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Tag: Oshiomhole

  • Oshiomhole’s visit to Warri strengthens Bini, Itsekiri ties

    Oshiomhole’s visit to Warri strengthens Bini, Itsekiri ties

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has expressed pain on the passage of the Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri, Delta State.

    But the governor noted that it was not within anyone’s power to question God’s actions.

    Oshiomhole, who spoke during his visit and commiseration with the Itsekiri, said it was incumbent on him to visit the Delta ethnic nationality because of the fraternal relationship between the Bini and the Itsekiri.

    He prayed God to grant the Itsekiri the fortitude to bear the loss of their monarch.

    Accompanied by top government functionaries, the Oshiomhole said the late Olu contributed to the development of the Itsekiri, Warri Kingdom and the nation.

    He said: “We are not in a position to question God’s will or our ancestors, but to pray that God grants His infinite mercy on Warri Kingdom to bear the irreparable loss.

    “We value the relationship between us in the spirit of (the defunct) Bendel State. We are one; we are with you in our prayers. The trust and bond that existed between us will continue to grow stronger.”

    Oshiomhole prayed God to grant the soul of the departed Olu eternal rest.

    The regent of the Itsekiri, Prince Eroro Emiko, thanked the governor for the visit.

    The prince noted that Oshiomhole’s presence with other eminent Nigerians around the Itsekiri gave them confidence.

    He said: “Our hearts are heavy but when we look around and see people like you, our long journey will be achievable.”

    A prominent leader in the ancient town, Chief Brown Mene, noted that the departure of the Olu of Warri took the Itsekiri by surprise.

    He said Warri Kingdom had reasons to celebrate because the late monarch contributed to the progress of his people and Nigeria.

    The Akulagba of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami, said Oshiomhole had shown that he was a true brother. Present at the visit were: Chief S. S. Rone, Chief Isaac Jemide, Chief N. Utienyione, Chief C. D. Ikomi, Chief Brown Mene, Dr. Duakpenmi Andrew Ayi and Mrs. Rita Lori Ogbebor.

    Others included: Prince Ola Emiko, Chief Ayirimi Emami, Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Prophet Jones Erue and Olorogun Jaro Egbo.

     

  • Guns were fired at Bayelsa APC primary, says Oshiomhole

    Guns were fired at Bayelsa APC primary, says Oshiomhole

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said the Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary was marred by violence, as guns were fired at the Samson Siasia Stadium venue.

    Oshiomhole addressed reporters yesterday in Abuja after submitting the report of his committee to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

    The governor said some people used AK-47 and pump action rifles with live ammunition during the primary.

    On what happened during the primary, he said: “I was only a steward of the party. Seven of us were empanelled by the party to conduct the primary. We have reported back and we have signed a report by five of us. I have presented that report formally to the party, detailing all the issues as we know them. That is how far I can go.

    “But the decision on what the party will do with the report belongs to the party. It is not for me, as a steward, to tell the master what to do with the report. But we have reported, giving them a signed document, which was signed by members of the committee.”

    On his experience during the primary, Oshiomhole said: “I really don’t want to go back to those issues because these were not issues that transpired in the bedroom. I do think that one day we will get to the point where even the media must defend our democratic space. This thing happened in a stadium. I have been anxious to see an independent report. Gunshots were fired; AK-47 rifles were recovered with pump action guns and live ammunition. These were not actions that transpired in a bedroom. “I am not the issue and I don’t want to be the issue. There are issues that are important to me. I didn’t go there as a governor but as a party member who had been given a national assignment by the party. For me, that is a great honour. I have done that job along with my colleagues to the best of my ability. I have reported with the fear of God the truth as I know it. This has been signed by other members of the committee and I have forwarded the report. That is what is important at this stage. As far as I am concerned, this is still an internal affair of the APC.”

    On the comment by former Governor Timipre Sylva, the Edo State governor said: “That is democracy. Are you surprised that my views are disputed by one aspirant? It should not surprise you.”

    On the allegation that former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director Timi Alaibe facilitated his transportation to Yenagoa on the day of the primary, Oshiomhole said: “Part of the challenge of leadership is that you have to have some capacity to accommodate all kinds of things. But I leave that to you. If you think that I am so helpless that I needed the help of someone…

    “Again, talking about the media, there are things that a vigorous media can deal with. If they had said Comrade Adams is a he-goat and you come to ask me: ‘Comrade, they said you are a he goat.’

    “Incidentally, we have gone through some tension in the last few years. You know that there was a time that I was going to Ekiti State and my chopper was stopped at the Benin Airport; I was denied the right to fly because the powers that be at that time did not want me to go to Ekiti. So, if you find from your research that this was the first time I had to use a chopper, then you can draw your conclusion. But as  an Igbo proverb says: ‘If you are bathing in a local bathroom and a mad man collects your cloth and starts running, you get out of the bathroom naked and start running after him; people would call both of you mad men.’

