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Tag: Edo

  • Rumpus in Edo

    Rumpus in Edo

    Political leaders in the state should adhere to universal and inviolable
    features that mark democracy out as the best form of government

    Political development in the country has been very slow because of the reluctance of leaders to follow the due process. At critical junctures, those at the helm of affairs are too desperate and as such would not allow the Rule of Law prevail. At such times, institutions are subverted, rules disregarded and lives unduly wasted.

    This has been the situation in Edo State where another governorship election is due. The stakes are high owing to the political history of the state as well as the state of the nation today. It is a straight contest between two political parties – the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While the PDP ran affairs of the state between 1999 and 2008, the APC displaced it as the ruling party that year and has since called the tune. The PDP remains strong in the state and has control of the government structures in all other states in the South South zone, but the APC’s strong showing at the 2015 general elections, especially its emergence as governing party at the centre makes it quite formidable.

    We acknowledge, therefore, that the Edo State governorship election is billed to be keenly contested. But, it is a shame that, even before the real inter-party contest, intra-party squabbles appear to be tearing the APC apart. Anyone who contends that Governor Adams Oshiomhole should be disinterested in the choice of his successor is being unrealistic. He thus has the right to support whoever he chooses. The deputy governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, too, who has indicated interest in moving up the ladder as the number one citizen, is pursuing a legitimate cause. The governor has the right to lend his weight to the aspiration of whoever he chooses. He equally understands what the state needs at a time like this and would be right to use these parameters to decide who obtains his support.

    While all these are legitimate, what is unacceptable is that arsenal is amassed for the intra-party contest as if it is a full-blown war. The ugly incidents that have marked and marred the campaign so far tend to suggest that the APC in the state merely pays lip service to democracy. A situation that has seen the guns booming and people wounded because an aspirant is not expected to take his campaign to someone else’s perceived territory is unacceptable. It the strong man of the area is so popular, he should leave the prospecting aspirant to poach for votes in vain.

    The eyes of all Nigerians are on Edo State. It is a state that prides itself as strong in education and culture. Governor Oshiomhole is believed to have worked hard in almost eight years to develop the state physically. He deserves to step down in glory, with the people counting the blessings they got under his administration. It is to his credit that the godfathers in the state were dethroned. At a time that the PDP was fully entrenched at the state and federal levels, the governor came to the party fully prepared and won the electoral contest fair and square. This is the tradition that must be sustained in the state.

    We recall that Dr. Odubu was a member of the House of Representatives. As such, he should be familiar with the tenets of democracy and has been exposed to politics at the federal and state levels. We call on him to live up to high expectations. The soap box and the ballot box are hallmarks of representative democracy; not thuggery, guns and machetes. The wrong use of money, state resources and brawn has been the bane of our politics so far. Leaders who owe their emergence in power to force rather than popular support invariably turn their back at the people.

    All the major stakeholders should accept that the people, in this case, the delegates, are the kings. They should be allowed to make their free choice in an atmosphere devoid of violence, wrongful deployment of state resources and authority and undue heat. Edo people deserve more than they are getting at this point.

    Unfortunately, while the party is boiling, the House of Assembly is also being showcased as an arena for boxers and wrestlers, rather than decent lawmakers. Again, owing to the ambition to control. We hope the lawmakers would see reason and retrace their steps.

    The gladiators in the crisis in Edo State must realise that, ultimately, power is transient. History teaches that whatever a man does, he will one day leave the scene or would be left behind. Edo State should point in the direction of political progress, not retrogression.

     

  • EDO: Oshiomhole/Deputy rift threatens APC’s chances

    EDO: Oshiomhole/Deputy rift threatens APC’s chances

    Festering face-off between Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy, Pius Odubu, is threatening the chances of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in this year’s governorship election in Edo State, writes Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan

    While it may have remained the dominant political party in the state since the emergence of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as governor in 2008, there is renewed fear that the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), may yet face serious difficulties posting a comprehensive win at the governorship election slated for September, in the wake of a marked split within the government and its leadership.

    Party chieftains and members of the ruling party allege that judging from the events of the past month within the party and the Oshiomhole-led administration, the party’s leadership does not seem to have its best interest at heart. According to findings by The Nation, prominent party chieftains are warning Governor Oshiomhole and his deputy, Pius Odubu, to sheath their swords in the interest of the party.

     “Our party leaders, including the governor and his deputy, are making a huge mistake, which may eventually lead to our losing the state to the opposition party. We need to learn from history. When the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rose against itself in 2007, we took over the state from them. Now, we are doing the same thing. This is the reason why I insist we must be wary of what is going on in our party today,” said Comrade Peter Elague, APC chieftain and former Secretary of the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP).

