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Tag: Obaseki

  • Obaseki extends free bus service by three months

    Obaseki extends free bus service by three months

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has approved the extension of free bus scheme being implemented by his administration for three months.

    The transport scheme was introduced on September 11, 2023 for an initial two-month period, to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

    Over 1.5 million residents benefitted from the first phase of the scheme, covering intra and inter-city routes operated by the Edo City Transport Services (ECTS).

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    While the inter-city routes include: Auchi – Igarra – Ibillo–Ososo, Uzebba–Ikhin – Otuo, and Abudu-Ubiaja, Abudu-Urhonigbe and Ewohimi to Ewatto, the intra-city routes are Ramat–Kingsquare; New Benin–Kingsquare; Kingsquare – Ekenwan Road; Kingsquare–Airport Road; Kingsquare–Sapele Road and Kingsquare – Adesuwa, Kingsquare–Ogida; New Benin – Upper Mission; Kingsquare–Ugbowo; Kingsquare–Agbor Road; Kingsquare–Upper Sokponba; New Benin – Ugbowo and New Benin–Aduwawa.

    The Managing Director of Edo State Transport Authority (ESTA), Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor, yesterday in a statement said the extension was in furtherance of the state government’s commitment to the welfare of Edo residents, noting that the free bus scheme would run till February 2024.

  • PDP chieftain to Obaseki: handle succession with wisdom

    PDP chieftain to Obaseki: handle succession with wisdom

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo south, Martin Osakwe, has urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to handle succession politics with care and wisdom.

    Osakwe, the proprietor of Paragon Schools, Benin, said that Asue Ighodalo, who is said to be the governor’s preferred choice, may not be acceptable.

    He said that if Obaseki supports a party stalwart like Anselem Ojezua, the people might embrace him as a more favourable option.

    He said: “I have played politics here in Edo for more than forty years since 1978. I was in the UPN (Unity Party of Nigeria). I was a founding member of PDP. It is when you know people that you know their pedigree.

    “I look at this man. What has he done for my constituency, which is education? How many people is he training in the university? What free Education programme do we have? What has he done for his community? There are people in Edo Central you can present to us.

    “If you bring somebody like Anselm Ojezua, we will say okay we know him. We can study him etc. That’s what leadership does. This idea of creating emperor governors has been the greatest undoing of the 1999 constitution. The constitution didn’t provide for it but gradually we started seeing governors having more power than the President.

    “It should not continue. Mark my words. It is not that a governor should not have a say in who succeeds him. But it should not be the determinant. He should not be the one to say it must be this person.

    “The person you choose will determine the support you have. If, for instance, we chose a world bank as governor in the last eight years and he has transformed Edo State. The first thing people will suggest is that let’s go for another international consultant.

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    “You’re coming to say that because somebody is a bank manager or chairman of a bank somewhere … They called me. I told them that they were cooking a bad soup. I didn’t mix words. That soup is already rotten. Nobody will eat it unless you want to have a running stomach. You want to go to the hospital. I don’t want to go to the hospital at this stage. I won’t have a hand in that. That project is dead on arrival.

    Osakwe added: “Morally, it is even wrong for governors to determine their successors. Why? It blocks a major ingredient of democracy – accountability and transparency. Why are you picking this person?”

    On the crisis in the PDP in Edo State, Osakwe said that there is only one PDP in the state, adding: You can call it the authentic PDP or the Legacy PDP led by Chief Dan Orbih.

    “The chairman of the party has kind of abdicated. He left his position. He watched while his house is being destroyed. We’re rebuilding. As far as the party is concerned the process of rebuilding is in top gear. We are prepared for 2024.

    “Everybody knows that the governor in 2024 will come from those you have identified as Legacy PDP who I will call the original PDP. We will produce the governor. As to what kind of governor we will have it would be determined by the experience that we have had in the last 18 years. Let me say without equivocation that we know those who should not be governor, who cannot be governor, and who ought not to aspire to be governor.”

    He stressed that experience has taught the PDP leadership that being a technocrat or international consultant is not a prerequisite for governance or leadership.

    He noted: “What we need is what I have called a ‘politnocrat’. He is somebody who has experience in politics, who is home to the culture of the people, and who has experience in human and economic resource management. That’s a ‘politnocrat. Somebody has called the person a homeboy.

    “Our next governor will be a homeboy. The person who will be governor will combine the qualities of Samuel Ogbemudia and Ambrose Alli. How do you do this? You will take the visionary, developmental approach of Ogbemudia. His developmental vision, his tenacity, and his selfless distribution of amenities and projects across the state. That was what Ogbemudi.”

  • Obaseki remains my friend in spite of our political differences – Oshiomhole

    Obaseki remains my friend in spite of our political differences – Oshiomhole

    Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District and former Governor of Edo, says the incumbent governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, remains his friend in spite of their political and party differences.