    “If there is one mad man already running, don’t insist that I join him. If they say that I am so wretched that I need an applicant aspirant, that someone who wants to be a governor is the one who has to support a sitting governor, I leave that to their judgment. I think there are more national issues for us to engage in… But don’t forget: even at this point, Sylva is my brother and will remain my brother…”

     

     

  • Oshiomhole urges Muslims: let’s join hands to move Nigeria forward

    Oshiomhole urges Muslims: let’s join hands to move Nigeria forward

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to join hands with government to move the state and the country to a greater height.

    In his Eid-el-Kabir message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, the Governor said “I congratulate the Muslim Ummah on this year’s Eid-El-Kabir, which has pleased Almighty Allah for us to be part of.

    “I sincerely appeal to the faithful to harness their thoughts and energies towards the development of Edo state and the country by joining hands with the State Government and our President, Muhammadu Buhari to help the Government realise its dream of a better state for all.

    “We should remember the lessons of Eid -el-Kabir, which are sacrifice, peace and love for neighbours which are the hallmarks of a true Muslim.

    “In Edo State, I am proud to say the Muslim faithful are exemplars in exhibiting the true teachings of Islam which they practice in their daily dealings. I however appeal to the Muslim Community to continue to join hands with people of other faith to maintain the prevalent peace which has made our state the safest in the entire South-South region and one of the best investment destinations in the country.

    “I pray Almighty Allah will accept our good deeds, forgive our sins and fill our hearts with His love as we celebrate in peace and with joy.”

  • Bayelsa: Sylva’s emergence a joke – Oshiomhole

    Bayelsa: Sylva’s emergence a joke – Oshiomhole

    Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has described the reported emergence of former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, as the All Progressive Congress gubernatorial candidate in the state as a “huge joke.”

    Oshiomhole was the Chairman of an electoral committee set up by the national leadership of APC to conduct the governorship primaries in Bayelsa State.

    The governor said Sylva was not declared winner of the primaries, hence no Certificate of Return was issued to him.

    Speaking to reporters in Benin City, Oshiomhole said the purported emergence of Sylva would not alter the rules of the party.

    He stated that other aspirants agreed to follow the guidelines released by the national leadership of the party, but Sylva insisted that the primaries should be conducted without accreditation.

    He said Sylva insisted that it was wrong for the national Secretariat to conduct the primaries and that it was the function of the party leadership in the state.

    Oshiomhole said,”By the way Sylva conducted himself, it shows that he does not have faith in this democratic process. Sylva insisted that he founded APC in Bayelsa State and therefore he cannot understand why people who didn’t fund the party have this right to contest on the platform of the party.”

    “The reported election of Sylva is a joke because I am the returning officer in that primaries and which is why I function as the Chairman of the Election Committee. The next person is the Secretary. Neither the Secretary nor myself announced any result. It is customary that when election is conducted, the winner of the election is issued a Certificate of Return. As far as I know no such certificate was issued.”

    “If a member of the committee purport they are now selling results, that is their funeral. That does not in any way alter the rules of the party. Sylva can declare himself but none of this can substitute for due process which the party is committed to. Anybody who wanted to do a shoddy job will not ask people like me to be part of that exercise because I cannot be used for fraud.”

    “The committee was virtually held hostage including my humble self. These thugs were supervised by one of the aspirants, Mr. Timipre Sylva. Sylvia said to my face that we cannot leave the venue of the exercise unless we carry out the exercise without accreditation as prescribed by the National Secretariat.”

    “Sylva told me that the committee will not leave unless we were ready to conduct the primaries without recourse to accreditation. I was not in a position to amend the guidelines nor was I ready to submit to intimidation.”

    “When it was clear that they had mobilized the thugs and the thugs in collaboration with the police took over the stadium, the police left the stadium open and it made the thugs gained access into the venue.

    “I have to call on Abuja to prevail on the JTF to provide me with security to leave the venue of the primaries. The thugs have effectively blocked the gate under the instructions of Sylva.”

  • Tambuwal, Oshiomhole, Fashola, Orji mourn ‘nation’s mum’

    Tambuwal, Oshiomhole, Fashola, Orji mourn ‘nation’s mum’

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has described the death of Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo as a great loss.

    In a statement, Tambuwal described the matriarch of the Awolowo family as a unique human being whose virtuosity, influence and charisma will be sorely missed.

    The governor urged the Federal Government to immortalise her.