    He accused the governor and his deputy of compromising on party interest to further their personal political ambitions.

     “They are taking political decisions to advance their personal interests. Neither of them is concerned about the effect of their current actions on the party. And the party is the vehicle through which all ambitions are to be achieved. They are at each other’s throat while the party suffers. Once the people get discouraged from believing in us as a party, that is the end for everybody’s ambition,” he said.

     Elague is not alone in his worries over the chances of the APC in the September governorship contest. Many pundits within and outside the state are of the opinion that the festering rift between Oshiomhole and Odubu is capable of harming the ruling party’s preparations towards the polls. Many are also convinced that the opposition PDP may benefit from the bickering currently rocking the APC.

    Another chieftain of the troubled party, former Minority Whip of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Samson Osagie, called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to pay proper attention to stop the Edo State chapter of the party from destroying itself before the September 10 governorship election.

     Osagie said insinuations from incidents, like the alleged assassination attempt on the State Deputy Govern‎or, are capable of self destructing the ruling party. He also cautioned leaders and chieftains on the party in the state against putting personal interests over and above the party’s welfare.

    “Edo State being the only state in the South-South Geopolitical zone being controlled ‎by the party must be jealously protected in order for the party to retain its foothold in the zone. No doubt, events happening in the party in the last few months as we progress towards the next governorship election must bother the mind of every right thinking person,” he said.

    According to him, the assassination attempt was only a high point of events targeted at no one but the deputy governor and his governorship ambition, disclosing that there had been a spate of illegal suspension of party officers supportive of his ambition and almost daily removal of political appointees from office who dare to associate with his ambition.

    “This to us is the height of naked display of cruelty, animosity, acrimony, intolerance, gross irresponsibility and man’s inhumanity to man. Let us remind us that in a democracy it is only the people that have the right to choose their leaders. And for those who seek to spill blood, on account of a mere party nomination exercise, the God of justice shall bring judgment upon them,” he further said.

    The Nation learnt that the incidents leading to the alleged assassination attempt, started at a social event hosted by Hon. Lawani Damian, representing Etsako Central in Edo State House of Assembly in his country home. According to eye witness accounts, the governor and his deputy had had an ego clash in Etsako earlier in the day before Odubu left for Auchi to hold a meeting with party leaders.

    “It happened that the governor, accompanied by Obaseki and other aides, got to the event earlier and was seated when Odubu arrived. No sooner had Odubu arrived before the musician started singing his praise as the next governor of Edo State. The event was temporarily taken over by Odubu and his supporters.

    “The development allegedly angered Oshiomhole who left the event earlier than Odubu. A clash between the supporters of the two politicians was narrowly averted by Lawani and his men. It was from there the deputy governor left for the place he was attacked,” our source claimed.

     But Executive Director of the African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev. David Ugolor, would rather caution the two politicians to be wary. According to him, the current situation, if allowed to further deteriorate, poses a big threat.

    Ugolor said, “I feel it is time for them to give an account of how they have run the state for the last eight years; that is want the Edo people want to hear from them. Anything that will send a signal to the public that they are not able to resolve their internal crisis will not be good for the reputation of their political party.

    “I think it’s in their interest to manage the reputation of their party, to go into an election with a united voice and with a clear vision for the people of Edo State. Both of them have to be careful of people who trade on violence. They should manage the situation because it can potentially damage the peaceful environment we are experiencing in Edo State.”

    Assembly crisis

    And while concerned party chieftains were still wondering on how best to settle the lingering rift, the crisis spread into the State House of Assembly where lawmakers allegedly loyal to Oshiomhole announced the impeachment of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly during the week.

     Victor Edoror, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and Bright Osayande, his deputy, according to the lawmakers, were removed from office by 16 members of the Assembly for “incompetence and gross misconduct.” After the removal of both men, Elizabeth Ative was elected as Speaker of the Assembly, while Justin Okonobo was nominated as Deputy Speaker.

     Reports say the impeachment followed a motion moved by Folly Ogedemgbe (APC, Owan-East), Majority Leader, which was seconded by Patrick Illuobe (PDP, Esan North-East).

    But immediately after the new Speaker took her seat, the Assembly’s chamber was invaded by thugs, a situation that made security operatives to intervene as staff scampered for safety. Many saw the development as a sign of things to come. Already, reactions have been trailing the incident.

