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Tag: Oshiomhole

U.S. officials said Jonathan’s minister stole $6b, says Oshiomhole

A MINISTER in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration stole $6 billion, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole said yesterday, quoting United States (U.S.) officials.

Oshiohmole, in a chat with State House correspondents shortly after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said: “The PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) destroyed the country. I mean from the lips of American officials; senior officials of the State Department said one minister under PDP cornered as much as $6 billion.

“The man said even by Washington standard, that is earth-quaking.

“So, PDP is a party that presided over the liquidation of our nation; destroyed all our institutions; converted the Armed Forces commanders to use them as if they were political thugs; converted NTA to a party megaphone; destroyed the SSS; went after opposition as if we were rabbits to be pursued into our holes; compromised even student unions and destroyed everything that you can think of; and elevated religion to a state affair.

“Under the party, Israel became a place you visit every week; they placed pastors against Imams, placed North against South, East against West – just to retain power; elevated Obas and Obis with dollars.

“You guys were reporting dollars that were changing hands; when NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation) was spending much more money than was available to the Federation Account.

“We are a very patient people. If we were not a patient people, anybody wearing the tag of PDP ought to feel very unsafe because you are all victims – all of us here.

“Mr. Carson, who was the Assistant Secretary of State, when we visited him in the company of Senator Saraki, then as Chairman of the Governors’ Forum – that was on the eve of President Obama’s first visit to Africa – and we went to complain, ‘why is Nigeria not on the list?’

“What he said, for me, was quite instructive, compared to what he said last week. Then I was present when he said ‘you know, we who see ourselves not just as friends of Nigeria, each time we think there is light at the end of the tunnel and it is time to encourage Nigeria to build on it, you would wake up the following day under President Jonathan to find out that even the tunnel had been removed.

“Those were the words of Mr. Carson. Now, last week, this same Carson chaired the President’s address at the Institute of Peace and he said ‘we now have a man of enormous integrity; one that has shown so much faith in the democratic process; one that refused to be frustrated even in the face of massively rigged elections. He submitted to the judicial process and even when that was compromised he never gave up.

“America has done its check and we are convinced that this President is the one that Nigeria needs at this time to regain its leadership of the African continent.

“‘America now has a partner worthy of relations because they believe that every dollar that America provides to support Nigeria, whether in the area of security, in the area of education or encouraging American investors to invest in Nigeria, there is an enabling environment because what had been destroying the country is corruption.”

He took a swipe at the PDP, saying the party destroyed Nigeria.

Oshiomhole, who was a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s delegation to the United States, was delighted that Nigeria now has a President who talks with confidence unlike “a President that is blabbing and is not sure of what the issues are”.

He said he had decided not to bother about anything the PDP says about the present administration because he did not expect the party to be praising a government that is doing better than it did while in charge.

He said the PDP succeeded in supervising Nigeria’s liquidation.

Oshiomhole claimed that under the PDP, there was no law as the party’s members were a law to themselves.

He claimed that Jonathan did not know what the issues were and everybody was frustrated.

July 28, 2015
Oshiomhole hails NUJ President Odusile

•‘Fight for journalists’ welfare’

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said the victory of Alhaji Abdulwaheed Odusile as the president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is a reflection of the commitment of members to move the union to a higher level.

In a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, the governor said: “Waheed Odusile’s victory at the keenly contested election reflects the wishes of members to effect the desired change in the affairs of the union.

“I have implicit confidence that with you as president of the NUJ, the union will no doubt get a true and selfless leadership needed to key into the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari and bring unparalleled growth to members of your great union.

“Your pedigree as a reputed journalist in many media houses and a unionist with experience spanning over two decades have prepared you for the onerous task of leading the NUJ to a higher level.

“Even as we celebrate your victory, I give kudos to the other candidates for a gallant fight, and for the peaceful conduct of the delegates’ conference. There is no doubt that other unions can learn from the peaceful and transparent manner with which the NUJ election was conducted.

“I urge the other candidates to join hands with the new NUJ President to reposition the union as the conscience of the nation.”

Also, a former governorship candidate in Cross River State, Mr Patrick Okomiso, has urged Odusile to fight for better working conditions for journalists.

Okomiso told our reporter in Calabar, the state capital, that Odusile needs to take journalism practice to a higher level.

The politician noted that without modern journalism, democracy cannot be sustained.

