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Tag: Edo

  • Edo Decides: Observers satisified with early movement of materials

    Edo Decides: Observers satisified with early movement of materials

    Some observers monitoring the ongoing governorship election in Edo State have expressed satisfaction with the early movement of election materials across the state.

    Executive Director, Partners for Electoral Reforms and Board member, YIAGA Africa, Ezenwa Nwagu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth and early distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials across polling units nationwide.

    Speaking to reporters at ward 12, Agbado primary school, in Benin city, Nwangu said the process has so far been very commendable and a far cry from previous situations where materials left for polling units late resulting in late commencement of polls.

    Read Also: LIVE UPDATES: Edo Decides 2024

    He also commended the security put in place to ensure the safety of both the materials, electoral staff and the voters.

    He said: “We have monitored the transportation of the materials from the RACs to polling units, and we are pleased with the organized and timeliness of the operation so far”.

    Chairman of Connected Development (CODE) Hamza Lawal said INEC has adhered to its promise of early deployment of electron materials, which is a critical factor in ensuring a free, fair, and credible election.

    “The early movement of materials to polling units is particularly commendable, as it shows the Commission’s commitment to a credible process and we expect that this is replicated across the board,” Lawal said.

  • Towards a successful poll in Edo

    Towards a successful poll in Edo

    The people of Edo State are going to the poll today. They should not be seen to be going to war. At the close of the poll, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor should be elected peacefully and democratically. The minimum expectation is a substantially credible poll that would make the victor’s rivals accept their fate and return to the drawing board. Ultimately, democracy should be the winner.

    But events leading to today’s exercise obligate Edo people and residents to ensure an orderly election and a peaceful state.

    The refusal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to sign the peace accord is a wide departure from democratic norms. It is worrisome to the National Peace Committee, headed by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former military Head of State, and all lovers of popular rule in the country. The implication is that there may be a pre-conceived attempt to discredit the process ahead of kickoff. It also means the ruling party in Edo has lost confidence in the process. It may also be a face-saving strategy by the party’s leadership if the outcome goes the other way. That is not an act of statesmanship.

    Read Also; Crisis is in DNA of PDP, APC tells Bauchi gov

    But, in another breath, the governor’s complaints about the general preparation for the poll should be perused so that the state would not be plunged into an avoidable post-election disaster.

    Although the campaigns have not been marred by large-scale violence, peace is not total. The rallies have been hot, aggravating the inter-party competition, acrimony and antagonism. The campaign of calumny, the abuse, character assassination, threats and counter-threats, frivolous claims and allegations by rivals, and the stress of electioneering have, no doubt, upset the state. There is so much focus on personalities and less emphasis on issues.

    Highly inflammable statements were not avoided during the campaigns. On the podium, politicians acted before thinking. Issues of personal nature were inappropriately thrown up. There were allusions to a candidate’s personal life of children without a wife which is confusing. There were also reference to a wife’s inability to bear children, oblivious of the fact that procreation is the handiwork of God the creator.

    However, the outcome of the election would be a referendum on the performance of Obaseki in the last seven and a half years.

    Also, the result would reveal whether or not zoning or rotation of the governorship slot is a key issue in Edo politics. It will also show if the running mates can pull their weights in their respective local government areas.

    The poll will also show whether or not the electoral commission has improved its performance over last year’s general election. It will be an opportunity for the commission to correct some weaknesses associated with the conduct of previous off-season polls.

    Politics is a legitimate contest for political control; it is guaranteed by the constitution. But the actors are, true to human nature, inclined to violate or circumvent the constitutional stipulations. If all play by the rules, all will be well. If not, the battle will shift to the street or the temple of justice. The cost of litigation would be an additional stress.

    It is apparent that only three of the 18 candidates are actually in the race; 15 others are merely warming the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) register.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) is scheming to bounce back to power with Monday Okpebholo. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is bent on of retaining power with of Asue Ighodalo. The Labour Party (LP) has Olumide Akpata who is plotting to pull the rug off their feet. None of the flagbearers is a giant in Edo politics.

    Okpebholo, who could be said to be the only strong politician in the race, cannot be described as a man of immense national stature, although he is a senator. He is known to be popular at the grassroots from where he derived the votes that took him to the Senate.