    A source told The Nation that while Edoror and Osayande may have lost their seats due to their relationship with the deputy governor, Ative and Ogedemgbe’s emergence may be as a result of their readiness to tow the governor’s path in the struggle for the control of the party in the state.

     “It is common knowledge that Edoror’s continuous stay as Speaker was because he is the only APC lawmaker from Edo Central. His independence has often pitched him against the powers that be in the state. He is also known to be a close ally of the deputy governor,” our source claimed, adding that “Ative’s emergence from Edo-South is simply because there is no APC lawmaker to replace Edoror from Esanland.”

    A group, the Edo for Good Governance (EGG), has alleged that the impeachment of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker was a prelude to the ‘removal’ of Deputy Governor Pius Odubu. Consequently, the group called on President Muhammadu Buhari “to put a leash on Governor Adams Oshiomhole before he plunges the state into avoidable bloodshed.

    “It is quite pathetic that a few days after the Deputy Governor narrowly escaped being assassinated in Auchi, an attack in which his DSS bodyguard and police escort commander sustained serious gun wounds, the same anti-democratic forces have now shifted their weapons to the Edo House of Assembly.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, EGG wishes to put the national leadership of APC on notice, as well as alert our democracy-loving President Muhammadu Buhari to call Governor Adams Oshiomhole to order to allow democracy and one-man-one-vote prevail in Edo as the party prepares for the primaries in the next four weeks.

    “Dr. Odubu is not asking for any special favour but only level-playing fields to allow our party members freely choose who to fly the party’s flag in the September10 election. We will resist neo-godfatherism, imposition or rigging of any sort.

     “Is it not ironic that the man who openly boasted in July 2012 when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was still president that he did not need then General Muhammadu Buhari to win his second term election on July 14, 2012 is now afraid of free and fair primaries in Edo State?

    “Again, we call on President Buhari to call the Edo governor to order today before he plunges our state into avoidable bloodshed,” the group said.

    But the government has denied any wrongdoing in the matter, accusing Odubu instead of heating up the polity because of his governorship ambition. According to the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Kassim Afegbua, the governor has nothing to do with the incidents of the past week.

    “Every gubernatorial aspirant who truly wants to govern the state must live by the rules of the game and not the size of his guns and political thugs. Campaigns are generally a very interesting aspect of democracy; hence, it must not be reduced to bloodletting,” Afegbua said.

     Cold war

     In spite of several denials by Oshiomhole and Odubu, it was public knowledge long before the current brouhaha that the two have fallen out. Earliest signs that a serious crisis was rocking the administration emerged when Odubu allegedly refused to back down on his governorship ambition in spite of reported overtures to him to do so by his boss.

     While the supporters of the duo continued to trade banters over their alleged face-off, allegations and counter allegations started flying with both camps alleging highhandedness and political persecution by the other. Of course, the two were hardly seen at public functions together, fueling insinuations that they may not be on talking terms.

     But the last straw that allegedly broke the camel’s back was the wrangling that trailed the alleged sacking of four commissioners loyal to the deputy governor last October. While the deputy governor’s camp insisted the officials were thrown out for holding political meetings with Odubu, Oshiomhole denied the allegation and gave a different reason for sacking the commissioners.

     The commissioners, Lucky James, (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Mr. Patrick Aguinede (Basic Education), Mr. Chris Ebare (Energy and Water Resources) and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Blessing Maigida, according to party sources, got into the cabinet on the strength of the deputy governor’s recommendations and have remained loyal to him following the ongoing feud between Odubu and the governor.

    While it is being alleged that Oshiomhole, is disposed to handing over the mantle of leadership to Godwin Obaseki, the leader of his economic team, his deputy is said to have vowed to be the next governor of Edo State. “And he is insisting on flying the banner of the ruling APC,” our source added.

     Amongst other things, fears over Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s alleged endorsement of Obaseki, one of the aspirants, according to reliable sources, is at the centre of the ongoing crisis between the governor and his erstwhile political ally and deputy of eight years.

     “It is this fear that has seen Odubu and many other aspirants and party chieftains threatening that anything short of free and fair primaries will endanger the fortunes of the party at the governorship election. It is this fear that is tearing the governor and his deputy apart,” a source said.

    Following the rift, the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has directed the Deputy National Chairman (South), Engr. Segun Oni, to wade into the crisis with a view of nipping it in the bud before it escalates. At another point, Oyegun personally met with some of the governorship aspirants, including Odubu, and promised them a level playing field in the primaries.