He said: “Given his antecedents, I believe his election victory as president is a plus for Nigerian journalism. He should improve the quality of journalism in the country.

“I urge him to fight for the welfare of journalists. He must ensure that they are remunerated in a manner equal to what they go through. He should also work for insurance of journalists.”

July 28, 2015
No state has got ‘bailout’ cash yet, says Oshiomhole

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday said no state had received the ‘bailout’ cash yet.

He also said President Muhammadu Buhari was sad that some states could not pay salaries, adding that Buhari would deal with challenges.

Oshiomhole spoke to reporters at Sabongida-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area after attending a reception in honour of Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase.

He explained President Buhari did not want to preside over a country whose workers were not paid salaries.

According to him, “who gets what has to be a matter of creativity, of priority and of proper costing and prudent management. The good news is that the President is there to stand by us beyond cash giving.”

Oshiomhole added: “Nobody has got any dime but there is always a time lag between when you conceptualise a solution, when you reach a conclusion and when it begins to manifest. No governor has got any money under the bailout but we are working together to see that it is done in a way that the benefit is a target group.

“The media has been occupied with bailout. There are conversations going on between the governors and the federal authorities and President Buhari has been positive in recognising that he doesn’t want to preside over a country whose workers are not paid.”

Oshiomhole, who also spoke about Buhari’s trip to the United States of America, said Nigerians would start seeing the benefit within the next 18 months.

He said: “Our visit was beautiful. I think in the history of our country, America has not felt the amount of warmth with a President. I have not seen an American President talking in the manner President Obama did. When a President says to you in the next 18 months, use me; we will go as far as you allow us to go because we recognise that if Nigeria’s problems are solved, the African continent will be stable. We fix Nigeria; we have fixed Africa.

“The world, using President Obama’s language, believes that our President is a man of integrity. It is about integrity. Once the people do not trust you It does not matter what your intentions are but if they trust you, they are more likely to follow you through challenges to claim ownership of the public policy you introduced in order to deal with the problems that confront us. Obama said they want to do less talking and more actions. The visit was good for Nigeria.”

July 27, 2015
Who succeeds Oshiomhole?

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole will bow out of office next year, after completing his second term. Those itching to succeed him are warming up for primaries in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the succession battle in the Southsouth state, the contenders’ strengths and weaknesses and the issues that will shape the exercise.

He took Edo politics by storm in 2007. He had no rival during the governorship poll, as it were. Indigenes and other residents were rooting for the renowned labour leader. He won the election, but he was denied victory.

When Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s mandate was stolen, people protested the daylight robbery, until it was restored by the Supreme Court. When he assumed the reins, he did not disappoint his supporters. Based on his score card, the mandate was renewed for a second term.

In seven years, Oshiomhole has lived up to the electorate’s expectation. The comrade-governor will vacate office next year, following the expiration of his two terms of eight years.

Is Oshiomhole grooming a successor? How prepared is the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the challenge of succession? Will the party remain the same after the primaries?

Unlike 2007, the ruling party is more confident. The party wields the power of incumbency at the federal and state levels. Many people have also acknowledged the performance of the governor, unlike his predecessor, Mr. Lucky Igbinedion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who governed between 1999 and 2007.

In Edo, the PDP is in a dilemma. The party, led by Chief Dan Orbih, has boasted that it will bounce back. For almost eight years, it has been left in the cold, following its defeat at the polls. Thus, its dream of regaining power has always been aborted. Besides, the party is now a divided house. Observers contend that the struggle for the governorship ticket may further polarise and weakened the platform.

Many factors will shape the contest. They include the pedigree of the flag bearers, the governor’s performance and renewed clamour for zoning. Both the APC and the PDP will have to respond to the agitation for power shift by Bini people during the electioneering. According to a source, “the people of the capital city believe that they should produce Oshiomhole’s successor.”

No fewer than 10 APC chieftains are warming up for the shadow poll. More are likely to join the race. The aspirants include the deputy governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, a defector from the PDP, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, former university don Prof. Osarheimen Osunbor, a philanthropist, Kenneth Imansuagon, the Chief of Staff, Works Commissioner Osarodion Ogie, and Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon Igodomigodo. A source said that former university don, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere may be drafted into the contest. Also, some stakeholders who wants a technocrat to succeed Oshiomhole, are rooting for the economist, Godwin Obaseki. He is the dark horse. However, in the opinion of the APC chairman, Anselem Ojesua, it is too early to think about succession.

