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Tag: Oshiomhole

  • Oshiomhole: Benin monarch Erediauwa iconic

    Oshiomhole: Benin monarch Erediauwa iconic

    •Erediauwa epitomised Nigeria’s unity, says Okorocha
    • Olugbu mourns oba •Edo APC aspirant condoles with monarch’s family

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said the late Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Erediauwa of Benin, was an icon.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, said: “Our attention has been drawn to the use of a word ‘iconoclastic’, instead of ‘iconic’, in a tribute by Governor Adams Oshiomhole to the Oba of Benin. It was a typographical error.

    “We ask mischief makers to desist from trivialising the issue at this period of mourning of our great monarch, who has joined his ancestors.”

    Also, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday said the late monarch was an epitome of Nigeria’s unity and one of the few traditional rulers, who contributed greatly to the nation’s unity through his actions and utterances.

    In a condolence message to Oshiomhole, the Imo governor said the nation would have wanted the monarch to live on and continue his patriotic roles.

    In the message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, the governor said he received the news with shock.

    He condoled with Oshiomhole and the Bini on the monarch’s death.

    The message read: “No doubt, Oba Erediauwa lived an exemplary life as a traditional ruler and a great leader of his people, so much that his occasional views on national issues were always appreciated.

    “The late oba of Benin was one of the few traditional rulers in the country, who contributed immensely to the unity of the nation through their actions and their utterances. The nation would have preferred that he lived to continue his patriotic role.

    “It is regrettable the oba died at a time the country needed the patriotic role of people like him to remain united and when his experience would have been most needed.”

    Okorocha prayed for the repose of the monarch’s soul and the fortitude for Oshiomhole and those Oba Erediauwa left behind to bear the loss.

    Also, the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, has said the passing on of Oba Erediauwa was a great loss to the Bini and Nigerians.

    Oba Akinruntan, who described the monarch as a traditional and cultural hero, said he was one of the monarchs, who truly projected the tradition and culture of his people undiluted.

    Oba Erediauwa, the Ondo State monarch said, would be remembered as one of the finest and most brilliant traditional rulers in the country, whose opinions always carried weight.

    Oba Akinruntan, who chairs the Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Committee, said: “Oba Erediauwa is not only brilliant and intelligent, I always admired him as a culture hero. He represented the essence of Bini tradition, which has survived adulteration of modern-day civilisation. He was courageous and spoke the truth, no matter how daunting the environment was. His love for his people was unparalleled and he always held his head high on issues that bordered on the traditional institution.”

    Oba Akinruntan noted that Ugbo and the Bini people had an age-long relationship.

    He said: “On behalf of the people of Ugbo, I condole with the royal family of Benin Kingdom, the people and government of Edo State and Nigerians for this great loss. Our consolation is that Oba Erediauwa left an indelible legacy, which will remain evergreen in our memory. I pray God to grant him eternal rest as he joins his ancestors.”

    Also, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 10 governorship election in Edo State, Chris Ogiemwonyi, condoled with the family, the people and residents of the state.

    In a statement in Benin, the state capital, Ogiemwonyi said: “On behalf of myself and my family, I express my heartfelt condolences to the royal family of the distinguished monarch, patriot and statesman, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom. I also commiserate with the Bini on the transition of our great monarch to the world beyond.

    “I will miss your wise counsel, generous disposition and expression of love.

    “The absence of your physical presence is a great loss to the state and the country and, no doubt, it has created a big vacuum that will be difficult to fill in a hurry.”

    Recalling the eventful reign of the monarch, Ogiemwonyi said: “Your 37 year-reign was monumental and peaceful. I pray you reunite with your ancestors and that the Almighty God grants every member of the royal family and the people the wisdom to sustain your worthy legacies.”

  • Oshiomhole under fire over condolence message

    Oshiomhole under fire over condolence message

    Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, may have outraged his critics and disconcerted his allies in the ancient Benin Kingdom by referring to the late Oba of Benin, Omo’Noba Erediauwa as an “iconoclastic royal father of the great Benin Kingdom.”

