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Tag: Obaseki

  • Obaseki vows to re-open Leventis farms in Weppa-Wano

    GOVERNORSHIP candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, yesterday promised that if voted into power, his administration will in its first few months re-open the Leventis Farm in Weppa-Wano, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo state which has been abandoned over the years.

    Besides, he said his administration will expand the curriculum of the College of Agriculture, Agenebode, to include aqua science, due to its access to River Niger, adding that exploiting the agricultural potential and its access to River Niger will be his major focus in creating employment opportunities in the area.

    Meanwhile, the Okumagbe of Weppa-Wano, HRH Dr George Oshiapi Egabor, has urged his people to support Obaseki, saying: “Oshiomhole brought him and said he is a good man, we believe he is because APC has worked for our people so we will support you so that the development we are witnessing will continue.”

  • I will make Edo a country inside a country…… Obaseki

    I will make Edo a country inside a country…… Obaseki

    The All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate in Edo state, Mr Godwin Obaseki has said his agenda on taxation, youth employment, housing urban development, human capital development, and security will transform the state into a country inside a country especially with its natural resources.

    While speaking at a Mass Meeting organised by the Godwin Obaseki Support Group, GOSG, in Benin City yesterday, the business expert tasked Edo people to ask the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu how he hope to create a job when he has never worked or gave job to any indigene of the state.

    Obaseki who affirmed that there is no going back on his promise to create 200, 000 jobs in four years said the combination of the state’s natural endowment will enable the creation of jobs which will grow the state economically.

    He added that it would be possible if Edo people elect him as governor promising that the value of the states’ revenue will be put to develop the three senatorial district of the state. The governorship candidate explained that his interest to lead the people is to provide better life for them.

    According to him, “With the combination of our location, the land we have and the people that God has placed in it, we can be whatever we want to be in this world. The way I see Edo, I don’t see it as a state, I see Edo as a country. We can survive: There are many African countries that are not as big as Edo or even have our population so we have to see ourselves as a country in a country.

    “First we must make sure that we elect people that are not thieves in government because when you elect thieves; you will not see any money. So that is why this election and the quality of people we elect are important. We promise you, any money that we will get will be to work.

    “Don’t be deceived, someone who has not created job, can he give job to other people, someone that has never worked but has made it somehow, can he create work. Ask some people who want to be governor, what they have done before, where have they worked and which company have they created. So the quality and experience of the person matters because they can come and lie that they would do road but ask them what they have done with their lives. If you have made it through deceit why must that person be trusted with the state fund”? He stated.

    Earlier, Mr Taiwo Akerele, the Convener of the Godwin Obaseki Support Group, GOSG said the fundamental nature of the meeting was to x-ray the issues raised by the governorship candidate in the last Saturday APC flag-off with a view to finding a solution to them.

    Mr Akerele identified taxation, youth employment, housing, urban development, human capital development, and security as among the issues which the people will have a one-on-one discussion with Obaseki about since the opportunity was not created during the flag-off.

    Adebule appeals for safe release of abducted Oniba of Ibaland

    The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule has appealed to the abductors of the oniba of Ibaland, oba yushau goriola oseni, to ensure safe release of the aged monarch, who was abducted by gunmen on Saturday night in his palace at Iba Lagos.

    Dr Adebule made the appeal today while addressing journalists on the ugly incident. Adebule who sounded optimistic that  the oba would be rescued soon and be re united with his family and subjects noted that as custodians  of traditional norms and  institution, royal fathers deserve honor and respects from all the citizens , adding that the state government is working hard with various security operatives to ensure safe rescue of the abducted Oba, appealing  to his kidnappers to remember that  the monarch has  various duties to perform in ensuring peace and tranquility  in the town.

    Adebule also urged law enforcement agencies to step up their duties and ensure that the monarch is rescued unhurt.

    “To the law enforcement agencies, we know they are trying which is why we have being enjoying peace in Lagos state, but they need to step up their intelligence gathering to fast track the rescue of the Oba”

    She also appealed to Nigerians and people of Lagos State to support and assist the police command with useful information saying the State government will continue to sensitize the public on security issues and give necessary support to law enforcement agencies as they work to secure the lives and properties of the people.

    While expressing sympathy with the family, friends and subjects of the abducted monarch Adebule                                     condemned other instances of kidnappings, rape, maiming and killing of innocent citizens.