    Asue is a technocrat, a financial expert and a lawyer who is still learning the ropes in politics. He is to Obaseki what Obaseki was to Adams Oshiomhole before they parted ways. He is a very confident person.

    Akpata rode on the back of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to popularity. His party is often rented out to aggrieved politicians after being edged out of their original platforms. It used to be a “used and dumped”.

    There is anxiety in the major parties, but it is not unexpected. In their hunt for power, there is mutual suspicion. LP fears that APC and PDP could dwarf the scattered Obedients on poll day, although it is guarding its Edo South base jealously. In the other two senatorial districts, there is no penetration.

    APC is spoiling for a pound of flesh, having been left in the cold for four years through the relocation of its residual mandate to the PDP in 2020 by the governor, following the connivance of party men who undermined the state.

    Without the advantage of real or imagined federal might, the PDP is fretting and crying foul. The party is suspicious of the police to remain impartial, unlike four years ago when it was operating on the same solid ground. Decimated by defections and polarised by quarrels over succession politics, the ruling party in Edo has broken down with a section led by Dan Orbih not identifying with the candidate.

    A feature of this year’s electioneering is that apart from Akpata, who appears to be his own man, despite Peter Obi’s visit to the state, it appears the Edo battle is between the APC leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and PDP’s leader, Governor Obaseki, with the two candidates – Okpebholo and Ighodalo – operating under their shadows.

    The fate of Edo is in the hands of its people as they decide what to do with it today. They should shun unruly behaviours at the polling booths. The no-go areas include ballot hijack, disruptions of the voting process, and other forms of violence. There may be no apathy as the antecedent of the state has shown. But the electorate needs to vote wisely. Voters should shun vote-buying in the interest of their children’s future. They should cooperate with the umpire to do a neat job.

    The onus is on INEC to conduct a credible poll. Elections are only free and fair when the votes count. Poor conduct in an election is an affront to the sanctity of the ballot box.

    Master riggers should be aware that they risk going to jail, judging by the umpire’s warning about its determination to sanitise the electoral process. Political thugs need to know that their sponsors will abandon them when they are apprehended.

    The reason irregularities and malpractices have persisted in elections is that the envisaged tribunal for the trial of electoral terrorists has not come on board. The difference between the tribunal and the regular court is that the trial of suspects for electoral manipulation would be done speedily and culprits brought to justice on time.

    Polling officers should not be conspirators against the voters’ freedom to elect whomever they choose. They should conduct the exercise according to laid down regulations. Any laxity would be counterproductive. An election is an emotive issue.

    Late arrival of polling officers and election materials can spark apprehension. INEC workers –regular or ad hoc – should report for the special assignment promptly. Malfunctioning of the electronic capturing machines can delay or elongate the procedure for voting. In the past, INEC hired a drunkard to paddle a speedboat full of polling materials to designated polling centres in the coastal areas. It capsized. In Today’s exercise, the logistics arrangement should be perfect.

    Since electronic voting is still a tall order, stakeholders have to endure certain processes. The cooperation of voters and party agents are required during the counting and recording of votes. Party agents are expected to be vigilant. Any mistake during counting, recording and transmission of results could spell doom for the process.

    To the observers and the monitors, there is a need to produce objective reports and not the ones that will mislead or confuse the public. It is not an act of patriotism for observers to become partisan and allow their observations to be teleguided by political parties and their candidates. They are expected to be neutral and uphold democratic and national interests. Security agents on electoral duty should discharge their duty patriotically and without fear or favour. The onus is on them to provide security and police the votes to ensure transparency in all areas.

    To the politicians, an election should not brew acrimony. It should rather be a means for the electorate to give their votes to the person they believe would do his best for them. An election of a single day can throw up four years of contentment or regrets.

  • Edo Election: Code to report GBV unveiled

    Edo Election: Code to report GBV unveiled

    A Non-Governmental Organisation, Big Family360, on Thursday unveiled a mobile app called, SmartRR, to enable citizens to report Gender-Based Violence (GBV) during the Sept. 21 Edo governorship election.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the app was introduced during the: “I Stand for Peace Campaign” dialogue held for journalists and Civil Society Organisations in Benin.