    The statement contained in the condolence Message in Benin City on the passing away of the monarch, appeared to have set the governor against some prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom.

    Oshiomhole, in the message he personally signed, said:  “We are enveloped with a deep sense of nostalgia that our great Oba, a great-grandfather, grandfather, father, uncle and iconoclastic royal father of exemplary carriage and conduct, who sustained the dignity of the average Edo mind, has joined his ancestor.

    “Edo people will miss our iconoclastic royal father of the great Benin Kingdom.”

    Reacting to the statement, which according to him remains a serious denigration of the person and office of the late Oba of Benin, Dr. Thomas Omorodion, respected Benin born scholar and social commentator, called on Edo State Government to apologise to the Benin Kingdom over denigrating word used on the revered Oba.

    “I have a copy of the condolence statement signed by the governor of Edo State where he deliberately or inadvertently, or both, denigrated the name of our Oba, our King and the repository of our culture and identity – Oba Erediauwa.

    “Oshiomhole used the word “Iconoclastic” to describe our iconic Oba.

    “There is a huge difference between the word iconic and the word iconoclastic. Whereas iconic has a positive meaning, iconoclastic has a negative cum rascally meaning.

    “But the governor decided to describe our Oba as iconoclastic, instead of iconic.

    “When you replaced the above use of iconoclastic with iconic, you have a positive description of the Oba. But the use of iconoclastic turns this whole condolence into an insult,” he said.

    Immediate past Edo State Commissioner for Information, Louis Odion, said he is still dazed from the shock he suffered as a result of reading the piece.

    According to him: “Well, since I could not get APC analgesic after receiving the monumental blow of our great Oba’s passing and further Tysonic upper-cut of this grammatical atrocity, I took overdose of Panadol Extra.

    “But I am still dazed. Not since Shina Peters’ epochal ‘soonest recover’ last century has Nigeria’s lexical space come under such apocalyptic attack.

    “I wonder if Prof Julius Ihonvbere (SSG to Edo State Govt), Patrick Obahiagbon (Chief of Staff, the iconic Igodomigodo) and Ali Yakubu were on vacation outside Benin yesterday. Could Igodomigodo have taken the dictionary away.”

     

  • Our hearts are heavy – Oshiomhole

    Our hearts are heavy – Oshiomhole

    The Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, on Friday described the late Oba of Benin as an accomplished Nigerian, whose reign brought distinction immense class and integrity to traditional institution in Edo State and the country at large.

    Speaking in a statement on the passing of the late monarch, Oshiomhole described Oba Erediauwa as a thorough-bred bureaucrat.

    The statement read: “Our hearts are heavy, laden with pains and grief, at the announcement of the passing on to glory of Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa of Benin, our highly revered Oba, a distinguished Edo numero uno, an accomplished Nigerian, a seasoned bureaucrat, quintessential unifier, unique personage and exemplary Omo N’Oba, whose reign brought distinction, immense class, finesse and integrity to traditional institution in Edo state and the country at large.

    “His carriage comes with an élan that was peculiar with the reverence of royalty. His uncommon courage was symbolic of the can-do spirit of the Edo mind. His unity of purpose was not in doubt even as he used his revered position to promote constructive engagement amongst all shades of opinion and culture in Edo state. As a thorough-bred bureaucrat, rising to the pinnacle of his career as a Federal Permanent Secretary, he understood the dynamics and intricacies of governance.

    “He was the alternative voice to the many voiceless in our society, calling government attention to issues of development and transparent governance, without minding whose ox is gored. He was brave, fearless, punchy and instructive in his verbal and written messages.

    “To us at the Edo state Government, he was our strongest supporter; both in his uncommon faith in our ability and his readiness to offer uncommon advice to sharpen public discourse in our shared commitment to transform Edo state. It gladdens our heart, therefore, that our revered Oba was alive to witness the positive transformation of Edo state under his reign, and for standing with us through thick and thin in the course of making the Edo economy a treasure to behold.