    Oshiomhole spoke while giving his goodwill message at the ongoing 2023 Alaghodaro Summit in Benin.

    The summit has as its theme, “The Edo Story: Creating Shared Opportunities into the Future.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Alaghodaro summit is held yearly by the Edo Government, in partnership with the private sector, to mark the anniversary of Obaseki in office.

    The state government usually avail itself of the opportunity to showcase the progress being recorded in transforming the state into an investment haven.

    Oshiomhole, who thanked Obaseki for hosting the Alaghodaro summit and inviting him, noted that the world should know that he and Obaseki were friends not enemies.

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    According to him, being friends doesn’t mean we can’t disagree or have different opinions; but we must treat ourselves with love and care.

    “Regardless of what people say, we should not give the impression that different options translate to war.

    “People don’t need the tears of leaders joining them to lament but taking bold steps to solve the problem facing the people.

    “Having the privilege as a governor, I have high regard for the Office of the Governor and for the governor himself.

    “To have all the civilian governors elected in the state present here today speaks volumes.

    “We definitely belong to different political parties but the sum total of those parties is not equal to Edo State.

    “What this means to me is that we can politic differently but never have doubt about the shared commitment to the citizens of the state that should be the greatest in Nigeria.

    “The language of leaders matters to followers. What defines democracy is that of ideology, even if we share the same destination but the route to get there may differ, it should not be a matter of war.

    “I thought the world should know that Godwin is my friend. It doesn’t matter; being friends does not mean we cannot debate or disagree but being friends means we treat ourselves with love and care and bring our followers together.

    “I am happy that with all the challenges in Nigeria, Nigeria is greater than the challenges,” he said.

    Earlier, Obaseki said his government had, in the past seven years, reengineered Edo for growth and development, and consciously laid a solid foundation for the state’s future.

    The governor noted that the government focused on six thematic pillars, including institutional reforms, economic revolution, social welfare, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability and arts and culture.

    Obaseki noted that the bold reforms had positively impacted the lives of millions of Edo people, placing the state on the path of sustainable and accelerated growth and development.

    NAN reports that two former governors of the state, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Chief Lucky Igbinedion, were also present at the event.

    Though they spoke at different times during the programme, both former governors commended Obaseki’s lofty achievements and visionary leadership.

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Obaseki my friend despite political differences, says Oshiomhole

    Obaseki my friend despite political differences, says Oshiomhole

    The senator representing Edo North Senatorial District and former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said the incumbent governor of the State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, remains his friend despite their political and party differences.

    Oshiomhole spoke while giving his goodwill message at the 2023 Alaghodaro Summit, with the theme, “The Edo Story: Creating Shared Opportunities into the Future,” taking place in Benin City, the Edo State capital between November 8 and 12, 2023.

    The Alaghodaro Summit is organised yearly by the Edo State Government, in partnership with the private sector, to mark the anniversary of Governor Godwin Obaseki in office and showcase the progress being recorded in transforming the state into an investment haven.

    Oshiomhole, who thanked Obaseki for hosting the Alaghodaro Summit and inviting him, said he wants the world to know that Godwin Obaseki is his friend not enemy.

    He noted, “Being friends doesn’t mean we can’t disagree or have different opinions but we must treat ourselves with love and care.

    “Regardless of what people say, we should not give the impression that different options translate to war. People don’t need the tears of leaders joining them to lament but taking bold steps to solve the problem facing the people.”

    Read Also: Obaseki remains my friend in spite of our political differences says Oshiomole

    According to him, “Having the privilege as a governor, I have high regard for the Office of the Governor and for the governor himself. To have all the civilian governors elected in the State present here today speaks volumes. We definitely belong to different political parties but the sum total of those parties is not equal to Edo State. What this means to me is that we can politic differently but never have doubt about the shared commitment to the citizens of the State that should be the greatest in Nigeria.

    “The language of leaders matters to followers. What defines democracy is that of ideology, even if we share the same destination but the route to get there may differ, it should not be a matter of war. I thought the world should know that Godwin is my friend. It doesn’t matter; being friends does not mean we cannot debate or disagree but being friends means we treat ourselves with love and care and bring our followers together.”

    The senator added, “I am happy that with all the challenges in Nigeria, Nigeria is greater than the challenges.”

    Earlier, Obaseki said his government has, in the past seven years, reengineered Edo State for growth and development, and consciously laid a solid foundation for the State’s future.

  • Obaseki’s ex-commissioners, PDP, LP chieftains defect to APC

    Obaseki’s ex-commissioners, PDP, LP chieftains defect to APC

    Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki’s two former Commissioners for Communication and Orientation, Efe Stewart and Andrew Emwanta, were among thousands of chieftains of the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the opposition Labour Party (LP), who yesterday in Benin defected to the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The carnival-like defection took place at Edo APC’s political conference, tagged: “Edo 2024: A Must Win for APC,” which was powered by Pius Alile Coalition Initiative (PACI).

