The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo

  • NUJ urges police to track killers of NTA reporter

    NUJ urges police to track killers of NTA reporter

    The Edo Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Thursday urged  the police to track the killers of Lawrence Okojie,  a reporter of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) reporter.

    The Council Chairman, Sir Roland Osakue, made the call when the body of the late journalist was laid in state at the council’s secretariat on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Okojie, 33, was shot dead in Benin by unidentified gunmen while he was returning home from work in the night of July 8.

    Osakue, who described the late NTA staff as “a thoroughbred journalist and gentleman”, said the entire union was pained by his demise.

    He urged his family to take solace in the fact that the late journalist served humanity well throughout his sojourn on earth.

    While describing the prevailing security situation in the state as “worrisome”, Osakue urged the police to rise up to the challenge of curbing the current crime rate in the country.

    The NUJ chairman also appealed to the state government to beef up security in all strategic places to protect the lives and property of  citizens.

    Osakue expressed concern that the police had not  apprehended the killers of late Okojie several weeks after the incident.

    He promised to reward any member of the public that would offer useful information that could help in tracking the killers.

    “We are really sad about his death, most especially as he was killed in the line of duty.

    “We are particularly worried again because several weeks after the hardworking journalist was killed, security operatives have yet to find the killers,” he said.

    A former Chairman of the Council, Mr Desmond Agbama, appealed to  the police to take necessary steps to uncover the perpetrators of the crime.

    NAN reports that many journalists paid their last respect to the deceased who they described “as very friendly and accommodating”.

    NAN also reports that the management of the NTA has offered automatic employment to the young widow at the service of song held for the late journalist on Wednesday.

  • Cost of contesting election in Nigeria high – Oshiomhole

    Cost of contesting election in Nigeria high – Oshiomhole

    Hajiya Aisatu Oshiomhole, the mother of former Edo Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on Tuesday advised politicians to restructure the political scene and reduce the high cost of contesting election.

    Oshiomhole gave the advice in Iyanmo when Edo Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, and All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Estako West Local Government Area visited her over her son in-law, Malam Momodu Yakubu’s death.

    She said that to check corruption, which had been identified as a major cause of under-development in the country, only people with great ideas and integrity should be elected into office.

    Oshiomhole said that those who spend so much to get to power, employed every means to recoup the funds spent before thinking about development.

    She also called on the electorate to shun the habit of requesting for money before voting for a candidate, saying that such act made them lose the right to demand for accountability.

    The former governor’s mother congratulated Gov. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy on the recent Supreme Court victory and prayed God to give them the wisdom to continue the development of the state.

    She also used the occasion to extend appreciation to her son, Adams, who ensured that she got the best medical attention when she fell ill recently.

    Earlier, Shaibu had said that the leaders were at Iyamo to commiserate with the mother of the former governor over the demise of her son-In-Law as well as check on her well-being after her long medical vacation.

    He described late Yakubu, who was also the Chief Imam of Iyanmo, near Auchi, as an honest and detribalized leader who always had the interest of his people at heart.

    He urged other party leaders to emulate the late Yakubu in ensuring that they formed a united front to attract development to the area.

  • Edo govt bans use of schools, roads for social events

    The Edo State government has banned the use of the premises of public schools, roads and other public places for social events.

    The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr Paul Ohonbamu made the announcement on Wednesday in Benin in a statement issued to newsmen.

    He warned that violation of the ban would be dealt with in accordance with extant laws.

    He said that henceforth, the government would not condone those who flout the ban.

    The commissioner directed government agencies to ensure the ban is complied with.

    “By our ancestry as Edo people, we have always shown the example of public order and decency which others have emulated over the years.

    “This administration is determined to make Edo a model of magnificence and beauty once again,“ Ohonbamu said.

     

  • Family in disarray as woman, two kids disappear over native rites

    Why would a mother of two leave her home and disappear without any trace with her children after her husband’s family members requested that her daughter be made to go through some traditional “purification process”?

    These is the real poser the family of Chief Andrew Iyoha is still contending with 48 months after his son’s wife, Cristina Funmilayo, and her two children, Heaven Eghenayamu Iyoha and Light Osaruki Iyoha, suddenly disappeared from their home.