     Dangerous drift

     But following allegation by the governor that his deputy contracted native doctors to kill him, things took a dangerous dimension. Odubu denied the allegation vehemently, but the governor’s supporters insisted the allegation was true and urged the party to discipline the deputy governor.

     Before then, there were talks about the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigating the deputy governor on the strength of a petition said to have been authored by some chieftains of the ruling party. Insinuations also emerged that the state Assembly may move against Odubu on the strength of the same petition.

     Shortly after the incident, Odubu officially declared his ambition to succeed his boss. He claimed his political travails were as a result of his decision to join the governorship race just as he vowed never to step down for any candidate. To many observers, that was when the stage for the ongoing fracas was formally set.

     Last week’s gun attack on the convoy of the deputy governor during a visit to the APC secretariat in Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area, further heightened the tension in the state. While Odubu’s camp claimed he was targeted, Oshiomhole dismissed their claims as “hasty”, saying “preliminary reports suggest that the fracas was caused by thugs loyal to the Odubu Campaign imported in two truck-loads to Auchi, who attacked other party loyalists not sold to the deputy governor’s aspiration”.

    But at a news conference addressed by a member of the Odubu Campaign Organisation, the deputy governor called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those who attacked him and members of his campaign organisation. He said he had identified “three principal suspects” behind the attack. He urged the police to immediately unearth them and their pay masters, and prosecute them for this felonious act.

     But Police Commissioner, Chris Ezike, who visited Odubu’s campaign secretariat, said although the command was yet to make any arrest, it had names of suspects. Ezike, who also condemned the attack, said all aspirants must be given a level playing field to campaign, noting that the command would not tolerate any act of violence from any quarters.

    “I have given a marching order that those involved be arrested. This thing happened in the day time; names have been mentioned and we are going after them. The actors in this game should know that power belongs to God. It is our appeal that they conduct themselves and their supporters in a lawful manner. We will get to the bottom of the incident. Luckily, a few names have been mentioned, they are not ghosts,” he said.

  • Edo wars

    From the “iconic” vs. “iconoclastic tribute non-issue — and it has to be, since the gaffe couldn’t have been deliberate — to the rumpus in the Edo executive and parliament, Edo appears in war mood.

    Trust Hardball, it’s not pretty!

    The iconic as iconoclastic is a big error.  Still, an icon is no angel, if all he does is reinforce a decayed order, no more than an iconoclast is a devil, for pulling down a horrible system.  So, neither is intrinsically good or bad, independent of the extant social conditions.

    But the way some Edo stakeholders stick to the mistake as God-sent to rubbish the Adams Oshimhole government just shows the disturbing but manifest bad faith, fast becoming a part of Nigerian public life.  It is nothing but a costly distraction.

    But the ugly development in the Edo gubernatorial and parliamentary front is a big worry.

    First, it was the allegation that Deputy Governor Dr. Pius Odubu attempted, diabolically, to get rid of Governor Oshiomhole.  That is ugly enough, except that it is in this milieu that such meta-physical claim, seldom proved by concrete evidence, would earn public attention.

    Then the exchange of fire allegedly involving Dr. Odubu at the Auchi secretariat of the Edo All Progressives Congress (APC).  Dr. Otubu claims the shots were after him. His opponents claim it was a moonlight tale, since the deputy governor, though in the vicinity, was allegedly nowhere near where the shots rang.

    But at least guns boomed, and some injured security details landed in hospital.  That cannot be a fairy tale.  Indeed, it is grim reality that, in the Edo APC, things might be falling apart.

    Then the two-phase parliamentary disgrace!  First, a contentious “election” of Elizabeth Ativie as “new” Speaker, while Victor Edoror, the incumbent, claims he still holds the seat; followed by the unparliamentary scandal of Mr. Edoror and Mrs Ativie, pulling selves off and on the Speaker’s chair, like some spoilt and overfed school children!

    Conspiracy theorists have hastened to link that shameful drama to an alleged putative plot to “impeach” the deputy governor — is that so?!

    The dramatic personae in the Edo drama must pause and think: those the gods would destroy, they first make mad!  So, these fellows must realise when the rain started beating them.

    Not long ago, when Lucky Igbinedion and his gang ruled the roost, Edo stagnated badly.  Why, Mr. Igbinedion was even convicted of corruption, though that conviction was in itself a corruption the judicial process, in which the former governor got fined a mere “change”, after cleaning out the state.

    Oshimhole came — and the vast infrastructure renewal of the capital, Benin, at least shows his was a different era from when ruling party hierarchs just sat down and shared the money meant to grow and develop the state.

    So, why this undemocratic tension, in a supposed democracy without democrats?

