The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ogbemudia

  • How Oshiomhole’s successor ‘ll emerge, by Ogbemudia

    How Oshiomhole’s successor ‘ll emerge, by Ogbemudia

    In this interview, two-time governor of the defunct Bendel State and former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, said Edo State needs a successor that will build on the achievements of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    What advice do you have for the aspirants?

    The aspirants don’t need advice. It is only when one of them emerges as the candidate that one can advise. Any advice you give now will bring conflict. Let them work towards being nominated, then we will know what to tell them.

    What kind of a successor do you want to take over from Governor Adams Oshiomhole?

    In fact, we need Oshiomhole times two. The man who will get on with governance, keep quarrel out of the way and keep court cases out of the way. All the aspirants are known to me. They are my friends and I can write thesis on them. To be a governor is a different kettle of fish. We have set up a committee as a member of Edo Mass Movement, to find out who we should support. We have laid out our criteria. Any man who fulfills that criteria, we will support.

    Do you think the alleged quarrel between Governor Oshiomhole and his deputy is necessary?

    I have not heard much about it. But, any sort of disagreement between the governor and his deputy is out of question. It should never happen because the governor is the boss and he must be respected for that. I will not support anybody who is insulting the governor, because he is not insulting only the governor, he is insulting all Edo people. The governor himself knows his area of operation and he will keep it within the perimetre of the law.

    Do you think the governor should succumb to pressure not to support any aspirant?

    I know the governor for many years now. When I was appointed Minister for Labour, I called him and told him that I do not want any labour strike during my tenure as the minister. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the time, Pascal Bafiwu, said to me, ‘you know we were elected  to cause you discomfort. If we just keep quiet and you are riding on the crest of success, you think they will re-elect us next time? We are not going to do that, but we will help you in whichever way we can to make sure your tenure is quiet and it was quiet. When he left the NLC and there was vacancy here, I was the first person to advise him to stick his neck out for the job because I know that he is very effective and alert at all times. I have had meetings with him in those days. While others are sleeping, dozing, Oshiomhole will be looking straight into your face and answering your questions, raising comments when you give him reasons. The roads in this my area were constructed by him. It was Alhaji Bola Tinubu that came to inaugurate the road. I did not construct this road when I was governor. I thought I wanted to keep it till the tail end of my administration, even though I did other people’s roads. For many years, this area was always flooded. Many people left and others sold their houses for as little as N500,000. Oshiomhole came, took pity on us and fixed the road. After the construction, the man who accepted to receive N500,000 rejected N20m, which means everything has appreciated. You must thank such a man for doing the job. That is why we are saying the man that will take over from him must start from where Oshiomhole stops and not to start telling stories.

     

  • Ogbemudia: I read The Nation as a religious book

    Two-time Governor of the defunct Bendel State and former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, has said The Nation is the authoritative newspaper in the country.

    Dr. Ogbemudia, who spoke with our reporter in Benin, the Edo State capital, said he loved to read the newspaper as a religious book.

    He said: “I want to thank workers of The Nation. The typeface is first class; the language is Queen’s. Thirdly, the typographical error is minimal. You can read and not find any. The little ones you find are the overlooking of issues by the proof reader, who probably is overworked and perhaps underpaid.”

    On the demise of the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, the former governor recalled that his most memorable moment with the late monarch was in 1966, during the first coup.

    Ogbemudia said they were to serve on a committee set up to examine the military and civilian unrest after the coup.

    But the former governor said he met the late monarch once in Kaduna, when the military struck again.

    He said: “At that point, I was the Brigade Major of the First Brigade and I had a role to play. When he came to Kaduna, he told me he was appointed secretary of the committee to look into the military-civilian unrest. I saw him in the evening, but we never met again because that night, another group struck and we had to find our away. I was later posted to Benin.

    “I saw him many times (in Benin) and I discussed with him many times because he was the first graduate to become an oba in modern times. He had much to offer and he did offer. Whenever you went there to discuss with him, unless you were properly prepared, he would defeat you.

    “I knew the oba since he was a prince. When I was appointed Military Governor of (the defunct) Midwest State, by that position, I was a member of the Supreme Military Council (SMC) and Oba Erediauwa at that point was secretary of that council.

    “Every time the council met, I was happy to see him. Each time I had any complaint, I went quietly to his house to see him and he was helpful. A little after the SMC, he was promoted to the permanent secretary. At the position, he was useful to me when we were working on how to establish the Medical Centre in Benin, which later became the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). He even made a grant to us. When he retired, he became a commissioner in the government that succeeded my administration as commissioner for Economic Development. Thereafter, he was installed the Oba of Benin Kingdom.”

