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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • The many sins of Godwin Obaseki

    Last week, a few politicians converged on the APC campaign office in Benin City to declare their unalloyed support for the APC party chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. At the same gathering, the politicians, led by their spokesperson, Samson Osagie and Henry Idahagbon expressed their extreme dissatisfaction at the leadership style of the Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

    The “leaders” complained bitterly about the lack of “democracy within the party by the Governor and claimed to be out to correct the “anomaly” being experienced in the party.

    I was curious as to the nature of this anomaly and decided to embark on a fact-finding mission to learn from my fellow Edolites, what the real issues were. My first recourse was to Barrister Samson Osagie, a very good friend of mine who spent more than 10 years in public service, first as a member of the State House of Assembly, then as a member of the House of Representatives.

    My conversation with him was short but insightful. His main grouse was the lack of communication and access to the Governor. I enquired as to the paths he chose to request audience with the governor, and his response betrayed the crux of the problem.

    According to him, the APC called a meeting and asked the Governor to appear and the Governor neglected to appear. Furthermore, he expressed severe regret that the party men and women that had delivered the governor against the will of Edo people had been suffering since the advent of the Obaseki administration.

    My second recourse was to the leader of my party in my local government (who shall remain unnamed). My conversations with him were even more interesting. From what I could surmise, the gathering was assembled to protest the lack of patronage extended by the governor to the men who “put him in office”.

    Read Also: Godwin Obaseki and his unusual ways

    This major theme of their complaints struck a chord with me; throughout my inquisition, no one mentioned any issues with performance. There were no complaints about corrupt enrichment of dereliction of duty. The sole and only issue seemed to be that the governor was deliberately refusing to “oil the party machinery”, a tragic euphemism for declining to funnel tax payers money into the pockets of a negligible minority. What a grave tragedy indeed!

    At what point did political parties in Nigeria become more important than the people? How did Nigerians allow the needs of politicians to supplant their own needs? The answers to these questions are not farfetched; Nigerians have long ceased to care about the quality of leadership and services delivered to them. Invariably, these leaders have taken undue advantage.

    An avid follower of current affairs, I have learned of the progress Edo state has made in improving the security situation in the state. One often forgets that there was a time when Cultists, kidnappers and domestic terrorists notified residents of the state about impending wars, and nothing would be done about them. There is definitely still some way to go, but the fact that the impunity has been assuaged somewhat.

    Also, any visitor to the state would agree that the previously chaotic environment with poor roads, filth and touts littering the streets have been largely addressed. Roads are even being re-built in places we forgot they were bad!

    Closest to my heart is the fact that two of my eight siblings who previously relied on me for handouts because the government failed to pay their salaries, are now joining me in supporting the remaining sibling still in University. Even when they try to dodge this responsibility, I gently remind them that Obaseki’s government does not owe workers and despite the drastic reduction of resources available, has never owed salaries since it assumed office in 2016.

    Then there’s the pensioners who have been steadily receiving their dues without rancour or much hardship. These people have served our nation to the best of their abilities and are being paid their pensions as and when due. Shouldn’t this be roundly applauded?

    In essence, in many areas, progress has been made. This is a great credit to the governor and should ordinarily be a source of incredible pride to the former governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Should he not be taking credit for nurturing such a leader that can deliver for the masses whom he claims are his greatest constituency?

    One would also expect that the politicians would be pleased and where concerns exist, they will help in highlighting areas for improvement and make tangible suggestions to the government for the benefit of the masses and in the interest of their party.

    But no. The overriding interest of a few men is in the continued pilferage of the commonwealth of the people.

    At some point in our democratic life, this impunity must end. And it is my fervent hope and prayer that the people of Edo state lead the charge in holding their government accountable, while reinforcing their collective strength during the ballots for the kind of leadership they deserve. Only time will tell.