    Should the battle for succession equate extingushing a legacy, and sending Edo back to those years of the locusts?

    Why couldn’t anybody that hopes to succeed Oshiomhole, without let, go to nomination and democratically test their popularity?

    Questions, questions and question!

    Still, one warning rings clear: those the gods want to destroy, they first make mad!

    Governor Oshiomhole and the present Edo order must be wary of this peculiar malady; that would not only ruin them, but also destroy their legacy.

    Those who have ears, let them hear!

  • How I will boost Edo economy, by Edebiri

    How I will boost Edo economy, by Edebiri

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Edo State Chief Solomon Edebiri has promised to develop the agricultural potentials of the state to boost its internally generated revenue without over-taxing the people.

    Edebiri said he would make Edo the food basket of Nigeria, if elected as governor on September 10.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City, the state capital, he noted that Edo could generate N12 billion annually from rice production.

    Edebiri, however, said that building a viable economy would require a workforce that is well motivated.

    He warned of dire consequences of not voting for a labour-conscious governor.

    Edebiri said: “What is uppermost in my mind is that we must develop our agro potentials to tackle poverty and boost the economy in the face of the dwindling oil price.

    “If we produce rice in this state and tax N1000 per bag, we will generate N12 billion in a year from rice production. This state will become a centre for food production. We will negotiate and get crude oil from the Federal Government. We will build modular refinery and produce petrol at N45 per litre.”

    The aspirant noted said the sufferings of workers would be prolonged, if a labour-conscious aspirant does not emerge.

    His words: “Enough is enough of electing people who get into office and treat people like slaves. If you make an error of not electing a labour-conscious candidate, we are in for a mess. There will no welfare and there will be low staff morale.  For workers not to be corrupt, we must look at all the issues.

    “The only way to create jobs is to set up industries. How many workers can say they have gone for capacity training? It is pathetic. I know we will manage a state where workers will be happy and the people will be happy.”

  • Deputy Governor’s assassination claim false — Edo Govt

    Deputy Governor’s assassination claim false — Edo Govt

    The Edo State Government has faulted the faulted the reported assassination attempt on the Deputy Governor of Edo State and a gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Pius Odubu.
    In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation! Kassim Afegbua, the government condemned the incident at Auchi, but noted that the conclusion of the Odubu Campaign Organisation on alleged assassination attempt appears hasty.
    The government said preliminary reports suggest that the fracas at Auchi was caused by thugs loyal to the Odubu campaign imported in two truck-loads to Auchi who attacked other party loyalists not in support of the Deputy Governor’s aspiration.
    Odubu, on Saturday reportedly escaped death by the whiskers when gunmen shot at him at the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Auchi while receiving a delegation.
    The attack took place a few minutes after Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Odubu left a party organised by Damian Lawani, representative of the Estako Central Constituency in the House of Assembly.
    Afegbua said ” It is instructive to note that the Deputy Governor was inside the secretariat building of the APC in the company of the Party Chairman in the Local Government, Alhaji Umoru Akokhia, addressing the delegates while thugs loyal to him who had become unruly fired gunshots at other APC loyalists who were outside protesting against his visit.”
    ” We gathered authoritatively that the first shots were, in fact, fired by Odubu’s security details in an attempt to scare away the party faithful who were against the hoodlums imported to their domain by the Odubu Campaign Organisation, before thugs loyal to him fired at the party’s loyalists.
    “It should be noted that among those who sustained injuries are APC loyalists who are presently receiving medical attention in the hospital. It is laughable that the Odubu Campaign Organisation will allege that the Deputy Governor, with full compliments of security details, was shot at yet no casualty was recorded on the other side and nobody apprehended.
    ” Given the above scenario, we find it lousy for anyone to impute assassination theory as propounded by the Odubu Campaign Organisation especially when investigations are still ongoing and the Police are yet to submit their findings on the fracas. A responsible campaign organisation should have waited for investigation reports before jumping into reckless conclusions.”
    The Commissioner said the Governor has already directed the Commissioner of Police to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the incident and whoever that is found culpable will be made to face the full wrath of the law no matter how highly placed.

