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Tag: Mr Godwin Obaseki

  • Obaseki begins preparation of 2017 budget

    Obaseki begins preparation of 2017 budget

    Ahead of his inauguration on November 12, Edo State Governor-elect, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has raised a committee to prepare the 2017 budget.

    This, according to sources, this is to enable him hit the ground running and ensure the lawmakers receive the budget this year.

    A member of the Transition Committee told our reporter that Obaseki emphasized that the 2017 budget estimates should focus on job employment and empowerment as they are priority on his agenda.

    At a press briefing after his election, Obaseki has said he would not have a large cabinet but he would look into other means to empower political supporters.

    During his campaigns, Obaseki promised to create 200,000 job.

    Explaining how he would create the jobs, Obaseki said, “Take for instance agriculture. The registered farmers in Edo state and in the 18 local government areas out-numbers 35,000; small holding farmers – this statistics is according to records from the Ministry of Agriculture”.

    “This records also shows that each of these 35,000 farmers occupies at least 2 to 5 hectares of land which summarily means 115,000 hectares with a labour requirement of 3 workers per hectares of production.

    “A rice farmer with 5 workers per hectares of production – the same applies to cassava. Arithmetically, this translates to a manpower of 315,000 and up to 500,000 workers – this calculation in the agricultural entrepreneurial scheme is for 2 crops alone – this is the basis for the Governor-elect’s conservative 200,000 jobs that would herald the emergence of future stars and alleviate poverty, if not eradicate it.”

  • Tribunal grants Obaseki motion to inspect election materials

    Tribunal grants Obaseki motion to inspect election materials

    Edo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City has granted permission to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governor elect, Mr Godwin Obaseki, to inspect all materials used in the conduct of the September 28 governorship election.

     

    The motion was granted after the three-man panel heard arguments of the lead Counsel to Obaseki, Sentos Femi Owootori.

     

    Chairman of the tribunal, Justice A.T.Badamasi granted the motion that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allows the APC and Obaseki inspect the election materials.

     

    Obaseki won the election after he polled 319,483 votes to defeat Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP who polled 253,173.

     

    The Tribunal had last Monday granted similar motion to the PDP and its candidate to inspect the election materials. 

     

    It was gathered that the PDP was yet to file its petition before the tribunal.

  • Assemble crack team as aides, Ogbemudia tells Obaseki

    Assemble crack team as aides, Ogbemudia tells Obaseki

     

    Two time governor of the defunct Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, has told Edo State governor-elect, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to assemble a crack team as Commissioners, Advisers, and Assistants.

     

    Dr. Ogbemudia said his analysis of the September 28 polls showed that Obaseki performed well in all the 192 wards in the state by securing a clear victory or having a pass mark.

     

    In a congratulatory message to Obaseki signed by Dr. Ogbemudia, the former governor noted that the outcome of the election stands Obaseki out as a Pan-Edo Leader.

     

    According to him, “It is a rare feat and a great pedestal; an investiture of popular support, legitimacy and confidence. As you prepare for assumption of office, I wish you continued God’s grace, protection and blessings. I trust you to assemble a crack team as your Commissioners, Advisers, and Aides”.

     

    Chief Judge of Edo state, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, prayed God to give Obaseki wisdom to discharge the duties of a governor for the betterment of the people.

     

    He said, “We are assured from your antecedents that you will take Edo state to a higher level of development to the glory of God”.

  • INEC presents Certificate of Return to Obaseki, Shaibu

    INEC presents Certificate of Return to Obaseki, Shaibu

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday presented Certificate of Return to Edo State governor-elect, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu.

    It said the presentation was in accordance with the Electoral Act as amended.

    National Commissioner of INEC in charge of South South zone, Dr. Mustapha Lecky, who presented the certificates, said only a tribunal could upturn the outcome of the election held on September 28.

    Dr. Lecky said the commission would continue to improve on the electoral process with a view to deepening democracy in the country.

    He said INEC would also improve on the use of card readers as according to him, the device has helped to eliminate multiple voting and election rigging.

    State Resident Commissioner, Mr. Sam Olumekun, said an inconclusive election in Edo State would have led to crisis in the state as the commission would have to grapple within two weeksto conduct another election.

    Olumekun said he was grateful that the election has been adjudged free, fair and credible.

    Obaseki in his speech said he joined the race to expand the political space and a clear vision of what to achieve.

    He said he focused on issues that affect the people and ran his campaigns professionally.

    The governor-elect noted that the protests against the election results were sponsored as the people of the state were happy with the conduct.

    He said his victory has proven that campaigns could be run professionally without having to lie to get people’s votes.

  • Edo guber poll: Ambode congratulates Obaseki

    Edo guber poll: Ambode congratulates Obaseki

    …Says Edo people have made the right choice

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday congratulated the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his victory at the just concluded gubernatorial election, saying that the people of the State have made the right choice.

    Obaseki, who was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), defeated his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with 319,483 votes to 253,173 votes.

    Governor Ambode, in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the development was not just a victory for democracy but the people who he said would experience continuity in terms of dividends of democracy.

    The Governor, who was the Chairman, APC National Campaign Committee for the election, said the people of Edo have voted for continuity of people-friendly policies and programmes, and urged all the relevant stakeholders in the affairs of the State to accept the verdict of the people and work with Obaseki to move the State forward.

    “Like I said during the grand rally of our great party – APC, at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin some weeks back, Edo State, being the heartbeat of the South-South region, has all it takes to become another Lagos, and the decision of the people to speak with their votes in support of Obaseki is a signpost of their readiness for greatness and a testament to the monumental successes recorded in the last seven and half years by the incumbent Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    “We are enjoying the dividends of democracy in Lagos today because of the decision of the people to vote for continuity of good governance and I am glad that the people of Edo have also toed that path and the result will definitely translate to improved social services and welfare of the people,” Ambode said.