    “Being part of that eloquent history of transformation before his reunion with his ancestors gives us further reassurance that he will occupy a special pride of place in the hereafter.

    “We are enveloped with a deep sense of nostalgia that our great Oba, a great-grandfather, grandfather, father, uncle and iconoclastic royal father of exemplary carriage and conduct, who sustained the dignity of the average Edo mind, has joined his ancestors. We are, however, encouraged by the fact that another great son of the Great Benin Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, who is already showing manifest quintessential attributes of his great father, will step into his father’s big shoes.

    “Edo people will miss our iconoclastic royal father of the great Benin Kingdom. Nigerians and Nigeria will miss this great exemplar of a Royal Father, an Oba of distinction and integrity. Adieu until we meet to part no more.

  • Jonathan exempted APC states from N2b Ecological Fund, says Oshiomhole

    Jonathan exempted APC states from N2b Ecological Fund, says Oshiomhole

    Do State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday said All Progressives Congress (APC) states were exempted from the N2 billion Ecological Fund released to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) states by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The governor said the last administration discriminated against some governors in the distribution of bailout funds.

    Oshiomhole addressed State House correspondents yesterday at the end of the governors’ meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    In the face of the worsening economy, the governor said President Buhari remained a rallying point for states, irrespective of their political affiliation.

    He said: “We are lucky to have President Buhari at this time. I have been here now for seven and a half years and I have worked with three Presidents. This is the truth.

    “Under the last President, it would have been impossible for us to approach Abuja to give us support because of personal challenges. We were given lectures on fiscal responsibility and such talks, even though the wastage was more prevalent here than in any other place at that time.

    “We have a President, who recognises that he is the President of the federation, regardless of our political affiliation. This is important. Everybody is able to ask this President to give him support, and he is giving.

    “Whereas, in the past, some PDP governors got N2 billion from the Ecology Fund, but APC governors were not given. But we promised to be different. I am happy this President is showing that difference.”

  • We have not touched World Bank loan – Oshiomhole

    We have not touched World Bank loan – Oshiomhole

    Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has chided critics saying ongoing projects in the state were being executed with the $75m World Bank loan.

    Oshiomhole said his administration was yet to spend the loan.

    He spoke while inspecting projects at the Upper Siluko Road, the eight Kilometre underground Storm Water drainage ‎at Igbinaduwa linking Textile Mill Road, 2nd East Circular Road dualization project and Erediauwa Road Project, including 25 adjoining streets roads.

    The governor said his administration would provide‎ dividends of democracy for the greatest number of Edo people until his last day in office with or without oil money.

    Oshiomhole said he was moved to do more because of prayers from the hearts of old men and old women in the state.

    He said the ongoing projects were not conceived because of upcoming election but because it was his conviction that government must work for the people‎.

    He said, “For us working for the person is a way of life, it is in the blood. It is in the gene of our party because we derive our essence from our bond with the very ordinary people.”

    “And you can see that by our statement we have made a conscious choice that to deliver the greatest good to the greatest number we must look at where the ordinary people are and touch their life. People who cannot do a petition, those are the people we represent.”

    ‎”The much talked about 75million dollars we have not touched it, so this not the result of any loan.”

    ‎

     

  • Oshiomhole, Anenih ‘reunite’ in church

    Oshiomhole, Anenih ‘reunite’ in church

    It was a reunion of sorts at the weekend, when Governor Adams Oshiomhole and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, met in church during the 10th anniversary of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Benin City, where the Governor was given an award for his services to the church.

    Oshiomhole, while noting the efforts of the church in nation building, said: “Nigerians are living in relative peace and harmony today, in spite of the failings and weaknesses of political leadership at all levels, due to the power of your intercession, the power of your prayers.