  • Attack on Edo Dep Gov: CP orders arrest of suspects

    Attack on Edo Dep Gov: CP orders arrest of suspects

    The police high command in Benin, Edo State has declared that it will not leave any stone unturned in the investigation on the attack on the state deputy governor, Dr Pius Odubu.
    The incident which occurred on Saturday in Auchi,headquarters of Etsako west, left eight persons critically injured. They are being treated in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and Auchi.
    Police Commissioner, Chris Ezike who gave the assurance at the Odubu campaign secretariat said the incident could have been avoided
    Ezike who came into Secretariat at about 9.21am went upstairs to meet with the deputy governor and left about 9.24am.
    He said the command is working on a lead that will help the police unravel those behind the dastardly attack on the deputy governor who was on campaign tour to Edo north.
    The Commissioner said the command is ready to ensure the safety and security of lives and property during and after the governorship elections.
    The attack on Odubu happened in the State Governor’s local government,
    “I have given a marching order that those involved be arrested. This thing happened in the day time, names have been mentioned and we going after them.
    “The actors in this game should know that power belongs to God. It is our appeal that they conduct themselves and their supporters in a lawful manner. We will get to the bottom of the incident. Luckily a few names have been mentioned, they are not ghost”

  • Edo community’s youth hail Dangote

    Edo community’s youth hail Dangote

    An Edo State community’s group, Okpella Youth Forum (OYF), has congratulated the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on the successful ground-breaking ceremony of N1 billion cement plant in the community.

    In a message by its National President, Dr Gerald Adewole, the forum praised Dangote for his rare business acumen, which it said had led to the rapid expansion of the Dangote conglomerate across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

    The forum noted that the phenomenal growth of the Dangote Group had impacted the Nigerian economy, created thousands of jobs for youths, empowered local communities and stimulated socio-economic activities across the country.

  • This race for Edo Govt House

    This race for Edo Govt House

    It is not for nothing that Lisa Müller outlines the framework of mass media biases or otherwise which rates two separate aspects of media performance: the extent to which they perform a ‘watchdog’ role by providing information, and the degree to which they act as a representative forum for the views of citizens or the corrupting influence it plays in addressing the ill of the society.

    The headline: “Why the people will vote Oshiomhole’s candidate”

    was one of the major interviews in the Sunday edition of a newspaper on April 3. The interview is quite crucial as much  as important because of the interviewee’s credibility in the political live of Edo State and the spiritual reckoning to which the man called the “Oracle of Benin Kingdom”, has been held.

    Chief David Edebiri is the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, and Chairman of the Benin Forum, an umbrella organisation for the Binis at home and in the Diaspora. The interview shows the mastery of the political  terrain by the revered chief and the correspondent except that the headline was cast in the image, spirit and soul of Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his anointed candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

    I ignored the interview at first glance until a part of it was twitted on my platform which suggests that the correspondent deliberately or should I say mischievously promoted Governor Oshiomhole’s candidate to the detriment of others who are not Oshiomhole’s anointed candidates.

    Conversely, political, economic and other interests have long tried to influence media coverage of particular topics to affect the public’s understanding and perception, and scientists are now becoming even more aware of the power of the media. Consequently, the intersection of mass media, science and policy is a particularly dynamic arena of communication, in which all sides have high stakes. This is the mileage Governor Oshiomhole has exploited, still exploiting even in his imminent post-governorship.

    The main concern of the electorate and the general citizenry about the role of the mass media in the political process is to understand the contributions of information flows and media institutions to the functioning of democracy and its supportive institutions. For ill or for good, the role of the mass media has become pivotal to the democratic process and citizens’ participation in it. Though the complex nature of democracy cannot be reduced to the issues of the mass media alone, but as Peter Dahlgren once observed, the health of democracy is increasingly being linked to the health of a country’s communication system. According to him, “… the dynamics of democracy are intimately linked to the practices of communication, and societal communication increasingly takes place within the mass media.

    A fearless, unbiased and effective watchdog is critical in fledgling democracies such as ours, where institutions are weak and pummelled by political pressure. When legislatures, judiciaries and other oversight bodies are powerless against the mighty or are themselves corruptible, the media are often left as the only check against the abuse of power.

    This requires that they play a heroic role, exposing the excesses of presidents, prime ministers, governors, legislators and magistrates despite the risks.

    The media  serve as a conduit between governors and the governed and as an arena for public debate that leads to more intelligent policy – and decision – making. Indeed, the Enlightenment tradition of the press as public forum remains strong. The press, wrote U.S. television journalist Bill Moyers in the early 1990s, should draw citizens to the public square and “provide a culture of community conversation by activating inquiry on serious public issues.”

