The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Court stops National Assembly from taking over Edo legislature

    THE National Assembly has no powers to take over the legislative functions of the Edo State House of Assembly or that of any other House of Assembly in the country, Justice Kolawole Omotoso, of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, declared on Thursday.

    Justice Omotoso also ruled that the National Assembly lacked the powers to direct Governor Godwin Obaseki to issue fresh proclamation to the House of Assembly.

    According to him, a fresh proclamation would amount to an extension of tenure for the lawmakers.

    Thursday’s ruling followed an application filed by some Edo lawmakers to challenge moves by the National Assembly to seal off the state legislative chambers and take over their statutory functions following an internal crisis of the House.

    In the ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotoso, said only a court of competent jurisdiction and not the National Assembly could  issue such a directive

    He said it was only the court of law that can direct the National Assembly to take over or seal the Edo House of Assembly.

    The judge said: “There is nothing before the court showing that the Edo State House of Assembly is unable to sit. Some elected members have been inaugurated. The House has been carrying out its legislative duties.

    “The National Assembly lacks the power to take over the Edo State House of Assembly. It amounts to taking over the functions of the Edo State House of Assembly. The House of Assembly is not an appendage of the National Assembly.

    “The National Assembly lacks the power to seal-up or direct anybody to seal-up the Edo State House of Assembly. The Nigerian Constitution is a federal constitution and the National Assembly cannot unilaterally decide that the Edo State House of Assembly is in crisis and seal-up same.

    “It is only a court of law that has the power to make findings, particularly after listening to parties, to decide if the National Assembly can take over a House of Assembly.

    “I hold that it is the court that has the power to define and hold that the Edo State House of Assembly cannot function and the National Assembly can take over.

    “As far as the law is concerned, the governor of Edo State has given a proclamation. The National Assembly has no power to direct the governor to issue a fresh proclamation. The governor is the chief executive of the state and cannot be controlled by the National Assembly.

    “The court will be extending the tenure of members of the Edo State House of Assembly if it holds that the governor should issue a fresh proclamation. Nigeria is a federal state and state governments are autonomous. Our political actors must see it like that and treat them as such.”

    The Deputy Speaker, Yekini Idiaye and Henry Okhuarobo had shortly after the National Assembly moved to seal the state legislative chambers, approached the court to challenge the plan by the National Assembly to take over functions of the House of Assembly.

    Read Also: National Assembly ready to work, says Lawan

    Joined in the suit were: National Assembly Clerk; Senate president; House of Representatives speaker; Police Inspector-General (IG); Department of State Services (DSS) and Edo State governor.

    Speaking to reporters, Counsel to Obaseki, Santos Owootori, described the judgement as sound, describing it as victory for democracy.

    Also speaking, counsel to the claimants, Kingsley Idahosa, said it was good that the judgement went in his clients’ favour.

    National Assembly’s lawyer Sandra Osinachi described the ruling as judgement for democracy.

  • Oshiomhole: I have nothing to gain by denying Obaseki second term

    THE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed as untrue allegations that he is against a second term for his successor, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

    He said he stands to gain nothing by stopping the governor from returning to office.

    Oshiomhole told Channels Television that his differences with Obaseki are not about monetary gains from his administration, or about him blocking the governor’s second term bid.

    He added that at a meeting both politicians held with four governors, Obaseki confirmed that the APC chairman nominated only one out of over 20 commissioners into his cabinet.

    Read Also: Buhari greets APC chair Oshiomole at 67

    The former governor noted that Obaseki later removed the commissioner he nominated along with seven others but he didn’t take any offence because he was out of government.

    He, however, said the contention was all about issues relating to governance and carrying political players and leaders in the party along.

    Oshiomhole also denied not wanting to support Governor Obaseki to run for a second term, saying he has nothing to gain in doing so.

  • 2020 NSF: Edo Govt speeds up work on Stadium, Secretariat

    ALTHOUGH Nigerians would have to wait till next year for the official kick-off of the National Sports Festival, the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led Edo State Government, the host of the 2019 edition of the festival, is leaving no stone unturned in preparing for the competition as the Secretariat for the event is nearing completion.

