tirelessly to repair the roads and enhance the quality of life for the people of Edo.

    Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s mandate to transform Edo and promised the residents that he would align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve their living conditions.

    He said: “The failed portion at Upper Mission Extension Road was terrible. Last week, I came to look at the rate of damage, as vehicles found it difficult to pass the road. Businesses and people around this area are suffering.

    “My administration is determined to solve the problem, and put smiles on the faces of the residents.”

    Edo governor also described Obadan road as very important and strategic to the state, while stressing that fixing the road, would boost commerce and industry, thereby opening up Edo for economic growth and development.

    Read Also: Okpebholo, PDP clash over road construction in Benin

    He said: “This road is very important to us. It leads to Agbor, Onitsha, and the Northern parts of the country. The road is very strategic to us as a state. It is located in Edo State, and it is important, as it will boost the economy of the state.

    “Looking at the state of roads, I have to key into Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as we are not going to stop. We have already started working. Our mandate is to transform Edo State and make it a place that we all will be proud of. We assumed office about six days ago, and we have hit the ground running.”

    Okpebholo also assured that he would continue to work, till the end of his four-year tenure.

  • Okpebholo dissolves boards of Edo MDAs

    Okpebholo dissolves boards of Edo MDAs

    Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Wednesday announced the dissolution of the boards of all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the state with immediate effect.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, in Benin.

    The statement also said that all the permanent secretaries appointed from outside the public and civil service have been relieved of their appointments.

    Read Also: Dafinone congratulates Okpebholo on inauguration as Edo Gov

    It directed affected appointees to handover all the government property in their possession to the most senior public officers in their respective MDAs.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu tasks Okpebholo on prioritising living standards of Edo residents

    Tinubu tasks Okpebholo on prioritising living standards of Edo residents

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged newly inaugurated Edo Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo to prioritise enhancing the living standards of Edo citizens as he begins his tenure.

    Tinubu’s message, contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, called for focused leadership and a commitment to significantly improving residents’ quality of life.

    “I call on you to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a meaningful impact during your tenure,” Tinubu said in his congratulatory message.

    Okpebholo, who was officially sworn in as Governor on Tuesday, succeeded Godwin Obaseki, following his electoral victory in the state’s governorship race on September 21. 

    Tinubu underscored the significance of this leadership change, noting that Edo State is once again under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner. 

    “This is a historic return of Edo State to APC governance,” he remarked, adding that Okpebholo’s administration must “justify the confidence placed in him and the APC by fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state.”

    The President also emphasised the importance of a robust legislative branch, urging Okpebholo to empower Edo’s lawmakers and support other vital institutions throughout his tenure. 

    “A strong and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance,” Tinubu stated. 

    He further expressed concerns over the previous administration’s alleged interference with legislative independence. 

    “Attempts to undermine the legislative branch have hampered its effectiveness for much of its tenure,” Tinubu lamented, calling for a renewed respect for democratic checks and balances.

    Read Also: Tinubu entrenching good governance through renewed hope agenda – Wike

    Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conduct of the election and encouraged the agency to maintain high standards in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election. 

    “INEC has proven its commitment to democracy, and I urge them to strive for even greater excellence in the Ondo election on November 16,” he said.

    The President concluded his statement by celebrating Edo State’s new chapter, describing it as “a momentous occasion” for the state’s democratic journey. 

    “I rejoice with the people of Edo as they embark on this promising path,” Tinubu added.