Imansuagbon

Imansuagbon has been holding consultations with party leaders, traditional rulers and leaders of thought across the three senatorial districts. He has also been courting ordinary folks through philanthropist gestures.”When I’m governor by 2016,Edo people will see more of my philanthropist nature,” he said. The aspirant has faith, but it remains, if his faith can move mountains during the primaries.

Obahiagbon

Obahiagbon is a former member of the House of Representatives. He was not a bench warmer. He defected to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), shortly before the 2011 elections. Although he had wanted to represent his district in the Senate, luck did not smile on him during the recent elections. However, he is widely acknowledged as a loyal, committed and dedicated chieftain of the ruling party.

A source said that the governor has a soft spot for the wordsmith. “That was why he was allowed to return to his position as the Chief of Staff, after losing the senatorial primaries. But, the governor has not given his word to anybody,” added the source.

Osunbor

Osunbor, who hails from Edo Central, is believed to be working assiduously to get the APC ticket. But, according to a source, many APC leaders see him as a new comer, who should queue. He has the credentials, the reputation and the qualification. But, he is new in the APC,” he added.

In 2007, the former university teacher was the candidate of the PDP. Although he lost the election, victory was wrongly allotted to him by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Prof. Maurice Iwu. Following protracted litigation, he was displaced by the court. Recently, he defected to the APC. When he left the PDP, many PDP chieftains were taken aback.

Airhiavbere

The same factor may also work against the retired soldier, Airhiavbere. In 2012, he was sponsored by the PDP leader, Chief Tony Anenih, the acclaimed ‘Mr. Fix it,’ to challenge Oshiomhole. It was a miscalculation. The PDP lost its deposit and the ego of the eminent politician was deflated. Recently, the former governorship flag bearer called it quits with the PDP, saying that the party does not have future in Edo politics.

Ihonvbere

Ihonvbere is a household name in the pro-democracy family. He is popular among intellectuals. The university don-turned politician is highly cerebral. He is also a good administrator. However, the political scientist lacks a formidable structure. Assessing him, a party chieftain said: “Professor is good in handling administrative tasks. But, he has no political base.” During the struggle for the senatorial ticket in his district, he lost his deposit.

Odubu

Odubu is an experienced politician. He is a loyal deputy governor. He is popular in the ruling party. But, his fate lies in the hand of his boss and other party leaders.

Ogiewonmonyi

The engineer served briefly as the Minister of Works under Dr. Jonathan. He is also close to General Ogbemudia. But, party members see him as an independent minded chieftain, who is not tied to the apron-strings of the governor.

Obaseki

Obaseki may not be a card-carrying member, but he is highly connected. He is from a prominent Benin family. He is the Chairman of the Edo Economic Team. If he is backed by the governor, he will be another Willie Obiano, who was brought from the banking sector to serve as governor. A source said: “The people of Benin Kingdom; the royalty and chiefs; and prominent indigenes will not raise an eyebrow. They will rally round him. But, there will be gridges against his candidature by other contenders.”

Idahiagan

Herry Idahiagan is the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. For him, the contest is not a do-or-die affair.

Irhiabor

Sources also said that a party chieftain, Omo Irhiabor, is in the race. But, they said he may be using the contest to bargain for appointment.

PDP’s permutations

Since 2008, the PDP has been in agony in Edo. Its efforts to bounce back into reckoning has been futile. Ahead of next year’s election, party chieftains have returned to the drawing board. But, the gladiators are divided and working at cross purposes. A section of the party believes that only the founding fathers can rescue the party. To this group, the these chieftains have not defected to another party. Therefore, they are loyal. But, another caucus has disputed this ,claim saying that the so-called founding chieftains are the architects of the PDP’s misfortune. In the opinion of the second group, many of the founding fathers have dented the image of the chapter, owing to their corrupt tendencies while steering the affairs of the state.

To observers, Edo PDP is at crossroads. It has been decimated by strife and rancour. Also, the defeat of the party during the recent has compounded its woes. On May 29, the crisis-ridden chapter an orphan, following its exit from federal power. The implications is that its leaders cannot rely on the federal might to trounce the APC in next year’s poll.