    The Governor said judging by the antecedents of Obaseki, he was certain that Edo State is set for transformation and consolidation of the achievements of the outgoing administration in the State.

    According to him, “Governor Oshiomhole has laid the right foundation for progressive governance. He has been responsive, progressive and totally committed to the needs of the people. With the decision to vote Mr Obaseki who is equally people-friendly, reliable, trustworthy, and has the fear of God, the people have made the right choice and I can only urge them to continue to support him to deliver on the campaign promises.

    He also congratulated the people of Edo State for comporting themselves peacefully throughout the period of the election, while urging those aggrieved with the result to channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters rather than resort to self-help.

  • Edo: Heavy rainfall greets Obaseki’s victory

    Edo: Heavy rainfall greets Obaseki’s victory

    Heavy fall of rain is currently being experienced in Edo State after the keenly contested gubernatorial election between candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Mr. Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Our correspondence reports that Benin City is witnessing a heavy rainfall after the announcement of Mr. Obaseki as the winner of the election.

    Details shortly….

  • Ondo APC congratulates Obaseki

    Ondo APC congratulates Obaseki

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has congratulated the Governor-elect of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on his victory at the just concluded September 28, 2016, Governorship election in the State.

    A statement issued by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya said the victory is well deserved by the party especially in a keenly contested poll.

    APC lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring the exercise when on smoothly.

    The party noted that the simultaneous Accreditation and Voting system introduced by the commission has largely reduced rigging and violence.

    It therefore, advised INEC not to lose sleep on the new strategy it adopted, but to improve on it for future elections, especially, the November 26thGovernorship election coming up in Ondo State.

    APC appealed to its members in Ondo state to work assiduously for the victory of APC and it candidate, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

  • Edo poll: Obaseki leads Ize-Iyamu with 62,300 votes

    Edo poll: Obaseki leads Ize-Iyamu with 62,300 votes

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in the Edo governorship election, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, currently ahead of his closest rival from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, with 62, 300 votes.

    The APC has polled 306,663 votes, while the PDP garnered 244,363 in all the local government areas where results have been officially announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Results of 17 out of 18 LGAs in Edo State have been announced by INEC.

    The APC won in 12 LGAs, while PDP triumphed in five.

    Ovia South West is the only local government whose results have not been declared.

  • Edo poll: ‘They want to attack my convoy’

    Edo poll: ‘They want to attack my convoy’

    Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday raised alarm that intelligence report has uncovered plots by the opposition party to attack his campaign convoy.

    According to the Governorship candidate, security operatives have been responsive and disclosed that some militants who disguised in two buses were arrested in Benin.

    Obaseki opined that opinion polls from across the state showed the APC will win the September 28 governorship election by 75 percent.

    Speaking while fielding questions from journalists in Benin City, Obaseki described as propaganda by the PDP that fifth columnist within the APC will work against the part’y chances.

    Obaseki noted that the amount of defection from the PDP has crumbled the opposition party in Edo central.

    His words: “And even in their strongholds, we are beginning to see them very jittery and in Edo North apart from few units in Akoko-Edo and one unit in Owan East, it is essentially on locked down for us.

    “So from what we can see today, barring any unforeseen circumstances, barring violence that will scare people from the poll and barring any attempt by the opposition party to cause disruptions in some highly populated voting units so that the results from those units will be inconclusive, we believe that we are very comfortable.

    “As a people even though we are facing severe challenges at this point in time, the opportunities ahead of us are enormous and mind boggling and that there is hope for Edo State and hope for Nigeria and that to realise this hope, we have to hug and hold democracy tight and ensure that we do not, no matter the provocation do things or take steps that will threaten our democracy in any way and that our hope and our redemption lies in us and in us sustaining democracy.”

  • Edo 2016: Obaseki unveils plans for health sector

    Edo 2016: Obaseki unveils plans for health sector

    The Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the September 28, election, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday, unveiled plans to make Edo the medical hub of the country.

    Obaseki who made this known at an interactive section with the chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), also noted that his health programme will be targeted at the poor in the state.

    He disclosed that the plan to make the state medical hub of the country, is to stop medical tourism.

    To achieve this, Obaseki said the five star hospital that have been built in the state capital will be equipped with the best medical equipment the world has to offer.

    He said his government, when elected, will build and equip specialised departments at the Central Hospital, Benin, for the treatment of ailment for which Nigerians seek  medical attention abroad.

    In addition, he said while experts on these field will be engaged, he also stressed that more medical personnel will be recruited for the various hospitals across the state.

    While promising to restore faith the health sector, he said the medical needs of the poor have been duly considered.

    According to him, “I will restore Faith in our Health sector and make Nigerians who seek health care abroad to come to Edo for their medical attention.

    “While government looks up to establishing standard hospital across the state, it is also the duty of government to subsidized medical services and health care for those who cannot afford such bills.

    “The less fortunate in the society will also enjoy the same quality services like every other individual in the rest of the world.”

    He however noted that the Oshiomhole led government of the state, had invested substantially, in the health sector.

    “What we have done basically, these past years, is to improve on the infrastructure of the government owned hospitals, as well as equipping some of them.

    “Now, while we will be focusing more on the human capacity building part of the health sector, we will also be fully equipping those that needed to be equipped with modern health facilities,” he said.

    Similarly, Obaseki also disclosed plans to build and equip emergency care centers at strategy locations across the state, to take of emergency cases, especially accident victims.