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  • Okpebholo: No native doctor, false prophet responsible for my victory

    Okpebholo: No native doctor, false prophet responsible for my victory

    • …affirms trust in God

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his unwavering trust in God, revealing that during his campaign for the September 21 governorship election, he did not seek help from native doctors or false prophets.

    The governor made this statement on Sunday at Winners’ Chapel in Akho, Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, where he worshipped alongside key members of his administration.

    Okpebholo said: “I want to thank God for his wonderful deeds in my life, as no one can accomplish this except Him alone. My life is filled with testimonies, and God has consistently granted me victory in all my endeavours.

    “This is the first instance where someone has contested an election without seeking help from native doctors or false prophets. My faith is in Christ alone. If God does not will it, then let it not be done.

    “In Nigeria, and indeed the world, no prophet or native doctor can claim that I visited them for help in winning the election.

    “The only factor I recognise is God. If He cannot accomplish it, then let it not be done. This marks the first time in Nigeria that a person has contested an election, and the prevailing sentiment is that God’s grace is upon him or her.

    “As a member of Winners’ Church, I am confident that we cannot be losers, especially since both my deputy (Dennis Idahosa) and I are part of this community. How can we lose? While others were strategising and utilising media outlets, I trusted in the Lord, and He granted me victory.”

    The Pastor of Winners’ Chapel, Akho, Peter Osawe, who spoke on the topic: “Wisdom Kits for Joy and Rejoicing,” emphasising that God is the pivotal factor in human life. 

    He noted that nothing would occur without God’s knowledge, and encouraged the congregation to continue drawing strength from God’s word.

    Osawe said: “Nigeria will become a better nation, if we work together, as the process of improvement begins with us.”

    Read Also: Hospital scam: Okpebholo, Obaseki clash

    Edo governor also attended a service at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry at Illeh, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo. 

    The General Overseer, Apostle Ehijele Unuayan, urged Edo governor to remain focused on his vision for the state’s development and the welfare of its people.

    Apostle Unuayan expressed gratitude to Edo governor for approving automatic employment for First-Class graduates of Edo origin from universities in Nigeria and worldwide.

    In his address, Okpebholo stated that he was in church to seek prayers for success in governing the state.

  • Okpebholo: ‘Politicians who wrote fake results now crying of rigging’

    Okpebholo: ‘Politicians who wrote fake results now crying of rigging’

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, yesterday stated that the desperate politicians who conjured the September 21 governorship election results and announced them on social media, were the same people now crying that the poll was rigged.

    Okpebholo spoke at Esan Central Local Government Council secretariat, venue of the homecoming reception held in celebration of his victory by the Esan people of Edo Central Senatorial District.

    Edo governor noted that it was sad that the alleged criminals were crying today that they lost the governorship election in the state, while declaring that they would continue to lose, and would keep spending their money on fruitless ventures, thereby wasting time, energy, and resources.

    Read Also: CBN commences spot checks on banks to alleviate cash scarcity

    He said: “I thank Edo people for the overwhelming support given to our party (All Progressives Congress) during the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. I am happy for the resounding victory God gave us.

    “I thank President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of our party for not playing anti-party, but stood firm for justice and equity to prevail, which led to the success and victory recorded by our party.

    “The people, who wrote results and were announcing fake results on the Internet, are the same people crying today that somebody rigged the election.

    “It is sad to say that the criminals are crying today that they have lost and will continue to lose.

    They are spending money day and night and wasting their money and will wait in vain.”

  • Edo governor inspects schools, frowns at deplorable condition of facilities

    Edo governor inspects schools, frowns at deplorable condition of facilities

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday embarked on inspection of public schools.

    He frowned at the dilapidated structures and poor sanitary, security and learning conditions at the schools.

    Okpebholo, accompanied on the tour by the Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Paddy Iyamu, and other top government functionaries, visited Eweka Primary School, Obazagbon; Oroma Primary School, Amagba; Amagba Secondary School and Uyiosa Primary School, Uzebu; all in Oredo Local Government.

    He ‘’wondered the kind of ‘EdoBEST’ programme run by the past administration of Godwin Obaseki,’’ noting that rather than improving on the fortunes of the people, the initiative deprived the Edo child of a conducive learning environment.