The two groups locked in a supremacy battle have not reconciled. Former Governor Lucky Igbinedion, who ruled Edo between 1999 and 2007, is the arrowhead of the first group. The group is led by former Senate Chief Whip Rowland Owie. During the recent 52nd birthday of Hon. Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Igbinedion declared that the next PDP governorship candidate would be a founding member of the party. Whoever is going to be the next governor of the state must be one of the founding members of the PDP. He must also be a member of the ‘family,’ he said.

But, Owie reasoned that, if the former governor sponsors a candidate, the flag bearer will be tainted. He said the people of Edo are not assailed by amnesia, stressing that they are still infuriated by the failure of the previous PDP government. Obviously, that failure led to the defeat of Osunbor and Airhiavbere in 2007 and 2012.

Many factors accounted for why the PDP lost relevance in Edo. The eight years of Igbinedion administration, according to observers, were years of ineptitude, inefficiency and gross maladministration. When he completed his first term, there was a cry of despondency by the electorate. But, his illustrious father, the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, said his son, who had failed, should be allowed to repeat the class. “People say Lucky no pass. Lucky no good. If a person does not pass in a class, should he not repeat the class. Let Lucky repeat,” he said.

In 2007 Oshiomhole urged the people to halt the drift. He complained that Edo was groaning in hopelessness. He also said godfatherism must end in Edo State. Thus, he challenged Anenih to a duel.

When he left power,the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said that Igbinedion has a case to answer. Thus, his credibility was at stake. He opted for plea bargaining and regained his freedom. But, few months later, he asserted himself as the PDP leader. The former governor said the way forward for the PDP is for the party to remember its beginning. He said PDP will bounce back, if is ticket is given to a foundation member.

But, Owie objected to Igbinedion’s claim. Reiterating his readiness to join well-meaning stalwarts to search for a credible candidate, he maintained that it is risky for the party to field a candidate that is connected with the previous PDP failed government. He added: “The 2016 governorship will not be based on political platform. It is going to be who that candidate is. For the PDP to be seen to have broken ranks with irresponsibility, we have to be sure that our candidate for 2016 will not have any relationship with previous failures of the PDP government in Edo.”

PDP aspirants

PDP governorship aspirants include Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who is believed to be of the candidate of the Igbinedion camp, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Chief Solomon Edebiri, Mathew Iduoriyikemwen, Lucky Imasuen, and Mike Onolememen. Sources said that a special committee has been set up by top hierarchy of the party with a mandate to search for a popular candidate. The search for a popular candidate became more imperative, following the defeat of the PDP in 2007and 2011 elections.

Ize-Iyamu

The priest is the former Secretary to Government in Igbinedion administration. He is also the former Southsouth leader of the defunct ACN. Many people have described Ize-Iyamu as a hardworking politician; a strategist and organiser. In 2012, he was the Director-General of the Oshiomhole Campaign Organisation. He has the support of Igbinedion. But, some elders, including Dr. Sam Ogbemudia and Owie, are looking at another direction. A party source said that Anenih may not be comfortable with his candidature. He had joined forces in 2012 against the Iyasele of Esanland, when he and Oshiomhole rejected godfatherism, saying: “No man is god.”

Edebiri

Edebiri is a Bini man from Edo South. The businessman and philanthropist is a veteran contestant. He contested for governor in 2007 in the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and in 2012 ran in the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). The aspirant has set up a group, ‘Solomon Edebiri Volunteers.’ The mandate of the group is to recruit 180,000 volunteers before the end of December. His associate, ray Okpekpolo, said, if elected as governor, Edebiri will beat Oshiomhole’s record :”We want to make sure that people know this man so that when the time for party nomination comes, it will be difficult to reject him.”

Uzamere

Senator Edobor Uzamere is said to enjoy the support of former Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. His prospect of getting the ticket waned, following the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Many thought that he would have had a smooth sail, if the election had taken place when Dr. Jonathan was in the saddle.

Iduoriyekemwen

His admirers call him the ‘Major.’ Iduoriyekewen is a former member of the House of Assembly. According to party sources, he has a deep purse. said to have deep pocket. He is also a former member of the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Iduoriyekemwen, the sources said, has personal relationship with former

President Jonathan and other top PDP leaders.

July 27, 2015
No bailout for states yet — Oshiomhole

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says contrary to insinuations in many quarters, no state has got any amount from the Federal Government as bailout fund.

He spoke Saturday at a reception for the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase in Sabongida Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Governor, the cheering news, however, is that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to seeing an end to the situation where up to fifteen states owe workers’ salaries.