     

    • Akhere, a public commentator, wrote from Benin

  • Airport upgrade: Hope rises for Edo agro-business

    In a few months’ time, exporters of agricultural products in Edo State and its environs would not need to bother about delays in travelling to Lagos for the purpose of taking their products to any part of the world.

    They would export their agro-products right from the Bénin Airport. Besides, businessmen, politicians and individuals can now land at the Bénin Airport any time of the day. This is because the airport has commenced night operations.

    In 2013, during the inauguration of the remodeled Bénin Airport, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole requested the then Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah to ensure that the Airport operates in a 24-hour basis.

    Oshiomhole had argued that the 24-hour operation for the airport would enable individuals, especially himself, meet emergency engagement in Abuja. He regretted that the Benin Airport being one of the oldest in the country remained the way it was despite the increase in traffic.

    Oshiomhole’s successor, Godwin Obaseki has, however, seen to the realisation of his dream. Facilities in the 63-year-old Bénin Airport has been upgraded for it to carry out night operations. The equipment installed for the night operations were inaugurated last week by the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

    The equipment inaugurated at the Airport included thunder and lightning system, Secure Aviation Data Information System (SADIS); Enhanced Simple Approach Lightening System, CAT ll and Instrument Landing System (ILS)/Distance Measuring Equipment (DME).

    Speaking at the inauguration, Senator Sirika said Edo people would gain a lot from the improved operational capability of the Bénin Airport because of the ability to come and go out of Bénin by air in reduced weather condition even when the pilot can barely see anything.

    Senator Sirika further explained that the equipment are both ground-based and satellite-based. He said the satellite-based equipment would begin work if the ground-based ones failed.

    He said: “The importance of the Benin culture and history is such that we cannot ignore. We will continue to upgrade facilities to meet its peers in other cities. The operational capacity of the Benin-City Airport has tremendously improved as we can now guarantee safe landing in reduced visibility and in bad weather condition. Aircraft can now land in Benin Airport at night. No more closure of the Airport by 6:00 p.m.

    “When the country was divided into regions, the centrality of Benin is very important. Benin is the cradle of history, tradition and culture. There is connection between aviation, culture, commerce and others. We are intertwined and we hold Benin in high esteem. We will continue to promote this city, to enhance this city and make people come here. The more people come to Benin, the better for commerce.

    “You have the Instrument Landing System which allows pilots to land in reduced weather. It is no longer pleasure to say from 6:00 p.m., you cannot land in Benin. We will continue to do more for Benin. We will site the agro-allied terminal at the Benin Airport. We are bringing cargo terminal for agro export. People involved in export of perishable items can send their goods to Europe very quickly. Obaseki has promised to participate in putting the structure for the facility in place.

    “Airplane owners must improve their aircraft. They have to train their pilots. If their pilots are not trained, they cannot come here.”

    On his part, an elated Governor Obaseki said the Bénin Airport could now compete with its peers across the world with the installation of the equipment and commencement of night landing facilities. He noted that people would have no excuse not to come to Bénin again whether at night on the excuses of bad weather.

    He said, “Edo is a hub. We are a transportation hub. Benin Airport is one of the top five airports in Nigeria in terms of passenger traffic. We do not want to wait for the Federal Government alone to provide all that are needed.. So, we have to put in our resources to support them to ensure that they are attracted to make investment in our airport. With the night landing facility put in place, we shall now persuade airlines to make night stops in Benin. That way, they bring traffic into our state.

    “We are inaugurating an array of things at the Airport. The benefits of all these facilities are limitless. What the cargo terminal means is that we can export our produce from here to all over the world.

    “For you to have economic growth, you must have infrastructure. People must be able to come in and go out. Money must come in and leave freely. This air transportation infrastructure will just complement our other efforts in area of tourism, agriculture, infrastructure even education. What it means is that there will be no excuse. It will help business once people know they can get in and out of Benin at any time.