    In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Edo state governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said that the Secretariat would serve as the coordinating venue for the competition which would hold in different venues across the state.

    With the Secretariat building almost ready, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is also getting a total make-over. The stadium’s main bowl has been renovated with a canopy cover, the lawn tennis court is being reconstructed while other facilities are being remodeled, as the state fast-tracks preparation to host Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    According to Osagie, “The Edo State government is hard at work on a number of projects to open up  the state to the world. We would be hosting key sporting events in the coming months, including the  National Sports Festival and some qualifying matches of the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons.

    Read Also: How constant power drives Edo’s SMEs

    “The Secretariat for the National Sports Festival is almost ready. What is left is the internal finishing and  other detailing. This goes to show the seriousness, we as a government, attach to this competition. We are certain that other facilities marked down for the competition will be ready ahead of time.”

    Recall that the state played host to top FIFA officials when the team visited the state to inspect facilities,

    including the stadium and other infrastructure, for Nigeria’s bid to host the 2020 Women U-20 World  Cup, which has Edo as one of the venues.

    The Secretariat will complement facilities to ensure effective hosting of sporting activities in the state.

     

     

  • Oshiomhole, Obaseki’s endless mind game

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, stepped up their hide-and-seek game on Monday with a surprise visit Obaseki paid to Oshiomhole at a time the world thought the duo had become sworn enemies.

    The quiet war between the former political allies had assumed a combustible tempo after Obaseki’s nocturnal inauguration of the current Edo State House of Assembly with his preferred candidate installed as the speaker while the candidate of Oshiomhole was edged out in the political chess.

    Read Also: Obaseki Vs Oshiomhole: Truce at last?

    In a scene replica of their recent public handshake after a deadlocked peace meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently, Obaseki went to greet Oshiomhole and his mother, Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole, at their Iyamho country home in the state.

    The visit naturally provoked the question as to whether it meant the sheathe of sword by Obaseki and whether the governor would issue a fresh proclamation for the inauguration of the Edo State House of Assembly as directed by the National Assembly. But the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communications, Crusoe Osagie, was quick to dismiss it as a matter in court over which no comment could be made. Will there ever be an end to this mind game?

  • Obaseki visits Oshiomhole in Auchi

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki on Monday paid a surprise visit to his predecessor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomole.

    He was in the Iyamho country home of the former President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to pay him homage for the  Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    Obaseki visited Oshiomhole and his mother, Hajia Aishetu Oshiomole, despite the rumoured rift between them over the governor’s re-election bid.

    The governor expressed his delight at the incredible support he received from the Muslim community and reiterated his commitment to the transformation of Edo State.

    The Otaru of Auchi commended the governor for his uncommon leadership and advised him not to succumb to the forces of darkness preaching division in Edo State.

    Read Also: Obaseki swears in three new commissioners

    He encouraged the Governor to remain prayerful and continue to strive in the interest of the people.

    Speaking after the visit, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communications, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, congratulated the Muslim community.

    He lauded Obaseki for his demonstration of exemplary leadership.

    He suggested that the visit would likely unnerve a tiny fraction of the people of the state.

    “The notion that these two men are adversaries is being propagated by morally and financially insolvent people seeking to profit off of the challenges they have been working so hard to foment.

    “You cannot blame such people really. Their talents and abilities are severely limited, so it is in their collective interest to stoke tension and drive division, but I can tell you that they have already failed.

    “It is not in their interests for Edo State to peacefully progress, so they will try to mis-categorise this visit. This is what they’ve always done and it’s their stock in trade.

    “True leaders understand that they represent the people in whose interests they must serve.

    “This is why His Excellency has always said that the resources of the state, are for the people only, and not for a negligible minority and nothing can ever change this,” he stated.

    On whether this means that a new proclamation of the House of Assembly will be issued by the Governor in conformity with the directives of the National Assembly, Osagie was non-committal.

    He said: “I cannot speak on this matter as it is sub-judice. But I think the whole world knows that the Edo State House of Assembly has already been inaugurated.

    “No person or institution of Government can order a state governor to do anything. We are a nation of Laws and by the special grace of God, will all be alive to witness the law run its full course,” he stated.