    What is more worrying to Chief Iyoha, who is the head of the family and doubles as the community head of Uguokha in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State is that, apart from the unknown whereabouts of both mother and children, his own son, who is also Crtistina’s husband, has since remained incommunicado.

    Raising the alarm, the distraught Iyoha family head told our correspondent that Cristina and her two children were last seen in March 2013.

    Iyoha claimed that he had since 2013 reported the matter to the police in Benin, Edo State, but there had been no information concerning their whereabouts.

    He said: “Since 2013, Cristina and her two children suddenly disappeared after she vehemently refused and opposed to being taken with her children to our village for her daughter to go through the process of a purification exercise. She was last seen in March 2013 and nothing has been heard from her and her husband up till now.

    “We are notifying the general public again that whoever have any useful information regarding her, her husband and their children should contact the head of the family, who is also the community head of Uguokha in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, Chief Andrew E. Iyoha or the nearest police station.”

    A police report signed by the Divisional Police Officer of the Airport Command in Benin confirmed that the family head lodged a complaint with the police on May 30, 2017 concerning the whereabouts of Cristina and her two children.

    According to a copy of the report,  Chief Iyoha had earlier in 2013 and 2015, respectively, lodged complaints with the police station on the whereabouts of the woman and her two children.

    The report added that the matter had been referred to the Nigeria Police Headquarters/SID for further investigation.

  • Proprietress, NSCDC trade blames over disruption of NECO exams

    The Proprietress of Leaders Academy in Esan Northeast Local Government Area of Edo State, Mrs. Susana Iseghohimben, has accused officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) of disrupting the  ongoing National Examination Council (NECO).

    Mrs. Iseghohimben said two teachers and some students were manhandled by the NSCDC officials who stormed the school unannounced.

    Speaking with reporters in Benin City, Mrs Iseghohimben said she was arrested alongside her husband for attempting to stop what she termed unruly behavior of the NSCDC officials.

    She said the incident occurred when the pupils were writing Biology Practicals.

    According to her, “A man in mufti drove into the school premises in a Toyota Camry Car and went into the hall. He began to rearrange the students who were already seated in two’s writing their exams peacefully.

    “This resulted to chaos in the hall and the resultant noise attracted my attention. On getting to the hall, I requested the man to identify himself but the man responded by saying the principal has no right to question his action.

    “The man later identified himself as Mr. Odigie Usigbe, a civil defence officer. I called the Chief Inspector of Education to report the development but he refused to talk to the CIE.

    “He drove out of the school and later brought his armed colleagues who stormed the school. They beat up some of the students and got us arrested.”

    She alleged that she was asked to pay N100,000 to secure their release.

    Invigilator of the exam, Mr. Emma Owobu, also a teacher in the school, said he escaped from the scene but the NSCDC officials came to his house and arrested him.

    Reacting, Public Relations Officer of Edo State Command of NSCDC, Efosa Ogbebor, denied that his men beat up the pupils or manhandled the proprietress.

    Ogbebor said the NSCDC officials discovered that the school was engaged in exam malpractice and they arrested the proprietress.

    He said investigation would soon be completed and the Corps would report the incident to NECO.

  • Obaseki assures of implementation of SACA Law

    Obaseki assures of implementation of SACA Law

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has given an assurance of his administration’s willingness to implement the State Agency for the Control of Aids (SACA) Law of 2009 in the state.

    Obaseki gave this assurance when he received members of the Civil Society for HIV/AIDs in Nigeria (CiSHAN), Edo Chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit in Benin on Wednesday.

    Obaseki said that it was worthless to enact a law without its full implementation.

    He, therefore, mandated the state Ministry of Health to work out modalities within the next seven days on its implementation.

    He directed the ministry to evolve suggestions on the establishment of the SACA board as well as recommendation on the constitution of the Governor’s Council on HIV/AIDS.

    Obaseki commended the association for helping to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in the state, adding that the effort had helped to reduce the prevalence of the condition.

    “I want to encourage you despite the frustration you face; you should not relent, we want to thank you for the lives you are saving.’’

    The governor promised his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the association, especially in the area of eradicating stigmatisation and other challenges.