    “We are not just unveiling a new technology for our airport; we are celebrating a very unique privilege and honour for a state to collaborate very closely with the Federal Government agency. The Benin Airport built in 1956 is being upgraded so that it can be ranked as an airport that could match any airport in the world by equipping it with the instrument every airport should have.

  • Edo youths march for Obaseki

    Edo youths under the aegis of Concerned Edo Youths have thrown their weight behind Governor Godwin Obaseki on his stance not to succumb to greedy politicians, who have launched attacks against the governor over his refusal to settle them with public funds.

    The youths, armed with placards bearing different inscriptions in support of Governor Obaseki, stormed the King’s Square in Benin City, insisting that the governor must contest and run for another term of four years, regardless of the tantrums of a few greedy politicians, who want to corner the people’s patrimony.

    One of the leaders of the protest, Mr. Kelly Okungbowa, said: “Governor Obaseki has done well in the state for the past two and half years. Testimonies abound in all parts of the state to prove that. Anybody that says the governor is not working doesn’t live in this state.

    “We want him to run for another term. We take offence with what some greedy politicians are saying that the governor is not sharing money to them. We don’t want him to share Edo people’s money to greedy politicians. We are solidly behind him on that.

    Read Also: Obaseki wants to stop my inauguration, says lawmaker

    He added, “For people like Tony ‘Kabaka’ Adun, who are threatening the governor, we warn that a threat to Governor Obaseki is a threat to Edo people, a threat to development and progress. And we will never allow that. We will resist him and whoever his backers are.”

    They were received by Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, who was at the Edo State House of Assembly, as well as the member representing Oredo East Constituency, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha and his counterpart from Orhionmwon, Hon. Roland Asoro.

    The deputy governor assured that the Governor Obaseki-led government will never be distracted, but work to deliver good governance to the people.

    The protesters headed to the Police Headquarters and eventually stopped at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, where they addressed journalists.

     

  • BEDC denies bribing Edo lawmakers

    The Bénin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has dismissed allegation that it bribed lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly with N50m for the bill criminalizing electricity theft to be passed.

    It said the Edo State House of Assembly only followed what Ekiti State did in domesticating and existing federal law which prescribed 21 years for anyone caught stealing electricity.

    The bill waiting for the assent of Governor Godwin Obaseki stipulated three years jail term for anybody that engaged in electricity theft.

    Read Also: Deputy Governor, 8 others make Edo team

    It also prescribed a special court for electricity consumers in the who bypass and engage in illegal connection.

    Managing Director of BEDC, Mrs. Funky Osibodu, who spoke at a media parley said the bill was in line with anti-corruption war.

    Speaker of the Edo Assembly, Hon Kabiru Adjoto, who also denied the allegation, said he would institute legal action against some members of the Edo Stats Civil Society group.

  • Obaseki appreciates Edo Central leaders for victory in State Assembly polls

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has expressed appreciation to leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo Central Senatorial District of the state, noting that they worked assiduously for the success of the party in the area during the State House of Assembly elections.

    The governor said this when he met with the leaders at the residence of the Chairman of APC in Edo State, Barr. Anselm Ojezua, in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area.

    The governor said the victory recorded in the area which made it possible for the APC to clinch the 24 seats in the House of Assembly is worthy of commendation and shows that the leaders have done well in communicating the achievements of his administration and the party to the people at the grassroots.

    He restated his commitment to the welfare of Edo people, noting that no section of the state would be left out in the determined march to spread development across the state.

    The governor also urged party leaders in the area to shun the antics of a few greedy individuals who are trying to cause disaffection in the party, stressing that the APC is united for the development of the state and not to fritter the state’s resources for selfish gains.

    He admonished them to remain steadfast in the support for the government and the numerous policies rolled out to provide better living conditions for residents, adding that with continued, unwavering support more developmental projects will continue across the state.

    Read Also: Obaseki’s gains, losses in education

    Chairman of  Edo State Chapter of the APC, Anselm Ojezua, said the consultative meeting is an on-going effort to ensure that the party members are updated with developments in the state. 