    At Eweka Primary School, Obazagbon, Okpebholo said: “Look at the situation of this school; it is terrible as children are here, and this is the so-called ‘EdoBEST’. For me, this is not acceptable. My administration will fix this school.

    “This school must be fenced and by next Friday, I will be here to see the level of work done, because work will begin, and in the next few days, you will see transformation in this school.

    “This school has just five teachers. My administration will correct the wrongs and make amends, because our job is to make Edo people happy, and our children educated in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    At Oroma Primary School, Amagba, the governor said: “This is PDP’s EdoBEST. It is what we are seeing now, but we will come with our Renewed Hope Agenda for Edo people. New things will happen in this school. All what they do not have, we will provide. In the next few days, construction will be going on here.”

    Read Also: Okpebholo launches free bus service in Edo

    Okpebholo and his entourage also visited Amagba Secondary School, where some persons had encroached on the school land. He promised fencing of the school, warning perpetrators to desist.

    At Uyiosa Primary School, Uzebu community, Edo governor promised to rebuild the school and provide security. He frowned at the poor learning environment in the school.

    Edo SUBEB chairman said immediately Okpebholo inaugurated him, he gave a marching order that every Edo child in any school in the state must matter.

    Iyamu said all Edo children must have access to basic infrastructure, adding that the overall well-being of their learning process must matter.’’

  • Hospital scam: Okpebholo, Obaseki clash

    Hospital scam: Okpebholo, Obaseki clash

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, are engaging in verbal war over the alleged scam at Edo government-owned Stella Obasanjo Hospital on Sapele Road, Benin.

    Okpebholo described as a scam, the recent inauguration of Stella Obasanjo Hospital by Obaseki, saying construction at the facility was still ongoing, and equipment were not procured by the last administration before it hurriedly inaugurated it as a completed project.

    He pledged to correct the structural defects at the hospital, to reposition it to serve the people better.

    Read Also: Okpebholo: Assets verification in Edo not witch-hunt

    Okpebholo, according to his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, spoke when he inspected facilities at the hospital on Tuesday evening with Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and Health Commissioner Dr. Cyril Adams-Oshiomhole, son of the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

    Okpebholo said: “After inspecting the facilities at Stella Obasanjo Hospital, it is clear that nothing was done there by the Obaseki-led administration, as they just painted the building and fixed air conditioners to deceive the people to think the building was completed. I do not know what Obaseki and the PDP government did.’’

  • Okpebholo launches free bus service in Edo

    Okpebholo launches free bus service in Edo

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved a free bus service for residents through the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS). 

    The initiative aligns with his administration’s “A New Edo Has Risen” policy and aims to improve the welfare of citizens.

    The service will cover routes within Benin City and across the state’s three senatorial districts, offering both intra- and inter-city transport at no cost. 

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved a free bus service for residents through the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS). 

    The initiative aligns with his administration’s “A New Edo Has Risen” policy and aims to improve the welfare of citizens. The service will cover routes within Benin City and across the state’s three senatorial districts, offering both intra- and inter-city transport at no cost. 

    Read Also: Okpebholo: Assets verification in Edo not witch-hunt

    Okpebholo said: “The bus service will ease the transportation stress. Our people, who plan to move around within the Benin metropolis and out will be able to do that without any extra financial burden.

    “Edo Central like Ekpoma, Iruekpen, Irrua, Uromi, and other places are also part of the routes the free transportation services will cover.

    “Edo North is fully captured. Agbede, Auchi, Okpella, Fugar, and other parts of Edo North are covered in the free transportation scheme.”

    Edo governor was, however, silent on the sustainability of the initiative.

  • Okpebholo: Assets verification in Edo not witch-hunt

    Okpebholo: Assets verification in Edo not witch-hunt

    • Governor, PDP chair in war of words over good governance

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday inaugurated a 16-member Assets Verification Committee, led by Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, which he said was not for witch-hunt.

    He urged members of the committee to confirm the existence, conditions, locations and ownership of state’s assets.

    Okpebholo, at the inauguration that took place at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Benin, said the committee was to strengthen the fight against corruption.

    He said: “Prior to my inauguration on November 12, I set up a transition committee to collate necessary information for a seamless hand over of government. The committee, headed by Dr. Pius Odubu, has since submitted its report.