    “We cannot thank you enough for your prayers and your support in spite of our weaknesses.”

    He praised the Catholic Church for bringing people of different political persuasions together under one roof for the church programme.

    He said: “Yesterday, I found myself sitting in the front row, and then, I realised that most of those drivers and shakers of politics and ‘politicking’ in Edo State, are all Catholics. That, for me, is revealing.

    “For me, the church has caused all of us to reunite. So, I reunite with my daddy, Chief Tony Anenih, and several other PDP and APC leaders. And the Catholic Church brought together the National Chairman of APC sitting side-by-side with the National Leader of the PDP.

    “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ continue to moderate our actions and remind us of our oneness, of our commonality and of our shared commitment to work together to uplift our state and our great nation.”

    The governor also thanked the church for the award, saying “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the honour done to me by being invited to receive an award”.

    On his part, Anenih who used the opportunity to say he has ‘forgiven’ the governor whom he referred to as his son, said his immediate past health challenges made him realise the need to rise above politics and embrace peace with all men.

    He said: “I was in St. Paul’s Church in Benin, and as my son, Comrade Adams said, we were all there appreciating the efforts of the Archbishop.

    “I want to say this, it is not because Adams is here. Last night, I was telling my wife that I met Adams in the church, and with my immediate medical experience, I have decided to forgive all those who offended me. And I specifically mentioned Adams.

    “Adams, without you saying it, I have forgiven you. As you said when you were in labour, as President, you were my son and you know it. You came into politics and you remain my son. So, the common cook that used to cook ogbono soup for us is still there.”

    The anniversary was attended by the Edo State APC Chairman, Mr Anselm Ojezua; his PDP counterpart, Mr Dan Orbih; former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor and former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, among others.

     

  • Oshiomhole can’t impose candidate, says Akenzua

    Oshiomhole can’t impose candidate, says Akenzua

    Prince Edun Akenzua, the Enogie of  Obazuwa, Benin Kingdom, spoke with BEN OGBEMUDIA on the political situation in Edo State, zoning and the succession battle in the Southsouth state.  

    What is your  reaction to Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s move to support a governorship aspirant as candidate of the APC in Edo State?

    As a member of the Benin Leaders of Thought, and having been privileged to served as the chairman of that organisation, we have heard since last year that the governor has a preferred candidate. We discussed it as a rumour . I was mandated as the chairman  to seek audience with the governor to get a subpoena on it. We don’t believe the  governor will want to do what they are saying. We don’t believe because we don’t like godfatherism. The governor came to do his part . He didn’t like godfatherism . He said it everyday openly and since 2005, we have been fighting this kind of thing, until 2008 when he joined in. When people start talking, we wouldn’t believe because this kind of man who has been fighting this kind of thing. We heard it, but it is a rumour.

    Have you confirmed from the governor?

    Unfortunately throughout last year, from October to December, I wasn’t able to get his audience. Nevertheless, we will not act on what we consider a rumour, until he confirms the rumour. Politicians say a lot of things concerning themselves in a period like this. We will see the governor and confirm from him first to know if it is true or false.

    You have confirmed from him?

    We have. We wrote letters to Benin people because we want the proper person to succeed the governor. The Nine persons who showed interest for the gubernatorial race who honoured the letter by coming to us were surprisingly APC aspirantswho we screened because we want a proper person to succeed the governor. And a person was handed the results who would present it to the governor, before it is made public.

    How soon?

    As soon as the governor acknowledges our appointment that has been booked. Even, at a recent meeting, I presented another letter to him and he said it will be duly considered.

    What if it turns out that the governor’s move to impose is true?

    We hope to find out and know whoever is going to succeed him. I think we have to look beyond political interest and look for somebody that is competent. And since we are expecting him to be a Benin person, he must be someone we can be proud of at the end of the day, not one we will be ashamed of that he didn’t perform. So, because of that now, it is hypothetical. I will not answer that until we find out.