He said: “there is some conversation going on between the Federal Government and the Governors and the president has been extremely positive in recognizing that he does not want to preside over a country whose workers are not paid.

“At the end of the day, it is not acceptable where fourteen to fifteen states cannot pay salaries. The good news is that the president is standing by us and there is always a time lag between when you conceptualize and when you implement.

“For now, no government has got one naira under the bailout arrangement.”

On the Inspector-General of Police who was holding a thanksgiving on his elevation, the Governor said: “the celebrant is not just a man of history, there are many people who could become the I-G, by political connection, but I think he has a very unique ability.

“I also believe that your present elevation is a demonstration of the way you have sought to manage your office , deal with the challenges of the police force without being partisan, This is a difficult position to maintain. As an Edo man, you represent the finest tradition with courage, determination and intellect to your job no matter whose ox is gored,” he said.

Oshiomhole continued “I think at this time, the I-G would need all the prayers, support and encouragement particularly of Edo people. Let it not be said that the task of policing was made more difficult by the people of the state. And he is serving under a president who will not tolerate indiscipline. He is an I-G to drive changes in the psyche and governance of our great nation,

“It is a thing of pride to our people that coming from a minority, he has risen to become the I-G of the police. But we also recognize that he is coming to office at a very challenging time. This is the time we need such people with security of mind and competence to drive the changes which president Buhari has promised the people by ensuring that the police play their part of providing security to the people.

In an address of welcome, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Ehimika Ifidon said in celebrating the I-G, the Ora people of Edo State are also celebrating other sons and daughters who have made tremendous achievements in various areas.

Responding, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase said he felt elated to receive the honour being bestowed on him with joy.

July 26, 2015
Blackmail won’t help Okonjo-Iweala, says Oshiomhole

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday faulted former Minister of Finance Ngozi Oknojo-Iweala’s claim that he is attacking her for the withdrawal from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) because she refused to approve a loan for the state.

Oshiomhole, in a statement by his media aide, Kassim Afegbua, said Mrs Okonjo-Iweala was trying to blackmail him.

The statement reads: “ It is instructive at this point in time to state categorically without equivocation that there is nothing “personal” between Okonjo-Iweala and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in terms of the request by the Edo State governor that Okonjo-Iweala should come clean on the issue of revenue that accrued to the Excess Crude Account. As much as her spokesman tries to dramatise his response in defence of his boss, he has shown a manifest uninformed disposition to issues of simple economics of naira and kobo. Here is a former Minister, who has changed her position four times in the last 40 days; each position exposing her dubiety of facts and inherent contradictions in the concocted tales she has been weaving on one simple issue: what happened to the $2.1b ECA funds?

“The simple questions which the Comrade Governor asked were: How come those accruals into the Excess Crude Account got depleted without the knowledge of the National Economic Council? How come moneys that were supposed to accrue into the said account cannot be found in it going by the balance sheet provided by the former minister? How come the minister unilaterally dipped her hand into the Excess Crude Account to spend money in defiance of the constitution and the laws of the land? How come that the minister finds it convenient to publish allocations to states and local governments, but refused to publish accruals into the same account for us to know the status of the account at any point in time; how much was left from where she was distributing from?

“What the Comrade Governor stated was that; it was interesting to note that by December 2012, the ECA had a balance of over $10 billion. This depleted to $2.07 billion by May 2015, according to the former Finance minister. Between January 2013 and May 2015, not more than $4 billion was shared among the three tiers of government. Indeed, the last time any money was shared from the ECA was in May 2013.

“Flowing from the above statement of facts, the Comrade Governor then asked a very pertinent question; how come there was no accretion to the ECA even when crude oil prices averaged between $100 to $108 within the three years period of 2011 to 2014, aware that the National budgets were based on $77 and $79 benchmark? That gives an average of $30 per barrel gains. In fact, based on rough estimates, Nigeria should earn not less than $30 billion accretion based on the official oil exports of 2.3 million barrels per day. The question which Okonjo-Iweala could not answer is; how come Nigeria did not make any savings during those three years of unprecedented oil price boom? Simple question that should ordinarily elicit simple response.