    “Based on the report, we have found it necessary to set up this committee to establish the true status of our assets as a state.

    “The assets verification is a process that will confirm the existence, conditions, locations and ownership of all assets; whether fixed or movable, tangible or intangible.

    Read Also: Okpebholo inaugurates appointees, vows to chase criminals out of state

    “We are trusting this 16-member committee to do thorough checks and provide us with an updated record of Edo State assets and property.”

    Governor Okpebholo and the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, are engaging in war of words over good governance.

    Aziegbemi, yesterday at a news conference in Benin, accused Okpebholo and officials of his government of bad governance and lawlessness.

    He said: “It has become imperative to draw the attention of the public and other stakeholders to the very troubling and disturbing developments in Edo State, under the All Progressives Congress-led administration, which, if not appropriately addressed, can spell doom for our democracy and serve as a recipe for anarchy and instability, thereby threatening the peace, progress and security of our state.”

  • Okpebholo inaugurates assets verification committee in Edo

    Okpebholo inaugurates assets verification committee in Edo

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, inaugurated a 16-member Assets Verification Committee, led by Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, emphasising that it was not for witch-hunting.

    He tasked the committee with confirming the existence, conditions, locations, and ownership of all state assets.

    At the inauguration held at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Benin, Okpebholo stated that the committee’s purpose is to strengthen the fight against corruption.

    He said: “Prior to my inauguration on the 12th of November 2024, I set up a transition committee to collate all necessary information for a seamless handover of government. The committee, which was headed by Dr. Pius Odubu, has since submitted its report.

    “Based on the report, we have found it necessary to set up this committee to establish the true status of our assets as a state.

    “The assets’ verification is a process that will confirm the existence, conditions, locations, and ownership of all assets; whether fixed or movable, tangible or intangible.

    Read Also: Okpebholo inaugurates appointees, vows to chase criminals out of state

    “We are trusting this 16-member committee to do thorough checks and provide us with an updated record of Edo State assets and property.”

    Edo governor also noted that the assignment for members of the committee was in line with his promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government.

    Umakhihe, while speaking with reporters after the inauguration, stated that members of the committee were on a fact-finding mission, to unravel the state of affairs as inherited by the current administration.

  • Okpebholo inaugurates appointees, vows to chase criminals out of state

    Okpebholo inaugurates appointees, vows to chase criminals out of state

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday at the New Festival Hall of the Government House, Benin, inaugurated appointees.

    He promised to chase criminals out of the state and restore peace.

    Okpebholo said under his watch, criminals would not be allowed to operate.

    Emmanuel Okoebor stepped in as commissioner for Finance, Paddy Iyamu as chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and a retired commissioner of police, Friday Ibadin, as coordinator, Edo Security Network.

    The governor advised the appointees to use their positions to uplift the state.

    Okpebholo praised the appointees’ hard work and dedication, enjoining them to reposition education, strengthen security and enhance the treasury to develop Edo State and make it a better place for all.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Q3 GDP growth, vows to improve living standards

    He said: “You know why you are here, and the task ahead of you. You have to use your position to reposition Edo. The state should come first in all you do, before your personal goals.

    “In terms of education, it was trust that enabled you get to that position, and I believe in your ability and capacity to deliver. With hard work, I believe you will rebuild our educational system.

    “You have been doing this with your  money, but now is the time to use the resources of the state to move the education sector forward. When we say a new Edo is rising, this is the time to show it.

    “I believe retired CP Ibadin is not a pushover in terms of securing Edo people. It is time to pursue criminals and send them out of our land.”

    The governor said Okoebor was not a novice in finance, adding that he was experienced in the banking sector.

    He advised him to use the experience to salvage the state’s treasury.

    He said: “You have been in the banking sector and have the experience. You know the job; we did not pick you from the street. You need to bring the experience to bear, to save our land and money, so we can use the money to develop Edo State.”

    The finance commissioner, who spoke on behalf of others, assured Okpebholo that they were committed to assisting him in realising his five-point development agenda.

    The 24 members of House of Assembly at last Monday’s plenary cleared the appointees after the adoption of the report of its Committee on Rules and Business.