     

  • Esele drums up support for Obaseki

    Esele drums up support for Obaseki

    A FORMER President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC)and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Comrade Peter Esele, has called on members and supporters of the party to come together and support the party’s governorship flag bearer, Dr. Godwin Obaseki, to win the September 10 contest.

    Esele made the appeal while speaking with reporters in Benin City, the Edo State capital, yesterday.

    The former trade unionist, who was one of the aspirants that contested the June 18 APC primary, appealed to his co-contestants to jettison the idea of destroying the party, because they are not happy with the outcome of the contest.

    He said: “I think the most important thing is that we have listened to our flag bearer. For everyone to be at the stadium, it actually showed we want to see our party succeed. The party is bigger than individuals.

    “Just like my training in the labour movement, the way I am wired is that; we can slug it out, we can debate, we can argue, but at the end of the day we must not lose sight that we need the platform, the APC.”

    He said his compatriots from Edo Central District are not comfortable with certain developments. He added: “I think it is something we have to address, but my appeal to most of them is: politics is not a race. So, the fact that you did not get what you wanted today does not mean you won’t get it tomorrow. What I have always said is that when you see a society where people are still preoccupied with primordial sentiments, such as ‘it is our turn’, it means there is no equity in development. If there is equity in the developmental state, you won’t hear people saying that.

    “So, those who are complaining in Edo Central have the right to do so. Their complaint is justified. So, it is now left for the party leadership to look at these complaints objectively and see how to assuage their feelings. For me, I think that is key.”

    Esele said the attitude of politicians who think of their interests first and not how to put food on the table of the people is dangerous for Edo State and Nigeria in general.

    He added: “A society where politicians reduce governance to individual interest will sooner or later fall apart. I think the challenge right now is for people to look beyond that narrow angle. It is also up to the party to assuage the feelings of the people of Edo Central.

    “Sincerely speaking, I have always looked at things from a broader perspective. But I find out that in politics it is a different ballgame.”

  • I wish you well, Crown Prince tells Obaseki

    I wish you well, Crown Prince tells Obaseki

    The Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Highness (Amb) Eheneden Erediauwa has wished the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Godwin Obaseki well to be the next governor of Edo State.

    During the visit of APC governors to the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom in Benin City, Saturday, the Edaiken said it is not good to be in the opposition. The Edaiken who praised Governor Adams Oshiomhole said, “On behalf of the chiefs, the royal family and the Benin Kingdom, I want to specially welcome here the gubernatorial aspirant and his running mate, the one I call my son. He is always so shy. I don’t know how he is able to play politics. I want to welcome all of you for coming here today. I am very delighted and honoured to see the chieftains of the APC, and we are sure that the state is moving on strong with the APC. I have always said one thing, and I have repeated and reiterated it over and over again that in Benin, the Benin Monarch is not partisan. However, it is not always too easy to be in the opposition with the party at the centre in Abuja.”

    He continued, “So, when Adams Oshiomhole, the Comrade Governor took the reins of office here, and it was APC; the PDP was in charge in Abuja; we were all wondering: how is he going to do it? How is he going to get the attention of the federal government? How is he going to pool all the resources that he needs to work in the state? As you all know, he worked miracles. He did a lot of things which many people thought could not be done. Almost along the same line the Governor of Lagos State at the time also, Fashola. So, they were virtually like two brothers working together in the face of the opposition.”

    He said, “So, we can only pray that may the Lord God almighty and our ancestors protect the gubernatorial candidates, give them the wisdom to put food on the table of the masses because for us, our first concern is the people, the masses, and of course, he will be a great respecter, like our comrade Governor, I said he should do better than him, to be a great respecter of the traditional institution.”

    The Crown Prince added, “So, I want to thank you all very much and wish that the gubernatorial aspirant will do their best to improve on the Comrade Governor’s work in the State. It is going to be a lot of work to beat. He has set standards that other governors, they have to beat. I want to thank you very much, because I know the time is far spent and you are starting the campaign now. On behalf of our family, the chiefs, I want to wish you well.”

    Speaking on behalf of the APC governors, the Chairman of Progressives Governors and Governor of Imo State, Mr. Rochas Okorocha said, “We are happy to be here because for every journey that has a beginning, it will have an end. And we have seen in sight an end to one journey, and hence we are rushing fast to introduce the remaining one. Adams Oshiomhole is one man in this country that you cannot afford not to count when you are counting the northerners. He has passion for Edo State.