“Without a scintilla of numerical reference, Okonjo-Iweala went into a voyage of storytelling like an intellectual raconteur, leaving out the real substance of the Comrade Governor’s salient questions. First, she responded on May 28, 2015 where she denied the allegations describing them as “baseless”. Among other things she claimed that the 36 governors, who are joint owners of the Excess Crude Account with the Federal Government, were in full picture of how the ECA was managed. She stated inter alia: “How can Governor Oshiomhole claim that governors were not properly briefed on the status of the ECA when his Commissioner of Finance attends all FAAC meetings where decisions are taken and communicated to the nation?”

“On June 29, 2015 exactly a month after, at the inaugural meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), presided over by Vice President Professor Yemi Osibanjo, and with 36 states in attendance, we deliberated on the status of the ECA. After a critical scrutiny, it was discovered that indeed Dr. Okonjo-Iweala spent $2.1billion from the ECA without authorisation by the NEC. That money was neither distributed to states nor paid to the three tiers of government. This was the rationale for the setting up of the four-man panel to look at what accrued, what it was spent for, when and by whom and who authorised the spending, so that Nigerians will have a full picture of all the transactions as regards the much-talked about Excess Crude Account.”

He accused the former minister of changing her explanations on the ECA withdrawal four times.

Oshiomhole said: “On June 30, 2015, Okonjo-Iweala was once again reported as categorically denying unauthorised expenditure from the ECA under her purview, describing the findings of NEC as ‘false, malicious and without foundation’’. According to her, decisions on such expenditure and sharing were discussed at meetings of FAAC attended by Finance commissioners from the 36 states. In her words, “it is curious that in their desperation to use the esteemed National Economic Council for political and personal vendetta, the persons behind these allegations acted as if the constitutionally-recognised FAAC, a potent expression of Nigeria’s fiscal federalism, does not exist”. Is FAAC superior to NEC? Does FAAC has the constitutional powers to give approval for withdrawals from ECA?”On July 7, 2015, barely a week after Okonjo-Iweala claimed that FAAC was involved in the unauthorised spending from the ECA, members of FAAC, under the aegis of Forum of Finance Commissioners in a public statement, denied approving any withdrawal of the said $2.1 billion. The 36 Finance commissioners categorically described the former minister’s claim as “misleading, and far from the fact”. Hear them: “The Law setting up FAAC, which pre-dates the ECA did not empower the commissioners to approve such withdrawals, and that there were records of committee’s meetings to show that they had always queried the activities on the ECA, particularly on withdrawals. FAAC did not and could not have approved or took the decision to withdraw $2billion from the Excess Crude Account”.

“On July 8, 2015, Okonjo-Iweala opened up a bit of the real gist when she admitted that $2 billion was indeed withdrawn from the ECA this time, on the directives of former President Goodluck Jonathan. She further confirmed that the money was used to pay petroleum subsidies and not shared to the 36 states as she earlier declared.”

July 17, 2015
Dankwambo, Ambode, Ahmed, Ortom, Oshiomhole, Amosun, others preach peace, patriotism

GOVERNORS have implored religious, traditional and community leaders as well as their followers to pray for sustainable peace as Muslim end Ramadan fast.

They urged the citizens to be patriotic and live in peace, irrespective of their religious or ethnic differences.

Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, in his goodwill message as part of the celebration, said Nigerians should imbibe tolerance and mutual respect for one another to attain “sustainable peace, which is a catalyst for the development of our dear state and country”.

“As we are aware, no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony. We should, therefore, be tolerant with each other and encourage peaceful coexistence among our diverse people,” he added.

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, urged the citizens to rededicate themselves to the cause of a peaceful and prosperous Lagos, where residents, regardless of ethnic, religious or social status, can prosper.

The governor, in the Eid-el-Fitri message, said it was only by embracing peace, unity and fairness that Nigerians could put the country back on its leadership pedestal.

He urged them to embrace the tenets of love, tolerance, forgiveness and brotherhood, which characterised the period of the holy month.

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom felicitated with the state Muslim Community on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-fitr celebration.

He rejoiced over the peaceful co-existence between adherents of the various faith – in the state, especially in the spirit of this year’s joint breaking of fast between Christians and Muslims.

The governor, however, regretted his inability to extend the usual courtesies due for such seasons on account of dwindling finances of the state.

He promised to meet such obligations when the financial fortunes of the state improve.

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed urged Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan, especially the values of good neghbourliness, patriotism and respect for the sanctity of human life.

Ahmed, in an Eid-el-Fitri message by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, identified greed and selfishness as causes of Nigeria’s socio-political, economic and security problems.