  • Obaseki tasks pilgrims to pray for peaceful coexistence

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has tasked Muslim pilgrims participating in the 2019 hajj in the holy land, Mecca, to pray for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

    The governor, who made the call while inspecting the newly-built Hajj Camp in Benin City, urged the pilgrims to pray for peace in Nigeria.

    He said, “I call on pilgrims to pray for our people in Edo State, pray for Nigeria and our President, as all the security challenges we experience in the country now will not destabilise the nation.”

    He urged the pilgrims to continue to pray for his administration, adding that some persons who are not happy with the developmental strides recorded by his administration over the past two years, are threatening the peace being enjoyed in the state.

    “Since I became the governor, I have ensured that I visit you to ask for your prayers for this government. I have no fear that God owns this administration,” the governor noted.

    On the construction of Hajj camp by the state government, Obaseki said while growing up he was made to understand that Edo people are one and as a governor he would not discriminate against anyone on the basis of their religious persuasion.

    He said, “Two years ago, you told me you wanted to improve the Hajj Camp and I listened to you. With the support of the Chairman of Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, we started work and look at the outcome of this project in this Hajj Camp today.”

    He urged the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to put a plan in place which will allow Muslim faithful contribute towards self-sponsorship to the holy land.

    The Chairman of Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Oyarekhua, expressed appreciation to the governor for the developmental projects across the state including the construction of the Edo State Hajj Camp, which he described as the first government project in the camp for over 50 years.

    Read Also: RUGA will not happen in Edo – Obaseki

    He noted, “We commend you for the development in Edo State in the area of agriculture, roads, schools and even helping us to build this beautiful Hajj Camp. We assure you of our prayers daily to ensure you succeed despite the ongoing distractions to pull your administration down.”

    The Amiru Hajj and the Enogie of Ewu, His Royal Highness, Abdurasak Ojiefo III, assured the Governor that the 2019 pilgrims will be of good conduct and will not bring shame to the state, adding, “We will continue to support you in all you do as you have been a Governor to all.”

    The Chief Imam of Benin, Sheikh Abdulfatai Enabulele, said Governor Obaseki will rule the state for eight years as he urged all Muslims to continue to pray for the governor for God to touch the hearts of his distractors.

    Former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, commended the governor for the Hajj building, noting that it has endeared the government to the hearts of Muslim faithful in the state.

  • Obaseki swears-in Commissioners, Advisers, urges them to work for Edo people

    Six Commissioners and five Special Advisers were on Wednesday sworn-in by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, with a charge to the appointees to work for the betterment of the state and people.

    Speaking during the swearing-in of the commissioners and special advisers at Government House, Benin City, the governor described their appointment as a call to service.

    He noted, “You will be put under pressure but resist it, knowing that you are called to serve and if you do well, your family, friends and the state stand to benefit. Politicians are just agents between the people and public good. I want to admonish all of you because you may end up worse off financially, like me, when you leave office. But a good name is better.”

    The governor said Edo State is marching towards greater heights, moreso, if everyone agrees to diligently work for the progress of the state and people. He noted, “The real challenge in Edo State is our meagre resources, which they are all struggling to share in the name of politics. It is so small. In global terms, the total budget of the four (4) million people in Edo is less than $400 million and that is less than the budget of the New York Police.”

    Read Also: Obaseki has no plan to leave APC, says aide

    “This is an economy that can generate $4 billion a year but when we decide to eat the yam seeds it will become difficult to achieve. Today you are joining me to make Edo State a premium state in Nigeria where we are re-defining and re-enacting public service. Politics is geared towards service to the people,” he added.

    Speaking on behalf of the other appointees, Hon. Damian Lawani, thanked the governor for the opportunity given to them to contribute their quota to the development of Edo State.

    He pledged their loyalty to the service of the people of Edo State and called on the governor to sack any one of them if found wanting in the discharge of their duty.

     

  • Lawmakers-elect deny impeachment notice on Obaseki

    MEMBERS-elect of the Edo State House of Assembly who are yet to be inaugurated have disowned a purported impeachment notice on the Governor Godwin Obaseki, saying the notice circulating the social media did not emanate from them.

    A statement by the 15 lawmakers-elect described the document as fake and a calculated attempt to smear their names for standing on the path of truth.