    The event was part of activities outlined by the Rally for Peaceful Election group, a multi-stakeholder forum advocating for sustainable peace throughout the election.

    Mr. Samuel Dirug, Executive Director of Big Family360, said that the app would provide a platform for victims of GBV to quickly report and connect with service providers during the elections.

    Dirug explained that the initiative was to reduce violence against women and other vulnerable groups throughout the elections.

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    “We are here in Benin to launch the SmartRR mobile application, which allows women and vulnerable individuals to anonymously report violence from both smart and basic phones.

    “However, it is specifically deployed to assist women, people with disabilities, and the elderly in reporting GBV and other forms of violence during the Edo election,” he said.

    He added that the app was available on Google Playstore and the Apple App Store, with an offline version accessible via the USSD code 3473090#.

    “We will help victims connect with service providers located near their polling units and communities.

    Dr. Bright Oniovokukor, Convener of the group, said the app’s deployment for the Sept. 21 Edo election was timely.

    Oniovokukor also stated that the App would help to curb violence during the election by providing an avenue for prompt reporting and response.

    “We are part of any initiative that gives people the assurance that the election will be peaceful.

    “Many are hesitant to participate due to fears of violence, but knowing they can report incidents at their polling unit will encourage higher voter turnout,” he said.

  • Edo election: Govt declares Friday work-free day

    Edo election: Govt declares Friday work-free day

    Edo Government has declared Friday, Sept. 20, a work-free day to enable workers and others travel to their voting areas ahead of the Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

    A statement by Joseph Eboigbe, Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), reassured that security measures had been provided to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.

    According to Eboigbe, it’s is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Edo State Government has declared Friday, September 20, a work-free day.

    Read Also: Edo election: Don’t wear campaign attire to polling units, INEC warns parties, supporters

    “This is to enable workers and other electorates travel to their voting areas ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the State.”

    “Government wishes everyone journey mercies and reassures that security measures have been provided to ensure a free, fair and credible election, ” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Do or die in Edo?

    Do or die in Edo?

    Next Saturday, the people of Edo State, will vote for a new governor to take over from Godwin Obaseki who will soon complete his second tenure. The major gladiators in the election are Obaseki’s preferred candidate, Asue Ighadolo, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo, and that of the Labour Party (LP), Olumide Akpata.

    Obaseki who was elected governor in 2016 on the platform of the APC, decamped to the PDP, to contest the 2020 elections, after he fell out with his godfather and predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole who was then the chairman of the APC. The PDP excitedly welcomed him to their fold, and after a keenly contested election, Obaseki was declared the winner. When Obaseki fell out with Oshiomhole, during his first tenure, he also fell out with the members of the state House of Assembly, elected on the platform of the APC, in 2019.

    To the chagrin of even non-partisans, in Edo State and across the country, Obaseki refused to swear in some elected legislators. Out of 24 legislators, Obaseki carried out his executive responsibility, which required the imprimatur of the legislators, with only 10 legislators, out 24, which make up Edo State House of Assembly. Luckily for Obaseki, former President Muhammadu Buhari, condoned the governor’s intransigence and the 14 legislators, who were considered to belong to Oshiomhole’s faction spent their four-year tenure at home.

    Oshiomhole, was also sacked from his position as the APC chairman by his ward, apparently for belonging to the camp of the then potential presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And with the tacit approval of the presidency, Obaseki swept the polls. As the gladiators head towards the election, next weekend, there is no doubt that the dynamics have changed. Oshiomhole has bounced back to reckoning as the senator representing Edo North, and his faction of APC had won the presidency. Now, he is not only the leader of the party in the state, he has behind him the so-called federal might.

    The APC in Edo State, was also able to cohere, after the presidency reconciled the preferred candidate of Oshiomhole, Dennis Idahosa, now the deputy gubernatorial candidate, with the winner of the second round of gubernatorial primaries, Okpebholo, the candidate of the party. To further compound the challenge facing the PDP, Obaseki’s deputy, the vivacious Philip Shuaibu, fell out with Obaseki, and he has decamped to APC, to fight the next weekend’s election. Shuaibu didn’t leave without a lot of embarrassing drama to the governor and the PDP.