    His Edo State counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole, described Mrs. Awolowo as an avatar and a “pillar of Christian propriety and fountain of humanism, who was always eager to dispense goodwill to all”.

    Oshiomhole said: “The Awolowo family and the people of Ogun State have lost a good woman, the towering figure who stood strong behind her children.

    “Mama H.I.D was a pillar of Christian propriety and fountain of humanism, always eager to dispense goodwill to all who came to her.

    “Although Mama was advanced in age, we appreciate the depth of the grief of her children and family, knowing how affectionately close and tightly-knitted the family is. Our hearts are with the family at this difficult period.”

    Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has said “the nation’s mother has translated to immortality”.

    “I condole with with the Awolowo family at this moment of physical separation and bereavement.

    “No words will suffice to describe how sorely mama will be missed. But I am confident that the memory of mama’s legacy, her national service without a title, and the pride of her life’s work will build bridges of comfort for the family,” he stated.

    The senator representing Abia Central Senatorial Zone, Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, said: “I had looked forward to her 100th birthday in November which would have been announced with pomp and pageantry.

    “I had known Mama over the years as a woman dedicated to her husband. She was in a class of her own. Always working in the background, exhibiting the real meaning of the virtuous woman King Solomon spoke about in Proverbs 31.

    “She was kind to all she came across and was never known to discriminate; rather she treated everyone equally.”

  • Oshiomhole heads Bayelsa APC primary’s panel

    Oshiomhole heads Bayelsa APC primary’s panel

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole will lead a seven-man committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at its governorship primary in Bayelsa State.

    This is coming as the party’s leadership shifted the date from Saturday, September 19 to Tuesday, September 22.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Timi Frank, APC said the postponement was a directive from the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    The statement reads: “I am directed to inform the Bayelsa State executive committee of the APC, all APC governorship aspirants and all our teaming members and supporters in the state that the governorship primary earlier scheduled for Saturday, September 19, will hold on Tuesday, September 22.

    “The venue and time for the exercise remain unchanged. All inconveniences are regretted please.”

    Some of the committee’s members expressed concerns about their safety because of what they called the volatile security in Bayelsa.

    A member of the committee, Chinedu Eluemunoh, raised the issue and the likelihood of violence during the primary.

    He said: “We are worried about the volatile environment where the primary will take place. We hope that tight security will be provided in the course of discharging our duties.”

    But APC’s National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso, who inaugurated the committee, assured that tight security was in place to ensure a hitch-free and transparent primary at the Samson Siasia Stadium venue of the primary in Yenogoa, the state capital.

    Izunaso said the Bayelsa Police Command and the State Security Service (SSS) would ensure the protection of life and property during and after the primary.

    He said the delegates would be identified by their “permanent voters cards (PVCs), international passport and national identity cards”.

    According to him, no other means of identity should be accepted by the committee members to identify the delegates.

    Izunaso urged the committee members to forward any petition that might come to their table after the primary to the appeal committee, which he said would be set up before the end of the election.

    The committee’s secretary, Senator Ishaq Salman, who spoke on behalf of Oshiomhole, said the chairman would ensure a free, fair and credible primary.

  • Oshiomhole to workers: Shun corruption

    Oshiomhole to workers: Shun corruption

    Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has advised Nigerian workers to stay clear of corrupt practices, warning that the present administration has zero tolerance for corruption.

    Besides, he encouraged the workers to put in their best for growth and economic development of the country.

    Oshiomhole, who spoke at the official commissioning of Medical and Health Workers’ Union National Secretariat Complex, “Ayuba Wabba House” in Abuja, also warned Nigerian workers against nonchalant attitude to work.

    The current administration of President Muhammandu Buhari , he stressed will not tolerate laziness at work.

    He said there should be no reason why any worker should be sacked on the ground of laziness.

    The governor maintained that any Nigerian worker who is dismissed from work because of laziness is a bad worker and should not be identified with.

    He said that it was erroneous for any worker to collect salary without working for it.

     

  • Nigerians must team up against corruption – Oshiomhole

    Nigerians must team up against corruption – Oshiomhole

    Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Thursday urged Nigerians to join the army against corruption led by President Mohammadu Buhari.

    Oshiomhole said Nigerians were the victims of corruption as funds meant to provide infrastructures and good governance were diverted to private pockets.

    The governor spoke at a rally organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress in support of the fight against corruption.

    Governor Oshiomhole noted that it was sad that organized labour, religious bodies and civil societies kept quiet when cases of corrupt practices were raised in the past.

    Oshiomhole disclosed that Azura Power plant that was launched with fanfare could not take off because of corruption.

    He said Julius Berger Construction was already on site but the power project was stalled because Azura was not ready to part with money.