    In new democracies, the expectation is that the media would help build a civic culture and a tradition of discussion and debate which was not possible during the period of authoritarian rule. Not just journalists, but eminent contemporary thinkers like Nobel laureate Amartya Sen ascribe to the press the same cleansing powers that enlightenment philosophers had envisioned. Sen outlined the need for “transparency guarantees” such as a free press and the free flow of information, untainted news reporting, information and critical public discussion, he said, are “an inescapably important requirement of good public policy.” These guarantees, he wrote, “have a clear instrumental role in preventing corruption, financial irresponsibility and underhanded dealings.”

    Mendaciously, Governor Oshiomhole and his minders in the Godwin Obaseki’s ambitious intrigues are in the belief that Edo people have their memories to forget the episode of godfatherism. Or shall we say as hypnotherapists that they are certain to get away with such blatant erosion of the mass media’s long cherished tradition of truthful, altruistic and balanced reportage. Whichever purpose the Esogban’s interview was meant to serve has been defeated and deflated. The highly respected Benin chief, even though he is in love with governor Oshiomhole – come short at least openly – to endorse the governor’s imposed anointed candidate.

    Succinctly, a portion of the interview gives lies to the headline under which the interview was published. The question goes thus: But what effort are the elders making to get a credible successor for Oshiomhole? The chief’s answer was predictable and swift and characteristic of his vintage self.

    “The process of selecting a successor is first and foremost the work of politicians. They have their own method of producing candidates. At that stage, those of us who are not politicians can only be onlookers.

    When they finish and a winner emerges, we will look at all the candidates, not from the  APC alone, but also any one of them we feel can do more than Oshiomhole, one who will be able to do something for the majority of the people of the state. Then we will advise our people accordingly. .

    In that interview Chief Edebiri truly distinguished himself as a man who refused to be rented and carried away by the ascribed performance of the governor and be railroaded into the endorsement of the governor’s anointed candidate.

    If that has been achieved, those who see the ‘oracle’ as the moral force, role model and unbiased non-state actor and the conscience of the state’s politics would have had a rethink. The state would have permanently go to the dogs, as we know it.

    Ojomon, a social activist writes in from Benin City, Edo State capital.

  • Cold war in Edo over APC ticket

    Cold war in Edo over APC ticket

    There is a gulf between Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu. They are not on the same page over who gets the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the governorship election. Correspondent OSAGIE OTABOR, who has been following the matter, highlights the problem and its implication for the party.

    The cordial relationship between Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, has hit the rocks. Both men are on collision course over the party’s governorship ticket in the election. While Oshiomhole has left no one in doubt that Godwin Obaseki is his preferred candidate, Odubu is insisting on gunning for the ticket.

    Before now, Odubu was described as the best deputy governor in the country, because of what many termed his unalloyed loyalty to his boss. But, that is no longer the case. He has set up his campaign office within the highbrow Government Reservation Area (GRA) in the state capital and notable members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) are flocking there to pledge their loyalty. But, Oshiomhole has made it clear that he would not support Odubu’s bid. “We came together, we leave together,” he was quoted as telling his deputy.

    Odubu, a lawyer, hails from Orhionmwon Local Government Area. His supporters say he is the only experienced aspirant among those gunning for the ticket. This is attributed to his eight-year tenure as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives and his close to eight-year stint as deputy governor. They say Odubu showed his political relevance during the tussle between Samson Osagie and Patrick Obahiagbon; a contest where Obahiagbon, who is believed to be favoured by Oshiomhole, was narrowly defeated.

    Apart from Odubu and Obaseki, top contenders for the APC ticket are: Blessing Agbomhere, Charles Airhiavbere, Prof. Amadasun Ebegue and Chris Ogiemwonyi.

    Supporters of Odubu say the relationship between him and Oshiomhole has degenerated to a low level. Last year, the sacking of four commissioners by the governor signaled the parting of ways between them. The commissioners were reportedly sacked for holding political meetings with the deputy governor. Those affected were Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Chief Lucky James, Commissioner for Women Affairs Blessing Maigida, Commissioner for Basic Education Mr. Patrick Aguinede and Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources Chris Ebare. Oshiomhole, however, explained that the commissioners were removed for corrupt practices.

    Several loyalists of Odubu have also been dropped from one political appointment or the other. For example, Osaretin Edoma, the member representing Orhionmwon in Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Commission (EDSOGPADEC), was kicked out for alleged corrupt practices. Osaretin told reporters he was being victimised for supporting the deputy governor and warned of dire consequences at the polls, if the governor succeeds in imposing a candidate on the party.

    In January, the Vice Chairman of the APC and one of the key supporters of Odubu, Gentleman Amegor, was suspended from office. Amegor, who is also the Edo South Senatorial leader, was accused of providing a lacklustre leadership for the party.