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    Apart from the drama of office space after Obaseki sacked him from the precincts of the government house, there was the religious incense, when Shaibu got his priest to say a Mass to disinfect the new office space he was banished to. To further push the knife into Obaseki back, Justice James Omotosho of Federal High Court Abuja, declared the impeachment of Shaibu as null, void and of no effect. The reinstated deputy governor decided to rub salt to the injury by making a grand entry into Edo State with the APC gubernatorial candidate on July 18, which resulted in the death of Inspector Onuh Akoh.

    The APC has been pushing for the trial of the alleged killers of the Inspector, which they claim was sponsored by those beholden to the state government. While the state government has denied culpability, the Edo State Security Network, which the APC had accused of spreading terror in the state, has been banned by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The governor’s past intransigence also caused a rift between his government and the highly revered Edo monarch, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, and the implications are far reaching, in an election year.

    The governor whose forbearer allegedly betrayed, the forbearer of the current Oba, is seen by the opposition party as living up to the pedigree of his family. To further compound the challenge on the royal front, the royal courtiers in the Benin kingdom have accused the governor of dragging the king to the court of law, which they consider a sacrilege. The dispute over the custody of the returned artifacts of the ancient Benin kingdom has made the governor an enemy of the Benin royal house.

    There is also the challenge posed by the resurgence of the LP candidate, Olumide Akpata, with the support of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the party in last year’s presidential election. The LP’s candidate is likely to eat into the votes of the PDP, whose officials including the governor, had previously given the impression that the LP and PDP were fighting APC, as a common enemy, at last year’s election. Now that it is only one election, and with the PDP and LP standing differently, and fighting for one trophy, the PDP may suffer the backlash. 

    These challenges perhaps explain why, Obaseki has expectedly declared next Saturday’s election as ‘a do or die’. But how can he contend with the many battle lines he had opened in the last eight years? How can he contend with the far reaching influence of the Oba of Benin, who may likely oppose his candidate? The historical discontentment and his resent challenge of the authority of the Oba are strong influences that may work against his candidate. Again, Obaseki and his erstwhile chummy deputy, Shuaibu campaigned for the 2020 election on the ground that they were slaying god-fatherism, which they said Oshiomhole represented.

    Now, people are accusing Obaseki of being a godfather, who wants to foist a Lagos boy, on the state. Ighodolo, a very successful lawyer, based in Lagos, is taunted with the lack of capacity to speak Edo language fluently. The PDP has however counted that lack of fluency in Edo with the lack of capacity on the part of the APC candidate, to speak fluent English. The battle line will be tight in Edo north, where Oshiomhole and his reconciled boy, Philip Shuaibu holds sway, and will likely give Obaseki a bloody nose.

    The threat of ‘do or die’, by Obaseki may however turn out a wimp considering the enormous security personnel that has been deployed to the state to protect the voting process. According to the IGP, 35,000 police personnel have been deployed to the state for the election. That would be in addition to other security personnel from the Civil Defence. Being an off-cycle election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should also be better prepared to deliver a free and fair election. Unfortunately, the last time former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared an election as, a do or die affair, even the winner considered the process a sham. Will Obaseki’s threat be proverbial in Edo State election?

  • Edo’s controversial signing of peace accord

    Edo’s controversial signing of peace accord

    The governorship candidate of the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 election in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, whom most opposition politicians refer to as not being a homeboy, and the Chairman of the PDP in the state, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, attracted controversies to themselves on Thursday at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, Benin.

    The event was the signing of peace accord by the standard bearers and chairmen of the 18 participating political parties.

    Signing of the peace accord, organised by the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee (NPC), was, however, shunned by Ighodalo and Aziegbemi, who were present from the beginning to the end.

    The elaborate ceremony was witnessed by the former Head of State (Abdulsalami); the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Egbetokun; the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; and the Convener of the National Peace Committee, Bishop Matthew Kukah; among other eminent personalities.

    The PDP governorship candidate and the party’s state chairman initially moved at 12:25 p.m. to the podium where the peace accord was being signed but they gently protested to Bishop Kukah, who was coordinating the signing.  The duo declined to sign, and later moved to where Gen. Abdulsalami was seated and continued  the protest.