    The defectors were received by a former National Chairman of APC, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who was represented by a former Deputy Governor of Edo state, Dr. Pius Odubu, while the conference was also attended by the National Women Leader of APC, Dr. Mary Alile; Edo Chairman of the party, Col. David Imuse (rtd.); and many other leaders of APC across Nigeria.

    Papers were presented at the conference by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Edoba Omoregie, and a former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives (2007-2015), Dr. Samson Osagie.

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    Oshiomhole, an ex-governor of Edo state, in his speech, declared that there was no categorisation of members of APC as old or new, while assuring that on September 21, 2024, the party (APC) would produce the successor of PDP’s Obaseki, and to be inaugurated on November 12 next year.

    The President/Founder of PACI, Pius Alile, a chieftain of APC, said: “The celebrated administration of Comrade Oshiomhole provided the party (APC) a benchmark to be proud of. Since the exit of Comrade Oshiomhole, with his ‘Red Roof Revolution,’ public school renovation and maintenance have been abandoned by the PDP government of Obaseki, which came up with the grand delusion of Edo Best in education. Sadly, Obaseki’s best is the worst that we have had in this state.

    “The roads in Edo State, particularly in Benin City, the state capital, are in very bad condition. It is disheartening to note that the ambitious Comrade Oshiomhole’s erosion control project for Benin City, named the Benin Storm Water Project, has been abandoned in the last seven years.

    “Obaseki has signed countless MoUs (Memoranda of Understanding) with supposed investors, but there is nothing to show for it. Edo residents are presently under the yoke of broken promises from Obaseki and his PDP’s government. The people are in dire need of help. APC must come to their rescue by winning the governorship election and providing purposeful governance.

    “APC must get the governorship primary election right, while the leadership must be transparent in the interpretation of the laid-down procedures for the nomination, and then, implementing to the letter. The process must not be compromised to produce a candidate who lacks the capacity and the aura to inspire members of the party and the support of the electorate.”

    Alile also hailed Edo APC on the wave of defections blowing its way from the other political parties, which he described as heartwarming.

  • Obaseki’s ex-commissioners, thousands of other PDP, LP chieftains defect to APC in Edo

    Obaseki’s ex-commissioners, thousands of other PDP, LP chieftains defect to APC in Edo

    Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki’s two former Commissioners for Communication and Orientation, Efe Stewart and Andrew Emwanta, were among thousands of chieftains of the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the opposition Labour Party (LP) on Friday, October 27, in Benin defected to the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The carnival-like defection took place at Edo APC’s political conference, tagged: “Edo 2024: A Must Win for APC,” which was powered by the Pius Alile Coalition Initiative (PACI).

    The defectors were received by a former National Chairman of APC, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who was represented by a former Deputy Governor of Edo state, Dr. Pius Odubu, while the conference was also attended by the National Women Leader of APC, Dr. Mary Alile; Edo Chairman of the party, Col. David Imuse (rtd.); and many other leaders of APC across Nigeria.

    Papers were presented at the conference by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Edoba Omoregie, and a former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives (2007-2015), Dr. Samson Osagie.

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    Oshiomhole, an ex-governor of Edo state, in his speech, declared that there was no categorisation of members of APC as old or new while assuring that on September 21, 2024, the party (APC) would produce the successor of PDP’s Obaseki, and to be inaugurated on November 12 next year.

    The President/Founder of PACI, Pius Alile, a chieftain of APC, said: “The celebrated administration of Comrade Oshiomhole provided the party (APC) a benchmark to be proud of. Since the exit of Comrade Oshiomhole, with his ‘Red Roof Revolution,’ public school renovation and maintenance have been abandoned by the PDP government of Obaseki, which came up with the grand delusion of Edo Best in education. Sadly, Obaseki’s best is the worst that we have had in this state.

    “The roads in Edo State, particularly in Benin City, the state capital, are in very bad condition. It is disheartening to note that the ambitious Comrade Oshiomhole’s erosion control project for Benin City, named the Benin Storm Water Project, has been abandoned in the last seven years.

    “Obaseki has signed countless MoUs (Memoranda of Understanding) with supposed investors, but there is nothing to show for it. Edo residents are presently under the yoke of broken promises from Obaseki and his PDP’s government. The people are in dire need of help. APC must come to their rescue by winning the governorship election and providing purposeful governance.

    “APC must get the governorship primary election right, while the leadership must be transparent in the interpretation of the laid-down procedures for the nomination, and then, implementing to the letter. The process must not be compromised to produce a candidate who lacks the capacity and the aura to inspire members of the party and the support of the electorate.”