    The governor said, “The good news under one month is that what the former President refused to do because Azura did not part with money, President Buhari has done it and construction is going to resume. The largest IPP in Nigeria would soon start operation.

    “It is time to be vigilante. Let us resolve to do our part so that Nigeria can fulfill its promise. We elected a man of integrity, understanding and somebody we can trust to lead the army against corruption.

    “Things became so bad that people were afraid to talk. The former CBN Governor was forced into suspension and eventually removed. There was no one voice from organized labour. I didn’t see protest from civil societies and religious leaders were criminally divided.”

    “There is corruption in high and low places. You have chosen to stand with Buhari to get things right and I believe you can always be the beneficiaries.”

     

  • ‘Why I want to succeed Oshiomhole’

    A lecturer in the Law Faculty of the University of Calabar, Adaze Emwanta, has said his decision to contest next year’s governorship election in Edo State is to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    Emwanta told reporters in Benin City, the state capital, that the change agenda of President Mohammadu Buhari could be replicated in the state with renewed hope for the people.

    Emwanta noted that politics was no longer a game of age and number, but expertise, experience, exposure and economics of expendiency.

    He said poverty of ideas was no longer an acceptable reason to justify poor performance.

    Emwanta, who was silent on the political party he hoped to contest the election, said he would soon unveil his ten testaments of hope

    He said: “I am eminently qualified and intellectually capable to govern the State. Benin City is now reputed for lawlessness and deplorable inner-city roads.”

    “I will quickly arrest the dearth of industries and critical infrastructures across the State.

  • Oshiomhole: Why Jonathan,aides must be probed

    Oshiomhole: Why Jonathan,aides must be probed

    Is the Buhari adminis-tration selective in its corruption war? No, says Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who dismissed such allegations by aides of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its senators.

    According to the governor, President Muhammadu Buhari has not done anything out of place by beaming  his anti-corruption searchlight on those who ran the nation’s affairs and managed the economy in the last dispensation.

    The governor spoke during a reception held in Abuja on Friday night by the  Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) for  the  Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity,Mr. Femi Adesina, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity,Mallam Garba Shehu, both of whom are former President of the guild.

    Oshiomhole, who represented the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the event’s Chairman, said: “They (Adesina and Garba)  are serving a President who appreciates that these problems have to be confronted headlong: a President who boldly told the world that the issue of corruption, if it is not killed, it will kill us. And since we don’t want to die, we have to kill corruption.

    “But the forces behind corruption are powerful; some are visible and some are not visible. They are men and women of means. Many are even billionaires in dollar and euro.

    “Now where are the forces that will queue behind the president to confront the drivers of corruption? As you can see, people are already asking questions about due process, people are asking questions about selective prosecution and so on.

    “And it will be the job of Shehu and Femi to remind people that if you managed a house for 16 years and members of the community believe that the house has not been properly managed and that the reason for the mismanagement is that some people wilfully resorted to corrupt practices, you can only deal with those in that house, the people who had responsibility for managing the house.

    “So when you select those people and deal with them, of course it is selective. You can only select from among those who are involved with crime. Editors will help to take this to our people.”

    He wondered why those crying foul now kept silent when many wrongdoings were carried out under Jonathan.

    His words: “my helicopter was stopped when I was going to Ekiti State  as a governor with immunity. I was stopped by a low-level military officer from flying to Ekiti because my purpose was to campaign. I didn’t quite hear pastors protest on my behalf.

    “When Rotimi Amaechi was detained by a Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and they moved tankers to Government House, heavens didn’t fall.”

    Stressing  that it is impossible  to fight corruption without having casualties,Oshiomhole said:”it is only in Nigeria that ,for 16 years, a particular political party was in power, they were fighting corruption war but there were no casualties. It is like the Nigerian Police that sees criminal and shoot into the air.”

    He said that for once  Nigeria now has a President with enormous political will to get the job done.

    “Whether in the course of doing it, he will make a mistake that he will become too careful as to leave the job undone. For all of us who agree, lamentations won’t be our portion forever. It is time to get organized and deal with these issues.”

    He urged editors  to support the two presidential media aides in the discharge of their duties.

    “As spokesmen for the President, they have a huge task but the men and women (editors)  in this hall have what it takes to make their job less challenging,” he said.

    “For me, the media are the best fighters. If you don’t fight, the society will not grow.  Garba,  keep fighting; Adesina, keep fighting; editors  keep fighting until the war against corruption is won; until Nigeria is free.”

    The NGE Acting President,Mallam Garba Mohammed, said that the event was to express the editors’  happiness at the appointment of the presidential aides.

    He described them as  round pegs in round holes and a perfect team for the job.

    “We will be with them through thin and thick,” he stated.

    The two presidential aides were also presented with gifts during the event.