     

  • Ogbemudia’s wife hits golden age

    Don’t be deceived by her tough looks; Chief Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, former governor of the defunct Mid-West and Bendel states, is romantic. He dotes on his wife and honours her whenever he gets the chance to do so. As his delectable wife, Yetunde, clocked 50, he seized the opportunity to shower her with love and attention and to thank God for His innumerable blessings on his family. However, rather than host an elaborate party to mark the event, Ogbemudia opted for a low key celebration for his wife.

    Yetunde, a bona fide member of the Lagos social circle, had a thanksgiving service at her husband’s home in Benin City, followed by a modest reception for the few family members and guests who came to share in the joyous occasion.

    Blessed with a charming and humble mien, Yetunde is loved by many for being a good motivator and pillar of support for her husband and other people. Aside helping her husband to become the man he is today, she is reputed to have catered for the wardrobe needs of many prominent society women through her fashion designing outfit, Nodoni Fashion. Under her care, Nodoni has metamorphosed into a full scale textile outfit.

    Yetunde, a graduate of the University of Ilorin, also runs other business ventures. At 50, she is far from slowing down as she is determined to build a business empire as fast as she can.

  • Between Oshiomhole and Ogbemudia

    Between Oshiomhole and Ogbemudia

    Should the rumour that Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State is now open to a ‘friendship’ of some sort with former Governor Samuel Ogbemudia be true, then the age-long maxim that there is nothing permanent in politics, except interests, will be indeed very apt.

    Feelers from the Heart Beat of the nation, as Edo State prides itself, suggest that ahead of the next governorship election in the state, the Comrade Governor is wooing anyone who is anybody in the politics of the state to his side as he plans to ensure that he installs ‘the right’ successor.

    Now, while it is politically savvy for Oshiomhole to want Ogbemudia in his camp, the question on many lips is how the two Excellencies will work together after their popular rift of a few years ago. Pundits are also asking how politically relevant the former governor is today, given that his two children contested and lost elections even in their father’s immediate constituencies.

    Or is it not the same Oshiomhole that was alleged by the camp of Ogbemudia to have sent thugs after the former governor to retrieve a Jeep given to him by ex-Governor Oserheimen Osunbor? Didn’t the two camps engage in war of words back then?

    Well, it is time for politics and politicians are the main players. If the Comrade and Papa Ogbemudia have chosen to let bygone be bygone, we are here waiting to see how things will go.

  • I’m still PDP member, says Ogbemudia

    Two-time governor of the defunct Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, has said he is still a bona fide member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a member of its Board of Trustee (BoT).

    Ogbemudia addressed reporters in Benin, the state capital, after attending an enlarged meeting of the PDP in the ancient city, where members were educated on e-registration.

    Some PDP members raised eyebrows over the presence of Dr. Ogbemudia at the meeting since he had not been active in the party’s activities in the state since it lost power in 2008.

    One member, who spoke in confidence, said: “Is Ogbemudia still a member of the PDP or did he come to spy on us?”

    “We are surprise he is here. Help us to ask him what he came to do,” a party leader said.

    Responding to questions raised about his presence, Dr. Ogbemudia said, “I am a very strong member of the PDP and a member of the Board of Trustee. That is the responsibility. I don’t have any comment on the payment of N1000 for the e-registration exercise. If I want to register, I will register.”

    Ogbemudia stated that the PDP would win next year’s governorship election if it produced a good candidate and campaigned with quality programme.

  • Ogbemudia hails Oshiomhole for developing Edo

    Ogbemudia hails Oshiomhole for developing Edo

    Two-time Governor of the old Midwest Region and Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, has hailed Governor Adams Oshiomhole for what he called his unprecedented development of Edo State.

    Ogbemudia addressed reporters yesterday in Benin, the state capital.

    He said: “Governor Oshiomhole is the finest thing that this state has had the pleasure to have in recent years.”

    Ogbemudia, who said he would soon proclaim the Edo Mass Movement (EMM) to look into the future, irrespective of party, added: “We will ensure or fight or recommend somebody who will carry on where he stops so that development will be a continuous process.

    “No matter what you think about Oshiomhole, he has performed more than his predecessors.

    “So, what do you do with such a man? Put him in the hall of fame so that he can continuously guide the new man to act properly.

    “Oshiomhole is expected to be the one to decide who he will support. If he does not want his legacy to be destroyed, he will make sure he gets somebody who will carry on from where he stops.