    The chairman of NPC later announced that Ighodalo and Aziegbemi gave some undisclosed conditions which they insisted must be met, before they would later move to Abuja to sign the peace accord, with Gen. Abdulsalami stating that there was no cause for alarm.

    Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, who is the leader of the PDP in the state, had on Wednesday, indicated that the PDP might not sign the peace accord the next day on the grounds that the police, responsible for enforcing the accord had through their actions, shown that they were acting in the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and waging war against the PDP.

    Obaseki spoke when he received Gen. Abubakar, who was on a courtesy visit to the Government House in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin.

    Aziegbemi had earlier raised the alarm over the deployment of Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, an associate of an ex-governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, to act as INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo, and the state’s Commissioner of Police, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, in the lead up to the September 21 governorship election in Edo.

    The signing of the peace accord was also witnessed by the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, who recently defected from the PDP to APC; and a former National Chairman of APC, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

    The NPC chairman, in his welcome remarks, stated that the signing of the peace accord was not just a ceremony, but an important commitment to uphold the peace, unity, and democratic values of Nigeria.

    Gen. Abdulsalami said: “Nigeria’s democratic journey has been shaped by the dedication of its people and the unwavering efforts of institutions like the National Peace Committee, which is committed to promoting peaceful, credible, and fair elections. Since our formation in 2014, the committee has worked tirelessly to foster an environment where every Nigerian can exercise their constitutional right to vote, without fear of violence or intimidation.

    “Today (September 12), as we stand on the gateway of yet another critical election in Edo State, we urge all political actors and stakeholders to commit themselves to the cause of peace in Edo state. The signing of this peace accord signifies your readiness to place the interest of the people which you want to serve above individual or party ambitions. It is a commitment to conduct campaigns free of hate speech, incitement, and violence, and to accept the outcome of the votes, as long as it is adjudged to be free, fair and credible.

    “Elections are a pillar of democracy, and in democracy, there are no losers; only participants who play their part in advancing the will of the people they represent and serve. I appeal to the esteemed candidates, parties and their supporters to remember that peace is the foundation upon which progress and development is built and established. Without it, none of the promises made to the people of Edo state can be fulfilled.

    “We are grateful to all our partners, especially INEC, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media, for their unwavering support in ensuring that this peace accord is not just symbolic, but transformative for this nation.

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    “As we proceed today (September 12), let us all remember that the eyes of the nation, and indeed the world, are upon us. We have the golden opportunity to set a positive example for other states and nations, by demonstrating that we can disagree on policies and priorities, but remain united in our love for our country and respect for the democratic process.”

    The former head of state also encouraged everyone to uphold the commitment beyond the elections, while stressing that peace was not an event, but a continuous process for all.

    Also speaking, the IGP noted that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would be supporting INEC to conduct the governorship election in Edo.

    Egbetokun said: “I am here today (September 12) to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful and secure electoral process. We recognise the importance of this movement, and the trust placed on us to protect the integrity of this election.

    “We will remain impartial, professional and vigilant, while providing a level playing ground for political parties and their candidates.

    “I urge all stakeholders to embrace peace, tolerance and respect for the democratic process. Let us work together to create a conducive environment for credible, fair and peaceful election, where every voter can exercise their rights to vote, without fear or intimidation.

    “We have put in place robust measures for the safety of persons and materials that would be involved in this election. Our robust security measures would respond to every potential threat. Our officers have been trained to handle situations with utmost professionalism and respect for human rights.”

    The IGP also urged Edo residents and other Nigerians to unite for peace and democracy, while expressing confidence that together, the governorship election in Edo could be made a huge success, thereby making it to show the nation’s commitment to democratic values.

    INEC chairman, in his goodwill message, recalled that four years ago, the NPC took a historic decision to devolve the signing of the peace accord beyond the presidential election to include off-cycle governorship elections, in view of the tension and violence often associated with the build-up to and conduct of such elections.