    “I want us to involve the Ministry of Information for publicity purposes, so that we can begin to work with them on propagating the methods associated with HIV/AIDS.’’

    Earlier, the state Coordinator of group, Dr Bright Oniovokukor, said the association would work with government and other HIV/AIDs implementing partners to curb the spread of the disease.

    Oniovokukor commended the effort of the state government in the passage of the SACA Law and urged .
    the present administration to ensure its implementation.

    He said the establishment of EDOSACA Board and the Constitution of the Governor’s Committee on AIDS as stipulated in the law would go a long way in improving the state’s response to the challenge.

    He said donor agencies were gradually abandoning the project and that many private institutions in the state had not keyed into the HIV/AIDS response.

    “The sufferers remain ours and we must care for them; we know that implementation of the law would be able to close this gap,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prevalence of the virus in the state as at 2016 was 4.1 per cent and 60,000 people are currently accessing treatment.

  • Edo PDP ‘ll bounce back, say chieftains

    Edo PDP ‘ll bounce back, say chieftains

    The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State is not taking any chances in its bid to  emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections. Its members have started making plans towards repositioning the chapter, despite their failed attempt to oust Governor Godwin Obaseki through the judiciary.

    To display the party’s strength and support, members of the party organised what they termed heroic welcome for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu following his return from Abuja after the Supreme Court ruling on his appeal against the decisions the lower courts. The Supreme Court ruling, which upheld the victory of Obaseki did not deter members of the PDP, especially those loyal to Pastor Ize-Iyamu from celebrating him for not pursuing the case to the Supreme Court.

    From the Benin Airport, the PDP supporters moved in a street dance to the residence of Pastor Ize-Iyamu, where they were urged upon to remain in the party because four years is not forever.

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu told the PDP members not to loose hope or despair over the Supreme Court judgment, but that the outcome of the Osun State by-election has shown that the electorate should not be taken for granted.

    His words, “We belong to one family. The PDP must not scatter. Don’t lose up. Don’t give up. Let us be united. Let the other side be scared of our unity.

    “We have done an election and the law says if you are not happy with the outcome, there are processes to be followed and we have followed it. We have gone to the tribunal, we have gone to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. After the supreme court, there is no other place to go. And rather than continue to quarrel, we just put it behind us. We have sent him a letter of congratulation.

    “The challenge for those who are in government now, is to do well and to ensure that by the time we come back again for election, they will be able to justify their position in government but to our people, this is just the time for us to thank God. But what has impressed me the most is that our people never went violent.

    “Our party people, well I want to tell you that you have not been defeated. Edo people knew how the election went and I believed that they can hold their heads high. Four years is not the end of the world. In the next three, four years, we will do an election again in the state”, he said.

    At an enlarged meeting of the PDP held at the party secretariat in Benin City, the members resolved to carry out some restructuring if the party went to be victorious in the state in 2019.

    Sources at the meeting said Pastor Ize-Iyamu called for the resignation of some current party leaders that failed to win in their units and wards. The source said Pastor Ize-Iyamu told the gathering that younger members of the party, when given the opportunity, would do better than those who called themselves leaders.

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu said the loss of his bid was because some party agents and leaders collected money to work for the APC.

    The Publicity Secretary of the party, Chris Nehikhare, said that the meeting resolved not to probe any party official but to prepare the members ahead of 2019 general elections.

    Nehikhare said that there would be some form of restructuring within the party hierarchy.

    The chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, said the outcome of the Osun State bye-election was a clear indication that Nigerians were tired of the ruling APC.

    He said, “This is the time for us to flow with the mood of the nation. That mood is what you saw in Osun. It is clear Nigerians are tired of APC. Edo people are more tired and I know that the mood is that PDP should remain strong and united so that they can save Edo State and save Nigeria from the failed policies of APC.

    “This is the time for stock taking. There may have been mistake, as a party we must learn from those mistakes and move forward than we were in 1999. God will not come down from heaven to do it for us. Our destiny is in our hands. Throughout the crisis of Modu Sheriff, the leaders of this party did everything possible not to allow Modu Sheriff divide us in Edo. It there are one or two people who decided to go with Modu Sheriff, they should come back to the party.