  • Governor mourns Edo-born oldest Catholic priest

    Governor mourns Edo-born oldest Catholic priest

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has commiserated with the Catholic community in the state, following the death of the most senior Reverend Father in Nigeria, Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, who died at the age of 104.

    He said the exemplary life of the late Fr. Oleghe was a worthy lesson for Nigerians.

    The governor said his humility, sacrifices and lives touched by Fr. Oleghe would not be forgotten, praying God to grant his family, Catholic community in Nigeria, especially Auchi Diocese, the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

    Read Also: MTEF/FSP: How removing fuel subsidy, floating exchange rate curbed sudden wealth– Edun

    Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, said in a statement in Benin yesterday:

    “Fr. Oleghe hailed from Igiode town in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government of Edo State. Although he lived a fulfilled life and died at a ripe age of 104, we will continue to miss his fatherly roles and how he touched many lives.

    “On behalf of the people and government of Edo State, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late Fr. Oleghe, Catholic community in Nigeria, especially Auchi Diocese. May God grant his soul eternal rest, amen.”

  • Okpebholo, Obaseki clash over move to probe past administration

    Okpebholo, Obaseki clash over move to probe past administration

    • Governor raises 14-man panel

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has constituted a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to probe the administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Okpebholo, yesterday in Benin, according to his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, would inaugurate the committee tomorrow at the New Festival Hall of Government House in Benin, at 1 pm.

    The committee will be chaired by Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, and Anslem Ojezua will be the deputy chairman, while members include Prince Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake and Rasaq Bello-Osagie.

    Others are Fredrick Unopah, Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, Abass Braimoh and Frank Edebor, secretary.

    Itua said: “In furtherance of Edo governor’s initiative to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership, the need to set up a State Assets Verification Committee becomes very imperative.

    “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Obaseki-led government came up with very scanty and limited assets and liabilities of the state.

    “In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee, made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State, has to be constituted.”

    However, Obaseki, through his media aide, Crusoe Osagie, said the barrage of empty probes by Governor Okpebholo was a smokescreen to mask his incompetence and unpreparedness for office.

    He said the governor was devoid of ideas and lacked a vision to drive development in Edo State, noting that Okpebholo was resorting to cheap political theatrics and using a circus of meaningless probes to distract from his glaring incompetence and lack of direction.

    Read Also: Okpebholo constitutes 14-member panel to probe Obaseki’s administration

    Osagie alleged that Okpebholo was acting as if the people of Edo State were an undiscerning mob and was staging a spectacle similar to a gladiatorial duel in the ancient Roman coliseum, with the plan to deceive the people with such theatrics and diversionary probes.

    He said: “Our attention has been drawn to a laughable and utterly ridiculous statement by the Okpebholo administration, setting up a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to probe the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, who is globally acclaimed to have run one of the most transparent, accountable and prudent governments in the history of Nigeria.

    “This is another on the list of the barrage of meaningless probes which the governor and his directionless government are embarking on since they got into Dennis Osadebey Avenue. From probing civil servants’ employment to probing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and probing vehicles and other assets of government, among others, the governor has continued to show that he is bereft of ideas and lacks a clear vision for the development of the state, and has therefore resorted to these charades of empty probes to buy time and distract from his incompetence and unpreparedness for office.

    “His plan is to treat Edo people like an undiscerning mob that you can distract with a show like the duel of gladiators in the Ancient Roman Coliseum. But Okpebholo will soon learn that he is the governor with the hardest job in Nigeria, because the people of Edo State are wise and can hardly be fooled. His diversionary probes may succeed in deceiving people in some states in Nigeria, but certainly not those in Edo State.

    “He should stop his futile and failed attempt to fool the people of Edo State who have already seen him for who he truly is: a politician out of his depth who has become a tool in the hands of his many godfathers who are thirsty for vendetta, having for long been denied access to the people’s patrimony by the past government of Godwin Obaseki.

    “It is on record that the Obaseki administration achieved an unprecedented level of transparency in governance, laying a solid foundation for fiscal discipline, which was why it was able to accomplish the numerous milestones recorded across various sectors of the state, including the economy, education, agriculture, infrastructure, among others. Under Obaseki’s watch, the state developed its first asset register, containing all the government’s assets, which have since been handed over to the new government.”