    “Nobody can say he does not trust Oshiomhole. He has been there for six years and the difference is clear.”

  • Buhari’ll lead Nigeria to a remarkable era, says Ogbemudia

    Buhari’ll lead Nigeria to a remarkable era, says Ogbemudia

    Two-time Governor of old Midwest Region and later Bendel State, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia has said the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, will lead Nigeria into a remarkable era.

    Ogbemudia hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding to his major rival, even as he urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to “look inward” and strategise for future elections.

    He said: “I have known him since 1963 when he was commissioned into the Nigerian Army. I had the privilege to see some of his confidential reports by his commanders in which he was described as a young officer with boundless energy, and willing to continue when others are tired.

    “Energy and resilience he has truly demonstrated in politics by winning a historic election at the fourth attempt.

    “I am confident he will lead Nigeria into a remarkable era.

    The former governor called on the PDP to reflect into what led to the defeat when he said: “To my party, the PDP, this is an opportunity to begin to demonstrate capacity as a viable and credible alternative in the service of the nation”.

  • Oliha buried, Edo, Kwara donate N3m

    Oliha buried, Edo, Kwara donate N3m

    Eguavoen Urges Jonathan to Redeem House Pledge

    The body of late Thompson Oliha was finally laid to rest at his no. 3 Thompson Oliha Crescent off Edo Street, Upper Sokponba Road, Benin City at about 1.30pm yesterday.

    Memorial match was played in his honour by his colleagues led by Austin Eguavoen at the lying- in state at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

    The match which was played by Edo selected and some members of the 94 squad ended 1-1 apiece.

    Also in memory of his last place of work, the 94 squad and some ex internationals were on Kwara football academy jersey while Edo selected were on Insurance Jersey.

    In a short remark, Comrade Adams Oshiomole of Edo State said the death of Oliha was such a big loss to the people of Edo state and Nigeria in general.

    The governor who spoke through the commissioner for youths and sports, Lady Omorede Osifo said that the State will be organizing a yearly Youths football championship, to be called Thompson Oliha Soccer Championship.

    The governor also donated 2million to the two kids of Oliha and personally appealed to the family to come to the government house on Monday with the kids where he will present the cheque to them.

    On the part of Kwara state governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed made a donation of 1million to the kids.

    In his speech made by the Kwara State director of sports Mallam Tunde Kazeem expressed the feelings of the government and people of Kwara State over the death of Thompson Oliha.

    He condoled the government and people of Edo State, especially the Oliha Family adding that Thompson Oliha was a dedicated and loyal employee of the state government who will be missed by all.

    On her part, Perpetua Clement, the admin manager, Kwara football academy described him as a hard working gem.

    Nigeria Football Federation represented by Barr. Leye Adepoju and Dr. Chris Emeruwa in their own speech said Thompson Oliha was a loyal, dedicated and respected player in his day at the national team.

    They therefore urged the current players in the Super Eagles to learn and emulate the loyalty and dedication of the LATE Thompson Oliha when he played for the senior National Team.

    Austin Eguaveon who led the likes of Ben Iroha, Alloy Agu, Emeka Ezeogu and others said that it is regrettable that up till now the 23 of the 94 squad who chose Lagos for their house promises up till now are yet to get their promises from the Federal Government even when the 9 others had already received theirs in Abuja.

    Eguaveon further said that he believed that one day the president, Jonathan Goodluck will have the wisdom of God to redeem their image in the eyes of the world.

    Immediately the Nigerian Flag and a football that carried the autograph of some of the 94 squad was presented to the son of Thompson Oliha, Jesus Asosa Oliha by the Edo State commissioner for sports Omorede Osifo, the little Oliha however reiterated his commitment to follow his fathers footsteps.

    Little Oliha who is in basic four at the high bridge school Lagos said he is already captaining the junior team of the school.

    He said he hopes that someday he will wear the green white green.

     

     

  • Suspected kidnappers of Rhodes-Vivour’s wife paraded

    Three members of a gang which allegedly kidnapped the wife, daughter and driver of Supreme Court’s Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, were among seven suspects paraded by the State Security Services (SSS) in Benin City, the Edo State capital, yesterday.

    The others were three suspected extortionists, who reportedly threatened to kill their victim if he didn’t pay them and a musician, who was paraded for alleged trafficking in persons.

    The SSS State Director, Bello Bakori, who paraded the suspects before Governor Adams Oshiomhole, said they had reportedly confessed to the crime and that three members of the kidnap gang are still at large.