    The chairman added: “The coming elections will see a repeat of what happened in Osun State. Nigerians are tired and they are prepared to do everything to protect the results of subsequent elections. We must start to put in place structures that will expand the frontiers of our followership. We are not going to waste time. The time to begin the process of election winning is now. We will welcome positive suggestions from party leaders and members.

    “Everything we need to do to make the party stronger we must do. We did well in the last general elections. We can build upon what we have achieved so far. Let us at this moment retire to the inner recess of our minds and do stock taking. The time is now to do all that is needed to be done to put our party in good stead ahead of the next general election. If moving this party forward necessitate my stepping aside, so be it.”

  • Pensioners protest non-payment of arrears, barricade road in Benin

    Pensioners protest non-payment of arrears, barricade road in Benin

    Pensioners in Edo on Monday barricaded popular Oba Ovonramwen Square in Benin for several hours over non-payment of gratuities and pension arrears.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pensioners forced diversion of traffic which resulted in unusual traffic gridlock in adjoining roads.

    The pensioners, former employees of the state and local government, chanted solidarity songs and carried placards with inscriptions.

    Some of the inscriptions read: “Edo Government has turned pensioners to beggars and destitute” and “From Paris Club refund, bail out Edo pensioners”.

    Their spokesman, Mr Gabriel Osemwekha, said they were protesting the failure of Gov Godwin Obaseki to honour his promise on May Day.

    Osemwekha said they were drawing Obaseki’s attention to the plight of pensioners in the state.

    He lamented that all pensioners in the state were suffering, while some of them had died of hunger and inability to pay medical bills.

    According to him, Gov Obaseki made a pronouncement during the May Day celebration that pensioners would receive payment from the month of June, but failed to honour it.

    “The government owes both the state and local government pensioners. It owes state pensioners between five to 42 months and the local government between 13 to 32 months.

    “For the state pensioners, they are owed gratuities from 2012 till date and the local government pensioners from 2008 till date,” he said.

  • Edo APC lawmaker: I won’t defect

    Edo APC lawmaker: I won’t defect

    The lawmaker representing Oredo East constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Osaigbovo Iyoha, has distanced himself from alleged plans by some lawmakers to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Iyoha, who is Chairman, House Committee on Commerce and Industry, said he was aware that Governor Godwin Obaseki has paid the entitlements.

    Iyoha was reacting to a report that some lawmakers elected on the platform of the APC were threatening to dump the party over the refusal of the governor to provide good welfare package, especially for the trip to the United States to attend the annual Edo Convention.

    He described the report as orchestrated by some fifth columnists, who wanted to cause mischief in the state.

    Iyoha said the lawmakers were aware of the lean finances of the state, adding that they could not have make demanded money to travel to the United States for the purpose of attending Edo Convention.

    His words, “As far as I am concern, the governor is not owing us any entitlement. We have been paid as at when due. We know things are difficult at this time in this country. It is not something akin to only Edo.

    “There is general hardship in the country due to drop in the price of oil. You no longer go to Abuja think there is a bazaar there. We do not expect the governor to secure loans to service a few people. Whenever we vote for the governor to borrow money, we know it is for the good of the state. The governor is not owing us any entitlement.

    Iyoha added: “It is not true the governor has refused to release money for overseas trip. If things get better, there is no reason for the governor not to approve for such trip. If the money is not there, I do not know what magic you want the governor to perform. The governor has been supporting the lawmakers and the House has been responsive.

    “We are not starved of fund. The man is working. If Edo people are happy with the governor, I think the lawmakers should be happy because they are the representatives of the people.”

  • Edo to train teachers on new pedagogy

    Edo State Government has said it would use the forthcoming long holidays to train teachers in the state on new methodology for teaching children.

    It said the introduction of the new teaching methodology was part of its plans to re established basic education in the state.

    Governor Godwin Obaseki who disclosed this in an interaction with newsmen in Benin City said it was one of the major and most important investment his administration would make in the education sector.

    He said any child deprived of sound basic education would not have confidence to do exams without cheating.

    He said all the systems for monitoring of teachers and ensure the school curriculum are well transmitted to a child have broken down.