    Yakubu said: “The first Peace Accord outside Abuja was signed on Tuesday, 15th September, 2020 here in Benin City, ahead of the last governorship election, held on 19th September, 2020. Happily, political parties and candidates adhered to their commitments under the terms of the Peace Accord and the election was held peacefully, in spite of the tension during the pre-election campaign activities.

    “Once again, we are here in Edo State, on the eve of another governorship election. For us, as the election management body, I want to assure political parties and candidates that we will continue to play our part, according to the law and best practice, as articulated in the clauses of the National Peace Accord that we are about to commit ourselves to.

    “I appeal to political parties and candidates to note that it is not your signatures on the peace document that will guarantee peaceful election, it is your commitment to its implementation that is critical. As you sign the Peace Accord, commit yourselves to the implementation and terms of the accord, and pass the message to your supporters at all levels for compliance.”

    The INEC Chair also stated that commitment by the politicians to the implementation and terms of the peace accord was the best way to honour the efforts and sacrifice of the chairman and members of the NPC to peaceful elections.

    In the evening of September 12, Aziegbemi, who was accompanied by Ighodalo and the Director-General of the party’s Asue/Ogie governorship campaign council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, later addressed a news conference at the state secretariat of PDP on Airport Road, Benin, and released his two letters to Gen. Abdulsalami and INEC chairman.

    Aziegbemi disclosed that he wrote to the chairman of NPC (Gen. Abdulsalami), and the chairman of INEC, giving conditions for later signing the peace accord in Abuja by him and the governorship candidate of the PDP in Edo.

    Edo chairman of the governing PDP stated that they would always hold Gen. Abdulsalami in high esteem, but maintained that the conditions must be met.

  • Why Edo needs experienced men, by PDP candidate

    Why Edo needs experienced men, by PDP candidate

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has given reasons why Edo State needs people who can offer good governance.

    Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting organized by the Edo State Chapter of the National Youth Council (NYC), Ighodalo said, it is because the country, and by extension, the state of Edo are facing many challenges and therefore need people who can contend with and proffer lasting solutions.

    “We need experienced men and women who have the competence and capacity and the know-how to tackle those problems and get a solution that will better the lives of all of us.

     “The September 21 governorship election is, therefore, a thing that is between light and darkness; between good and evil; and between going forward into the next century or going back to the 17th century.

    “I, therefore, beg you to go out on September 21 and cast your vote, monitor it and ensure it is counted and follow it up so that bad people won’t short change us.

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    While expressing his gratitude to the teeming youths who graced the event, he said he has always loved working with youths because of their positive energy.

    He revealed that in his team, only about 4 people are above 40 years.

    He assured that he would always work for the good and progress of the youths. In his welcome address, Comrade Innocent Ajayi, South South President of the National Youth Council (NYC), urged the young people to participate actively in the coming election, saying it is their duty to do everything possible to secure their future including voting for the right people.

  • What Rema’s homecoming concert means for Edo – Enabulele

    What Rema’s homecoming concert means for Edo – Enabulele

    Bright Enabulele, the Accord Party’s governorship aspirant for Edo state, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to renowned Afrobeat artiste, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, following his recent homecoming concert in Benin City.

    Enabulele lauded Rema, describing him as one of Nigeria’s leading musical talents, and praised his electrifying performance, which highlighted Edo State’s growing influence on the global stage.

    Addressing journalists in Benin City, Enabulele emphasised the significance of Rema’s achievement for indigenous entertainers in Edo State, and across Nigeria.

    Enabulele said: “Rema’s homecoming concert was more than just a performance. It was a celebration of our cultural heritage and a testament to the talent that Edo State possesses.

    “His success underscores the potential of our artists to achieve global recognition and serves as a powerful source of inspiration for all of us.”

    Enabulele pointed out that Rema’s concert has set a new standard for the entertainment industry in Edo, showcasing the high calibre of talent that the state can produce.

    To build on this momentum, Enabulele unveiled a comprehensive plan to enhance the entertainment and arts sector in Edo State.

    Central to his vision is the development of state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure to support artists and entertainers. This plan includes constructing modern performance venues, cutting-edge recording studios, and creative hubs that will provide essential resources for local talents to develop and showcase their work.

    Enabulele also plans to introduce task breaks for indigenous Edo entertainers, allowing them time to hone their craft and collaborate with other artists.