    Other accusations were that Amegor failed to implement objectives contained in the Article 13.9 of the party’s constitution; he failed to convene regular meetings of the district to discuss and resolve issues affecting the development of the party; and was also alleged to have been engaged in anti-party activities during the last presidential elections, which led to the loss of his unit and local government.

    Attempts by Amegor to call a meeting of the APC in Edo South were resisted by some youths, who drove away those heading for the residence of the APC chieftain. The youths laid siege on Amegor’s residence till about 6pm.

    Odubu, according to his loyalists, is now rarely invited to government functions or sent to represent the governor. For instance, he was absent at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Okpella Cement Company by the Dangote Group. He was also not present at the visit of the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom and Edaiken N’ Uselu, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, to the Government House and in February, when the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali, visited the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Edo. It was the governor’s wife, Lara, that was sent to welcome him.

    Nevertheless, a peace move has begun to settle the political differences between Oshiomhole and his deputy. Sources told our reporter that a meeting was held in Abuja to prevail on Odubu to step down and that the deputy governor reportedly told those at the meeting that he would consult with his supporters. Those close to the Odubu, however, insist that he may have resolved to contest the primaries, even after settling the rift between him and his boss.

    A Senior Special Assistant to Oshiomhole on Media, Curtis Ugbo, who was arraigned last week for illegal possession of firearms and making inciting statements against the governor, said his travails began when he started showing support for Odubu’s governorship bid.

    Ugbo had posted the following statements on his Facebook wall after the groundbreaking ceremony of the Okpella Cement Company: “What is wrong with my boss? no senior member of government, Speaker and National Assembly member was present at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Edo State-owned cement industry, in partnership with a private company. “Is Edo State now a personal estate of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole?” Government sources said Odubu has distanced himself from the rantings of Ugbo and other political appointees who want to hide under the fracas to get at the governor. Many supporters of Odubu had wanted an all-out war with the Governor, but Odubu opted to remain calm and work towards getting the party’s ticket.

    It is not yet clear how many local government areas Odubu could win at the primaries, but some party leaders claim that he has a good relationship with delegates from Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Ovia North East and Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West and Egor.

    A top government official, who expressed worry over the cold between Oshiomhole and Odubu, said the latter deserves some respect from the governor and that he is not a push over, as he appears on the surface. He said Odubu helped to stabilise Oshiomhole’s administration by being loyal and not becoming over ambitious in the last eight years.

     

  • Activist blames low generation for Edo outages

    Civil society activist Rev Olu Martins has explained to residents of communities in Egor, Benin, Edo State that the reason for power outages is that the Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) is facing challenges due to the inability of generation companies (GenCos) to supply adequate electricity for domestic and industrial needs.

    Rev Martins, who disclosed this at a town hall meeting in Ugbowo, said power has become a major challenge in Nigeria with less than 5,000 megawatts (Mw) for a population of 170 million,  stressing that the current energy output of 1,500Mw is a reflection of the perennial energy crisis that is yet to be addressed.

    He stated that the power sector has been starved with investment since 1984 whereas the country has increased in population and infrastructure, adding that current operators of BEDC spent huge amount of money to purchase the company and “it is only natural for them to get their returns on investment and equally make profit, hence they are to give services only to those who will pay for it.”

    The civil society activist noted that government was not subsiding electricity or any point of the power value chain – generation, transmission or distribution, stressing that power is no longer a social but commercial commodity, and its price is determined by the forces of demand and supply.

    Martins, who supported the recent tariff review which saw a slight increase in tariff and removal of fixed charge, urged communities to manage their consumption by switching off appliances when not in use.

    Also Fidelis Obishai noted that the quantum of energy supplied to BEDC from the national grid was barely sufficient more so with the system collapses experienced along the value chain and urged customers to pay for the little energy they get.

    “BEDC is here to distribute electricity and collect revenue. With a customer base of 750,000 in our coverage states, we need 2,600Mw but we only get 320Mw, which means we don’t have enough to distribute.

    “BEDC is not punishing anybody through inadequate supply but resorted to load management to ensure that all customers get a feel of what is given to us,” Obishai stated.

    Obishai lamented that BEDC has not been able to collect money to the tune of the amount it pays for the cost of power, saying that customers should strive to pay whatever little they were getting to enable BEDC honour obligation to various tiers of the value chain.

    Responding to customers questions on staff impersonation and vandalism, the Edo State chief head, Obishai said that BEDC has concluded plans to issue out uniforms for linesmen and technical staffers to discourage the scourge of impersonation and illegal connection within the network.