    He said the leadership of APC in Edo Central Senatorial District are happy with the developmental strides of the governor in the state, noting “The conclusion of the meeting is that he should continue with his good works in developing the state. He should not be distracted by the noise in the state. The governor should focus on his job at the appropriate time the leadership of the party will take a position.”

  • FG upgrades night facilities at Benin Airport

    The Federal Government  at the weekend  upgraded navigational facilities at Benin Airport  to enable airlines and aircraft owners  perform  flights at night and periods when there is  low visibility.

    The upgrade of facilities at Benin Airport followed  the installation of Precision Approach Lighting System and Instrument Landing System Category II, commissioned by the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

    Speaking at the event, Sirika said government embarked on the project at Benin Airport as an intervention to complaints by the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, who had expressed worries on why aircraft cannot land at night, during bad weather and low visibility on account of lack of Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the airport.

    Sirika said : ” From now on, you have the Instrument Landing System which can allow pilots in reduced visibility and bad weather to be able to shoot on approach and land in Benin, just like they will do in London. And also, it is no longer closure from 6pm. The operational capability of the airport has improved with the installation of these equipment.”

    The minister said the  Federal Ministry of Transportation (Aviation) through Nigeria Meteorological Services (NiMET) has constructed and donated a meteorological station to University of Benin (UNIBEN).

    Read Also: Police detain Benin chief priest

    He hinted on the plan to construct a cargo terminal at the Benin Airport.

    He said :  “Here in Benin, We will site an Agro-allied Cargo Terminal. We will soon commence civil works and the governor had promised the state participation.”

    Obaseki, in his response acknowledged a cordial relationship with the Federal Government to be able to partner on projects. “Benin Airport which was built over 60 years ago, is one of the oldest airports in the country because it was built in 1956. It is today being upgraded so that it can be ranked as an airport to match any other airport in this world by equipping it with the kind of instrument which a modern day airport should have.”

    On the airport landing aids and the proposed cargo terminal, the governor commented: “For you to have economic growth, you need to have the infrastructure. People must be able to come into your economy and leave freely. With these air transportation infrastructure, it will complement the effort we are currently making in the area of agriculture, industrialization, tourism and culture and even education. What it means for us is that there is no excuses. Once people know that you can get in and out of Benin, then it helps business”

    Obaseki expressed his appreciation to the minister on the NiMET upgrade of its facilities and the equipment donated to Edo State. “That donation in my view is one of the most significant investment anybody, any government and any city can make in the world today, because it helps you predict the weather accurately”.

  • 800 teachers set to retire in Edo

    Over 800 teachers are set to retire from the employment of the Edo State government next month.
    Their retirement followed decision of Governor Godwin Obaseki to adhere strictly to the rules which stated that workers are to retire from service having attained 60 years or spent 35 years in service.
    During the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, workers were allowed to remain in service even if they have served for 35 years but has not reached 60 years.
    It was gathered that the 800 teachers were among those trained under the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme.

    Read Also: Edo politics: Why political gluttons want Obaseki’s removal

     
    Government sources said the retirement of the 800 teachers was a concern to the Obaseki’s administration owing to the huge resources spent to train the teachers since last year.
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    The source said plans were on to recruit new teachers but the new recruits had to be trained on pedagogy.
     
    Meanwhile, the Federal Government has sent a team to understudy the Edo BEST programme with a view to implement it across the country.
    In February, the Rwanda Government sent Deputy Director-General, Rwanda Education Board, Tusiime Angelique, to visit Edo because of its plans to model its basic education system after the Edo BEST.

    It was learnt that plans by the Edo State Government to extend the Edo BEST to secondary schools would be successful if the Federal government accepted to use the model across the country.

  • AAU: Obaseki lifts embargo on employment

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has tasked the Governing Council of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) to initiate reforms that will reposition the institution into a world-class centre of excellence in learning and research.