    What is your advice to others as it is only one political party that showed up for the exercise?

    It is all the same. Political parties will do their own. They are all going to the primaries. We will have our reports. We will see what happens when the general elections come up. The governor has done a lot for the state and it will be shameful, if the person coming cannot maintain the pace of the governor. It is also in the interest of the powers that be because whoever wins the primary will be supported by the Benin people. Edo cannot afford to be in the opposition. It was a miracle that Oshiomhole survived the period. We are lucky to have the APC at the federal and state levels and we must take advantage of it.

    Recently, you organisation met with Fulani herdsmen and farmers over the incessant killings and rape…

    I would say it was fruitful and I think it was very thoughtful for the governor to have summoned that kind of meeting. Herdsmen were represented, farmers were represented and the security people were also represented. Those present, including traditional rulers, agreed that there was need for co-existence between the two groups. The farmers who do the farms and the herdsmen who move the cattle, they need each other. So, that was the essence of the meeting and there was no doubt that the problems are there. Problems of killings, raping of women, rustling of cattle’s, killing of cows, problems of destroying the farms. There have been problems on both fronts. And what the governor wanted was the solution. It was decided that there will be committees in each local government, and another one at the state level, where farmers, herdsmen will be at peace because we need the famers and we need the herdsmen. The committees have not been set up yet, but the governor is going to direct the local government chairmen to establish these committees in their local government.

    Are communal clashes and killings in Edo South over landed property not alarming to the traditional rulers? council?

    It worries everybody; it worries the traditional institution. Benin has been known to be a very peaceful place long time ago. But ,the problem of community the development association that they are doing all over the place, I believe, is the cause of this upheaval in Benin. Before these things came up, there was the plot allotment committee set up by the Oba and plots where allocated. You could buy a piece of land, 50 by 50, and you would be in Lagos or wherever and you will be sending N5,000 or ten thousand naira to your parents or friends to help you mould block to build one small thing and it will be there for ten years or more and nothing will happen to it. But now, villages are being burnt, properties are being destroyed. I have watch people are being killed because of this development. And I think there is a misunderstanding about the purpose of this community development association set up by Babangida and the idea was for it to function as a co-operative society, whose members would mobilise their friends from wherever and to identify developments in that locality. ln the olden days, here in Benin, we used to have it. A community will levy members to raise some funds and when they have up to fifty thousand, at that time it was in pounds, They took it to the council and tell the chairman we have 50 thousand pounds; we want you to add some money to it to help us build a school or community town hall in our community.

    That was what it was for then. It was not put together to sell the lands to generate money. Babangida did not expect when he was doing that kind of thing that the Community Development Association he was proposing, members will be selling lands to find money to develop that community. The CDA was not supposed to develop that community. Because development of that community belongs to the council and the state government. For the CDA, it will be easier for Oba or government to listen to a group of people asking for whatever than to listen to an individual. So, that was the idea. If you have this kind of group, they can now identify what they can do in their place, if they have some friends and relatives abroad who are wealthy and well to do. They can beckon on them to come and do something at home. That was it. The royal family is quite worried about this; not only the traditional institution. The people, generally, are worried.

  • Oshiomhole names VC for upgraded college

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has appointed Prof Edomwonyi Aduwa-Ogiegbaen as the Vice Chancellor of the Tayo Akpata University of Education, Ekiadolor.

    This is coming after the government approved the upgrade of the institution, formerly a college of education, into a university.

    Until his appointment, Aduwa-Ogiegbaen was the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Ekenwan Campus, Benin City.

    In a letter dated April 14, this year, the Governor said: “I wish to inform you that Edo State Government has approved the up-grading of the Edo State College of Education, Ekiadolor to a University of Education to be called Tayo Akpata University of Education, Ekiadolor.

    “I feel privileged to have the honour by virtue of the powers conferred on me as the Visitor by the enabling laws establishing the University to appoint you as the Vice Chancellor of the University with effect from April 18, 2016.