    The statement reads: “We the elected members of the Edo State House of Assembly, that have been away from our state because of harassment and intimidation we faced for rejecting impunity and standing for the truth, hereby informs the people of Edo State, and the public, that the impeachment notice on Governor Godwin Obaseki, currently circulating the social media, is not from us.

    “The document is fake, treacherous, insipid and a calculated attempt to smear our names for standing on the path of truth.

    “In the first place, the public would have noticed that two of the names mentioned in the fake document – Nosayaba Okunbur and Chief Sunday Ojiezele – with the governor in Benin.

    Read Also: Obaseki salutes ThisDay Publisher Obaigbena at 60

    “In fact Okunbor has done a public disclaimer to that effect. It is also clear that members-elect cannot impeach a governor. The most questionable aspect of the document is the fact that it was typed on an All Progressives Congress (APC) letterhead, but the cheap criminals made the heading invisible.

    “Again, we want to make it clear that our condemnation of the nocturnal kangaroo inauguration is because we want the proper and right thing done. Any Speaker who eventually emerges from a transparent inauguration will work harmoniously with the governor.

    “We are not surprised at the appearance of a fake document on social media, as those behind the nocturnal, shameful and kangaroo inaugurations are capable of doing anything to give us a bad name to whip up public sentiment to support their infamous actions.”

     

  • Obaseki salutes ThisDay Publisher Obaigbena at 60

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the publisher of Thisday Newspapers and owner of Arise Television Limited, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, who marks his 60th birthday on Sunday, July 14.

    In a statement, the governor noted: “On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, I congratulate veteran journalist and publisher, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, who clocks 60 on July 14. He has contributed immensely to the development of the country through innovations in journalism and his enterprising spirit, which have distinguished him among his peers in the profession.”

    Read Also: Obaseki counts gains of NAFEST

    He said Obaigbena’s commitment to the tenets of a free society and accountability are underscored by the success and influence of his media enterprise, noting, “I celebrate you and all that you have accomplished in the journalism profession.

    “I join others to celebrate your commitment to a free society and holding government accountable to the people, with your platforms. You have continued to blaze the trail in the profession despite several challenges, and your innovations have come to define some of the fine points of journalism today. We wish you many more years.”

    “We pray that you continue to inspire the new generation of journalists to serve our fatherland, deepen the culture of  probity and create an enlightened society. I salute your achievements and pray that you enjoy many more years of good health and prosperity,” Obaseki added.

  • Obaseki: I am sustaining Oshiomhole’s legacies’

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has said he is sustaining the legacies of his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, especially as it relates to the state’s relationship with the World Bank.

    According to him, the government’s engagement with the World Bank since 2010 has been productive.

    Obaseki, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Taiwo Akerele, spoke in Benin City at a one-day workshop organised by Edo SEEFOR, themed: “Sustainability of Social Accountability in Public Sector”.

    According to him, the World Bank was not ready to work with any state that does not have the political will to implement its policies such as the Open budget system. He added that Edo was the first state to publish any contract above N10 million on its website for public scrutiny, and to ensure accountability.

    The governor reiterated that over 30,000 jobs have been created through the World Bank intervention in the last seven years. He added that he approved N6 billion to complement activities of SEEFOR as financing from World Bank is gradually drying up.

    Read Also: Obaseki is not playing politics of accommodation, says Osagie

    Obaseki said all hands must be on deck to do the needful to promote voluntary accountability to consign corrupt practices to the dustbin of history.

    He said: “The Edo State government has generated over 50,000 jobs through the intervention of SEEFOR in the last seven years. The state is the first to publish, on its website, all contracts above N10 million. With the support of SEEFOR, we have been able to pass into law the Public Financial Management law, the Auditing law and others.

    “We also hail the Federal Government for making Edo benefit from the European Union (EU) component of SEEFOR which is to complement the World Bank assisted funding for the employment of youths.”

    Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin (UNIBEN) Prof. Eddy Eragbe noted that positive change was happening in the state. He urged the people to monitor and query whatever project the government was doing.

    The Project Coordinator, Edo SEEFOR, Tony Onaiwu said the workshop was to further enhance public knowledge and accountability in government.