    The governor has also lifted the embargo on employment at the institution but maintained that the school must not employ people it cannot pay or who are unqualified.

    Obaseki disclosed this when members of the Governing Council of AAU, paid a courtesy visit to the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    He urged the governing council to ensure discipline is maintained among staff and students in the school, noting, “People have to be prosecuted if found wanting. People who steal must be prosecuted and funds returned.”

    Obaseki urged the council to be innovative in generating funds to run the institution, noting that this could be done through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and donations from alumni, tasking the council to source for private investors to augment the school’s funding.

    He noted that the state government could not increase the institution’s budget due to financial constraints, noting: “I want to work with you to streamline your system, processes and extract the value that exists in the university.”

    Read Also: Obaseki: I won’t share govt money

    On employment, he said, “Sort out what you have to do before you employ. Check the quality of people you want to employ also.”

    He assured members of the council of continued support from the state government, urging the board not to relent in its efforts to change the narrative of the institution.

    Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Lawson Omokhodion, said the council has resolved to promote productivity in the institution in line with recommendations of the due diligence exercise earlier carried out.

    He thanked the governor for regular monthly subvention for payment of salaries and pension, noting that the council is working to make the institution one of the best five universities in the country within the next five years.

    Omokhodion listed projects to be embarked upon by the council to include staff audit, forensic audit, deployment a new pension scheme and annual convocation ceremony.

    He decried encroachment of the institution’s land by herdsmen while appealing for construction of perimeter fencing around the school.

  • Our goal is to serve Edo people, not to amass wealth, says Obaseki

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said members of his cabinet are not in public office to amass wealth or gain fame but to serve Edo people and deliver dividends of democracy.

    Obaseki disclosed this while speaking at an intercessory prayer session held in the Government House Chapel, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    The governor noted that he is focused on developing the state and that ploys by a handful of distractors will not distract the government from delivering dividends of democracy to Edo people.

    Read Also: Thugs attack Edo councillor, beats him to pulp

    According to the governor, “members of my cabinet are united and work together for the common good of the people. We are one. Most of us have worked together for 10 years. Our focus is to move Edo State forward and fulfil God’s desire for his people. We are not in office to amass wealth or fame but to serve the people of the state.

    “We are determined to take Edo State to greater heights and nobody will deter us from achieving our goals for the state,” the governor added.

    Obaseki said he has received God’s favour in all decisions taken in governing the state, assuring that Edo State will remain peaceful, regardless of the antics deployed by a handful of politicians to create problems where there is none.

    “The task ahead is so enormous and our focus is to deliver good governance to the people of the state,” Obaseki reiterated.

  • Edo 2020: Gowon endorses Obaseki for second term

    Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.) has endorsed Governor Godwin Obaseki for a second term in office, noting that the governor has done exceptionally well in infrastructure and economic development in the state.

    Gowon, who is in the state with his wife, Mrs Victoria Gown, to attend the Founder’s Day celebration of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), urged the governor to continue the good work he has started.

    According to him, “I was in Edo when he was elected governor of the state. I know the efforts he has contributed in the state. He should continue the good works he is doing as governor. He is doing exceptionally well.”

    He described Edo State as his second home, and that he was happy to be in the state, adding, “I am in Benin to chair the 46th Founders’ Day anniversary of the UBTH and to launch the endowment fund to improve the institution’s service delivery. My wife is also here. She unveiled the institution 46 years ago.”

    Read Also: Obaseki appoints 14 permanent secretaries

    Governor Obaseki commended Gowon for taking a special interest in the development of Edo State, noting that the establishment of UBTH and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) during his time as Head of State brought immense development to the state.

    “As far back as 40 years ago, he took a special interest in Edo State. He came with his wife and unveiled federal institutions in the state. That passion and commitment is still there and he decided to come again to add more value to what he started. It is something we should be proud of and thankful about,” the governor said.