    Alile also hailed Edo APC on the wave of defections blowing its way from the other political parties, which he described as heartwarming.

  • Obaseki: Nigeria will be in deeper trouble if we don’t cut waste

    Obaseki: Nigeria will be in deeper trouble if we don’t cut waste

    Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, has raised the alarm over the high rate of wastage in government, especially at the federal level, warning that the country will be in deeper trouble unless the nation takes deliberate steps to cut down waste.

    He also reeled out the gains of his administration’s e-governance system, while calling for digitalisation of government processes across all levels of government in the country, in order to ensure transparency and reduce cost.

    Obaseki spoke as a panelist during a plenary on “Reinventing Government: Digitalisation of Public Institutions,” at the 29th Nigerian Economic Summit, in Abuja, yesterday according to his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie.

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    Edo governor said: “We need to reinvent governance. You cannot reinvent government unless you digitalise and open up your systems. We have no option. We have to be efficient.

    “We have to be efficient to support production. Especially at the federal government level. The waste is too much, and unless we change, we will be in trouble. In fact, we are already in trouble, and if we do not change, we will be in deeper trouble.”

    Obaseki, while sharing his Edo e-governance experience at the event, said the digitalisation of government required the political will and commitment of the political leaders, because of resistance from civil servants.

    He noted that sometimes even when the political leader had a well-thought-out and noble policy, getting civil servants to implement same was a challenge, and in his case, he had to insist.

    The governor stated that until the digitalisation exercise in Edo state, civil servants, public office holders, and the executive operated in silos, adding that the story had now changed.

  • Community to Obaseki, Oborewvori: we need amenities

    Community to Obaseki, Oborewvori: we need amenities

    A group, the Egbema Youth Leaders of Thought (EYLT) has appealed to the Edo and the Delta State governments not to relegate the Egbema Kingdom, an oil-producing community to the background in political representation and the provision of basic basic amenities.

    In a statement, its president, Elekun Amabolou said it is disheartening that residents of the area are grappling with severe challenges, such as the absence of access roads, inadequate healthcare facilities and a lack of representation in appointive positions.

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    The statement reads: “The Egbema Kingdom, as an oil-producing region in the Niger Delta, has played a significant role in contributing to the economic prosperity of our nation. However, the absence of roads not only impedes the daily lives of the residents but also hampers economic activities crucial for the sustenance of the community. “Furthermore, the deficiency in healthcare infrastructure poses a grave risk to the well-being of the inhabitants, who deserve access to quality medical services. Moreover, the apparent lack of recognition by the state government further exacerbates the plight of the Egbema Kingdom. Despite being an integral part of our nation’s resource base, it is disconcerting that the community does not receive the attention and support it deserves.”

    Amabolou enjoined Edo State’s Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborewvori to assist in addressing these issues by initiating comprehensive development projects in the Egbema Kingdom.

    He added: “By providing the necessary infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and political representation, we can empower the residents to lead fulfilling lives and contribute even more significantly to our nation’s growth.”

  • Obaseki sends revised budget to assembly

    Obaseki sends revised budget to assembly

    Edo House of Assembly yesterday received the 2023 revised Edo budget forwarded to it by Governor Godwin Obaseki, requesting the house’s consideration and approval.

    The request is contained in a letter dated October 5 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Osarodion Ogie.

    The letter said: “I write at the instance of the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, to forward 30 copies of the year 2023 revised Edo State budget for consideration and approval of the house.”

    The Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, thereafter directed the governor’s request to the house Committee on Appropriation with a mandate to report back to the house within two weeks.

    In a related development, the house adopted a business calendar of 55 days for the commencement of legislative activities for second quarter of first session of the 8th assembly after a six-week recess.

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    The adoption of the calendar was sequel to a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian (PDP- Ovia North East 1) and seconded by the Minority Leader, Eric Okaka (APC- Owan East).

    Aiguobarueghian said the house would sit for 17 days in October, 22 days in November and 16 days in December, bringing the days for the second quarter of the first session to 55 days.

    He said the house sat for 55 days in the first quarter, adding that if 55 days of the second quarter were added, the house would have sat for 110 days in its first session.

    The lawmakers in a voice vote unanimously adopted the calendar.

  • Obaseki inaugurates 34 SSAs, 152 SAs

    Obaseki inaugurates 34 SSAs, 152 SAs

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated 34 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and 152 Special Assistants (SAs) in five of the seven local governments in Edo South Senatorial District.

    He urged the appointees to be the bearers of truth and complement the government’s efforts at driving development at the grassroots.

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    Obaseki said the appointees were selected from Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, Ovia Southwest, Ovia Northeast and Orhionmwon local governments in Edo South.

    He said appointees from two other councils (Egor and Uhunmwonde) that make up the senatorial district would be announced soon, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finalised the selection of credible members that were worthy of the appointments.