    Bakori said Mrs. Rhodes-Vivour and her daughter, who were kidnapped in May, were kept in a house at Upper Sakponba in Benin City from where the kidnap suspects were arrested.

    He went on: “All the kidnap suspects were from Delta State while the suspected trafficker is from Edo State.

    “The three suspects were arrested at 77, Norouwa Street, off 3 House, Upper Sakponba road, Benin.

    “The other members of the gang, who are on the run, are Kelly, Koto, Shaggy, Maxwell and Afoke.”

    One of the suspects, Austin Umukoro, said they were members of a six-man gang.

    He said: “Our first victim was a man who parted with N1.2 million; the Supreme Court judge’s wife, daughter and driver were our second victims.

    “For the days we kept them, they were fed with rice, which we bought from eateries. Mattresses were provided for them to sleep in the two-room apartment where they were kept.”

    Another suspect, Wisdom Ovwigho, said he was assigned to feed victims.

    “The first man we kidnapped, we collected N1.2 million from, and I was given N100,000 before they brought this woman and her daughter.”

    The governor said the buildings used by the kidnap suspects to hold the judge’s wife, daughter and driver will be demolished.

    He said: “For the landlords, we have already made the decision that anyone who aids and abets kidnapping will have his structure demolished. Any hotelier who does not follow the instruction of documenting who stays in the hotel and such is used for kidnapping or human trafficking we will demolish it. Nobody has the right to make money out of the pains of Nigerians.

    “This is a major breakthrough. What is important is for criminals to know that there is no more immunity. It is a matter of when, not whether they would be caught and that the officers and men are determined to do their best and those involved in crime would be brought to justice.

    Oshiomhole continued: “Most of these criminals are from Delta State. It shows in this business of crime, criminals are very mobile. No state can find a solution as they keep moving from one state to the other. When their colleagues hear that they have been put on trial, they would look elsewhere.

    “The lesson from this effort is that when we report to law enforcement agents, they can be arrested, but when we pay ransom, then we are providing additional incentives for the criminals to remain in business. Every ransom we pay is an opportunity for them to do more. For me, the message is clear; we must resist paying ransom. We must take law enforcement agencies into confidence. We must trust them.

    “Let me use this opportunity to appeal to our parents that we must watch over our children, particularly our daughters.”

  • Clark, Ogbemudia, Fashola, others bag UNIBEN Personality Award

    Clark, Ogbemudia, Fashola, others bag UNIBEN Personality Award

    Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark; two-time governor of the old Bendel State, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia; and the governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, were among Nigerians that bagged the Distinguished University of Benin Personality Award (DUPA) held in Benin City yesterday.

    Others who bagged the award included the former Minister of State for Works, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi; the Managing Director, Schlumberger Nigeria Limited, Engr. Andrew Olotu; Group Managing Director, Access Bank, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; MTN and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Senator Effiong Dickson Bob, who spoke before the N5billion Endowment and Development Fund-Raising Dinner, said the awardees had contributed immensely to the growth of the university.

    While pointing out the efforts of Chief Clark and Dr Ogbemudia in connection with the establishment of the university, Senator Bob urged the alumni of the university not to let the dreams of the founding fathers of the university die by assisting in the funding of the university.

    He said: “I want to commend the management of the university led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, for putting up this event. I want to also say that we are happy with the achievements of Prof. Oshodin, and the council will always support his efforts. We urge the alumni of this university to support the growth of the university because we need funding.

    “It is not enough to say that the standard of education in Nigeria has fallen, but what can we do to lift the standard by ensuring that the university is not starved of funds. It is very clear today that the Federal Government alone cannot fund education and that is the more reason why those who have benefited from the UNIBEN should now pay back to the school. I congratulate the vice-chancellor for his vision, and together we will make the university greater amongst its contemporaries.”

    In his address, Chief Clark described the university as a “child of necessity” and urged its management to honour those of them who worked assiduously during the creation of the university, “even if it is posthumous award”.

    “I am glad that I am sitting here today and I have seen the UNIBEN grow from strength to strength. It was not easy for us to create this university and I want to say that without Dr Ogbemudia there would be no UNIBEN.

    “Despite the efforts made by the authorities of the University of Ibadan to frustrate us from having a university in the Mid-West, we made it at last”.

    Prof.Oshodin said: “The institution is today faced with the challenges of the rehabilitation of old structures and the building of new ones. The Federal Government cannot do it all and that is why we are appealing for funds”.

    Over N500million was realized from the fund-raising dinner.