    “Given your resourcefulness, expertise, experience, global network and reach, I believe that the University would benefit enormously from your uncommon visionary leadership.”

    Aduwa-Ogiegbaen, a descendant of the Benin Royal Family is the Enogie (Duke) of Egaben/Ogbeson in Benin Kingdom. He has combined academics with the traditional administration of his Dukedom.

    He has over 40 publications in reputable national and international journals and is a member of the Nigerian Association of Educational Media & Technology (NAEMT); Curriculum Organisation of Nigeria (CON) and Association for Promoting Quality Education in Nigeria (APQEN).

  • Assembly, Oshiomhole disagree on chairmen’s tenure

    Assembly, Oshiomhole disagree on chairmen’s tenure

    The Edo State House of Assembly and Governor Adams Oshiomhole have disagreed on the resolution of tenure of local government chairmen passed by the legislature.

    On April 18, the Assembly passed a resolution directing local government chairmen to hand over to their council’s heads at the expiration of their three-year tenure today.

    But in a letter to the Assembly yesterday, Oshiomhole described the resolution as “inappropriate and unacceptable”.

    The letter reads: “My attention has been drawn to the resolution of the Assembly, directing local government chairmen to hand over on April 21, 2016. The resolution is a usurpation of the powers of the Executive. The Assembly does not have the power to give such a directive.

    “I have directed the local government chairmen to submit their handover notes and transmit such to the Office of the Governor.”

    Reacting on the floor of the Assembly to the governor’s letter, Mr Kabiru Adjoto (APC, Akoko-Edo), noted that the Assembly derived its powers from the Constitution.

    He said: “Mr Speaker, I want to state clearly that the Assembly has the powers to make laws for the state and any other matter not included in the Exclusive List.

    “We did not dissolve the councils; what we did was to remind them that their tenure expires on Thursday, April 21, 2016, and directed them to hand over to their heads of local government, as there can be no vacuum in government.

    “I want to move that the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Henry Idahagbon, be invited to explain why he has misinformed the governor on constitutional matters.”

    Other lawmakers, who reacted to the letter, concurred with Adjoto’s submissions.

    The lawmakers said they acted within the law and powers conferred on them by sections 4, 6 and 7 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Section 10 (1) of the Local Government Law 2000, as amended.

    Speaker Victor Edoror reaffirmed the Assembly’s resolution, which directed local government chairmen to hand over to their HOS at the expiration of their tenure today.

    He summoned the Justice commissioner to appear before the House on April 26.

  • Oshiomhole’ s aide in trouble for online article against governor

    Oshiomhole’ s aide in trouble for online article against governor

    A Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Mr. Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, has been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate Court for allegedly publishing an article online against his boss

    Ugbo, aged 47, was also arraigned for unlawful possession of firearms.

    Police said his action was likely to disturb public peace.

    The article published by Ugbo, according to the charge sheet, had the caption, “What is wrong with my boss, the ground breaking of Edo State own Cement industry in partnership with a private company under Government Public Private Partnership (PPP) and stakeholders, no state House members or Speaker and National Assembly members presence notice.”

    “Is Edo State now a personal business of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole?”

    Ugbo pleaded not guilty to the three count charges preferred against him.

    Police Prosecutor, ASP Sylvester Omor, informed the Court that the accused committed the offence on April 2, at No. 2b, Ugbor road Benin City.

    Omor told the Court that the accused unlawfully had in his possession a double barrel gun without a duly acquired valid license.

    The offenses contravened section 59 (1), 249 (d) and 430 (2) of the criminal code cap. 48, vol. II laws of the defunct Bendel state of Nigeria 1976, as now applicable in Edo.

    The Magistrates’, Mrs C.A. Nwoha, granted the accused person to bail in sum of N100,000 and a surety in like sum who must be have a landed
    property.

    Nwoha adjourned the case till April 26, for hearing