  • Oshiomhole, Odubu join forces for Obaseki

    Oshiomhole, Odubu join forces for Obaseki

    … Governor, deputy reconcile

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, have resolved their differences and vowed to work for the victory of Mr Godwin Obaseki during the election.

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting of the APC at the Government House, Benin City, yesterday,  the governor said the APC family was united, in spite of reports of cracks in the party.

    He said: “We called this meeting basically to reaffirm the oneness of the All Progressives Congress (APC) family. The deputy governor and I have worked together as deputy and governor for seven and half years, and we have struggled together as candidate and running mate from 2007; we worked together, dined together, socialized together.”

    Oshiomhole added: “As part of my own atonement, and to demonstrate my commitment to our friendship and our conviviality, which characterize our working together for the past seven and half years or even nine years, some of the people who were affected in the course of this contestation, I have decided to re-engage, to reinstate them to their former positions wherever that was possible and even to get their remuneration restored as if they were never removed.”

    Odubu reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, saying that he will campaign for Obaseki.

    He said: “Yesterday belongs to the past, and we have decided to put the past behind us. Today is another day, and I want to in the presence of my father here and everybody here present reaffirm my commitment to this party APC and to its victory at all elections.

    “We will work even harder than we have ever worked, because anybody who has occupied any office like a proud father will want to leave a successor behind. We want to leave with our party APC remaining in government.”

  • Odigie-Oyegun congratulates Obaseki

    Odigie-Oyegun congratulates Obaseki

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has congratulated Mr. Godwin Obaseki on his emergence as the APC flag bearer for the September 10, 2016 governorship election in Edo State.

    Odigie-Oyegun also congratulated the Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari-led seven-member Election Committee for successfully conducting a transparent, free, fair and credible governorship primary in Edo State. He also thanked the Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele-led three-member Edo State governorship Election Appeal Committee for successfully carrying out its assignment and submitting a report.

    The APC National Chairman called on stakeholders to close ranks and support Obaseki during the elections.

    Odigie-Oyegun said: “As the Party prepares for the September 10, 2016 governorship election in Edo State, I call on all aspirants, party leaders, stakeholders and teeming members of our great Party to close ranks and unite as a strong political fighting force behind the candidature of Mr. Godwin Obaseki for a landslide victory at the forthcoming Edo State governorship election.

    “The request by the aspirants was that the Edo State APC governorship election primaries should be transparent, free, fair and credible. This, the Party achieved creditably during the primaries. Going forward, we should avoid triumphalist actions and avoid creating new stresses within the Party. We should all seek to reunify the Party to face the September 10, 2016 governorship election.”

     

  • APC denies submitting Shaibu’s name as Obaseki’s running mate

    APC denies submitting Shaibu’s name as Obaseki’s running mate

    The Edo State All Progressive Congress (APC) has denied rumours that the name of Hon. Philip Shaibu has been submitted as the running mate to its flag bearer in the September 10 governorship election in the state, Dr. Godwin Obaseki.

    Shaibu is the lawmaker representing Estako Constituency in the House of Representatives. He is the former Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly.

    The Edo APC said it was still in the process of nominating a running mate for Dr. Obaseki in the election.

    Leaders of the APC from Edo North and Edo Central are fighting over the slot.

    The Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, described the speculation as ‘interesting’. He added that the deputy governorship candidate could emerge from any zone, adding that this can only be decided after a meeting of the stakeholders.

    On reports that he was being asked to resign for Edo Central to produce the deputy governorship candidate, Ojezua stated that the emergence of a deputy governor has nothing to do with his office.

    His words: “How does it have to do with anything. It does not affect my position. We have not picked any name.”

  • ‘Ojezua making enemies for Obaseki’

    ‘Ojezua making enemies for Obaseki’

    The Publicity Secretary of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Godwin Erhahon, yesterday urged the national leadership of the party to look into the allegation that its chairman, Anselm Ojezua, is misleading the governorship flag bearer, Dr. Godwin Obaseki, because it is capable of making enemies for him within the party.

    Erhahon, who spoke at a press conference in Benin City, the state capital, noted that Ojezua had in a recent publication attempted to disparage and discredit the National Chairman and the first governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, through the false information.

    He said rather than championing genuine reconciliation in the fold, ahead of the September 10 election, the Chairman made disparaging remarks about former aspirants, including Chris Ogiemwonyi and Ken Imansuagbon, disparagingly.