    A key component of Enabulele’s strategy is the establishment of a world-class Universal Studios in Edo State.

    Read Also: Rema a backstage artiste at my 2016 inauguration – Obaseki

    This ambitious project, according to him, aims to create a premier entertainment destination, providing a platform for Edo-born artists, filmmakers, actors, and other entertainers to reach global audiences.

    By doing so, Enabulele believes that making the entertainment industry viable will not only empower the youth but also help them stay away from crime, and generate revenue for the state.

    Enabulele also emphasised the need for financial support and incentives for artists.

    He said: “We will introduce grants, funding opportunities, and tax benefits to help reduce financial barriers for our creative. By creating a supportive environment, we aim to allow artists to concentrate on their craft without the burden of financial constraints.”

    Further, Enabulele plans to foster strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, including sponsors, producers, and global entertainment networks. These collaborations are intended to increase exposure for Edo-based talents and facilitate their participation in international events and platforms.

    Another crucial aspect of Enabulele’s vision is the promotion of Edo’s rich cultural heritage.

    He intends to integrate traditional art forms and local cultural elements into contemporary entertainment practices, like the Walls of Benin which was greatly celebrated all over the world, preserving the state’s unique identity while appealing to a global audience, and promoting tourism.

    Enabulele declared: “When elected governor, my administration will prioritise transforming Edo State into a cultural and entertainment hub. Our goal is to create an environment where creativity and talent can thrive, making Edo a major player in the global entertainment industry.”

  • Edo did not attract FDI in four years, says LP’s Akpata

    Edo did not attract FDI in four years, says LP’s Akpata

    The governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the September 21 election, Olumide Akpata, has declared that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-led government of Governor Godwin Obaseki is yet to attract any Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the past four years.

    Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in an interview on national television at the weekend, cited the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS’) report, as the source of his data.

    He berated the standard bearer of PDP in Edo, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, for presiding over a side-rocking economy under Obaseki for over seven years.

    Akpata pleaded with the electorate in Edo to vote LP to restore the lost glory of the state. He said: “The NBS tells us that Edo State has not attracted any FDI in the past four years. Obaseki has been a failure and mitigated disaster. In the failure, there will always be some flashes of positives.

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    “I will create an enabling environment that will develop and make businesses strive if elected. LP’s government will give priority to agriculture, education, healthcar77e and rural and urban e1lectrification projects across the state.

    “Why look at the LP’s direction? We (Edo people) need a better fresh air. We need something different. In 25 years, PDP and APC have been running Edo State.

    “We must try something else, and LP presents a different approach to governance. Every government must ask itself, ‘We have been in power. How does it impact the greatest number of people? That is the approach of LP.”

     Sixteen political parties are participating in the governorship election in Edo.

  • BREAKING: Appeal Court voids judgment faulting Edo PDP’s Gov primary

    BREAKING: Appeal Court voids judgment faulting Edo PDP’s Gov primary

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the July 4 judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja faulting the conduct of the governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, which produced Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate in the forthcoming September 21 election.

    In a unanimous judgment a moment ago, a three-member panel of the appellate court allowed the appeal, marked:CA/ABJ/CV/763/24 filed by the PDP against the July 4 judgment by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The Court of Appeal held that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to have heard and determine the suit brought by Hon Kelvin Mohammed and two others, who claimed to be acting on behalf of the 378 ad-hoc ward delegates elected on February 4, who were allegedly excluded unlawfully from the PDP’s governorship primary.

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    The court further held that the issue raised in the suit, being a pre-primary issue, which is within the internal affairs of the PDP, relating to the nomination of the party’s  candidate, the Federal High Court was without jurisdiction to have entertained the suit.

    It also held that Mohammed and the other plaintiffs at the Federal High Court lacked the locus standi to have approached the court, not being aspirants who participated in the primary and have the intention of contesting any political offices.

    “The lower court has no jurisdiction to interfere with how the PDP conducts its internal affairs. The appeal succeeds. The judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on July 4, 2024 is set aside for lack of jurisdiction,” the court said.

    The court is currently delivering judgment on a second appeal by the PDP on related issues.

    Details shortly…