    The Publicity Secretary said: “Let me quickly observe that for a State Chairman, who claims to be seeking reconciliations of aggrieved parties with the party to refer to Engineer Chris Ogiemwonyi and Barrister Ken Imasuangbon, the two aspirants who are seeking redress though due process, as mischievous, is in itself a wild demonstration of mischief and it rubbished the purported bid for reconciliation. Above all, it exposed the immaturity and bias of the State Chairman.

    “Mr. Ojezua accused the National Working Committee of our great party of isolating the state government and the State Executive Committee from the process leading to the primary. He grumbled that forms were sold at the National Secretariat, instead of the State Secretariat.

    He said: “At the beginning of the process, the hostilities of the State Chairman and his group were so vicious that, till date, they still keep malice with those who visited the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu; then the leading governorship aspirant, after some sponsored gunmen attacked his campaign rally at Auchi and shot six persons.

    “Mr. Ojezua lied when he alleged that Chief Oyegun mutilated the delegates register for the primary. The national headquarters, headed by Chief Oyegun, only resisted the attempt by the Chairman to engage in some irregularities.

    “I decided to bare my mind on these issues today because they threaten the chances of the APC in the September 10 governorship election and I believe that the public deserves to hear the truth. I see the vicious outburst of Mr. Ojezua on Chief Oyegun as part of the attempt to discredit him. “

  • APC yet to choose Obaseki’s running mate

    APC yet to choose Obaseki’s running mate

    The Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) is brainstorming over the selection of a running mate for Godwin Obaseki.

    Obaseki had in an interview said he would wait for leaders of the party to decide  who would be his running mate.

    The battle for the ticket is between the Edo Central senatorial district and Edo North.

    The removal of Victor Edoror from Edo Central as the Speaker of the House of Assembly has further made that choice of a running mate difficult.

    Edoror was replaced by Elisabeth Ativie, a lawmaker from Edo South, where Obaseki hails from.

    Leaders of Edo Central, who initially protested the removal of Edoror, are now rooting for the deputy governorship slot.

    The Chairman of the APC, Anselm Ojezua said party leaders were yet to decide on which zone would produce Obaseki’s running mate.

    A chieftain, Chief Francis Inegbeneki, said the issue of a deputy governor was settled before the party primary.

    His words: “Before the party primary, I led leaders from Esanland to meet with the Governor and it was agreed that after the primaries the party will meet to decide the issue of a deputy governor “.

    “We also discussed the fact that Edo Central or Esan must be given priority in the choice of who gets the deputy governorship and there is no controversy about where the gubernatorial running mate is coming from”.

    “Any right-thinking politician will know that it is not politically wise to give the deputy governor’s slot to a zone which has the outgoing governor. Edo North has the governor with the deputy from Edo South right now, so If Edo South has the governor in the coming dispensations, Edo Central should have the deputy”.

  • Group commends Obaseki’s choice of Braimah, Ogiogwa

    Group commends Obaseki’s choice of Braimah, Ogiogwa

    A group has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dr. Godwin Obaseki’s choice of Mr. Abass Braimah and Prince Greg Ogiogwa, as director and deputy director of his campaign organisation.

    In a statement by the Director of Media and Political Communication, Southsouth Media Directorate of Grassroots Mobilisers for Buhari, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, said the duo are tested and trusted communicators, who have over the years exhibited uncommon skills and intellectual capacity in articulating political and socio-economic issues.

    He said Obaseki’s candidacy came at a time the people were praying fervently for an experienced and well-connected indigine to take over the mantle of leadership from Governor Adams Oshomhole.

    The group assured the campaign directorate of a proactive collaboration and consistent synergy in projecting the campaign activities of the APC candidate, through various mass media platforms with high concentration on the social media, which it added, has developed to become the fastest and most effective means of communication with a global reach.

    Oghenesivbe, who is also the Convener of the APC Rescue Delta Media Group (RDMG) and Director of Media and Political Communication to Delta APC 2015 governorship candidate, Olorogun Otega Emerhor  further disclosed that his group has created several interactive platforms and groups on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to project Obaseki’s political manifesto to the good people of Edo State.

    The statement added: “The APC media group in the Southsouth will do the needful to ensure that our principal, Dr Godwin Obaseki, dominates the mass media, as well as the social media, in the battle for APC continuity in Edo State till after the September governorship election.”