He emphasised that if Nigerians demonstrate the kind of compassion and love for one another as displayed during Ramadan, Nigeria would surmount its numerous challenges and become a role model to other nations.

Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose urged Muslims to rededicate themselves to the service of their country as they mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitri.

The governor, in his Sallah message, enjoined Nigerians not to lose sight of the gains and lessons of the Ramadan fasting as they go about their daily activities.

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole asked Muslims to exhibit the true spirit of peace and love in their daily dealings with men of all faith, saying Islam as a religion of peace abhors violence in whatever guise.

The governor, who congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the success of this year’s Ramadan, urged them to inculcate the lessons learnt during the Ramadan fast to positively impact on their neighbours and the society.

To Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the nation will overcome its challenges and emerge a strong, united and prosperous nation.

In a message by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, the governor stated that “the attributes of self-discipline, compassion, brotherliness and patriotism exhibited during the holy month of Ramadan, if sustained, we will attain the dreams of our founding fathers for a united and prosperous nation.”

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko hailed the people of the state for embracing the Residency Card initiative.

Besides, he admonished Muslims not to return to habits they dropped before the Rammadan.

The governor called on Muslims to sustain the lessons of Ramadan by allowing the “God-like characters they lived all through the period of the Ramamdan to become a way of life for them”.

July 17, 2015
Edo lost N10b to Jonathan’s govt, says Oshiomhole

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said the state lost about N10 billion to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration through his Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in the last four years.

The governor spoke yesterday in Benin, the state capital, when he made an approximated summation of the money that accrued to the state.

He said Edo State got N2.27 billion from the $2.1 billion generated from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) to the Federation Accounts in the last four years.

Oshiomhole said: “The truth is that many things went wrong, even at the federal level. As you must have read in the papers, the Federal Government, at least under Goodluck Jonathan and the then Coordinating Minister, like to blame the governors for wasteful spending but not saving for the rainy day and for not investing properly. The truth is that the real weakness in the Nigerian development chain has been the Federal Government.

“Our hope is that the new President, because of who he is and his pedigree, will lead us to break from the past.

“Last week, I complained aloud that Edo State lost about N10 billion over a four-year period from only one source – the LNG remittance to the Federation Account.

“I ask myself about the $2.1 billion remitted by the LNG and backed by Shell (Petroleum Development Company). I think Shell is not the only oil operator. You have Chevron, you have Agip and the others. This is just one and it amounted to $2.1 billion.

“When they shared it, based on the revenue allocation formula, the Edo State Government got about N2.27 billion. So, I said, ‘Thank God, this money came after the departure of Okonjo-Iweala and President Jonathan.’ If the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were still in charge in Abuja, this money would have been taken. So, I realise that for four years that they were there, they did not remit this money. We were thinking that is all every year and I just multiplied it by four and then rounded down, instead of rounding off. It was N2.27 billion by four. That is more than N10 billion. But I wanted to be at the lower side; so, I rounded down.”

He added: “That is not the only money Edo State Government has lost.

“You heard from the last summit that $4.1 billion was in the Excess Crude Account as of November 2014. From that time till now, even today, we (local governments, state governments and the Federal Government) have not touched that money. We have not agreed to take any amount out of that money. Yet, the account is down to about $2 billion; meaning $2.1 billion has disappeared.

“If you listened and you followed the conversation, I made this allegation after the National Council of State meeting; that the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, took $2.1 billion without approval and illegally …in a manner that is never accounted for. For those of you who watch television, listen to radio or read newspapers, the minister replied that I lied, that they agreed – and it is in print – that it was the 36 commissioners representing the states and herself who agreed to distribute that money to the three tiers of government. She added that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) is the most visible expression of her true federalism and that we should claim that the FAAC is unknown to us and that FAAC is a creation of law.”

July 16, 2015
Oshiomhole’ll restructure Edo YES, says APC chair

Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anslem Ojezua, has said Governor Adams Oshiomhole will restructure the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) to conform to the current economic realities.

The chairman was reacting to the controversies trailing the phasing out of the scheme.

The Edo YES was inaugurated in 2009 as part of the government’s intervention programme to empower over 10,000 youths.

Addressing reporters in Benin, the state capital, Ojezua said the governor’s decision to abruptly end the programme was caused by a drop in the allocations from the Federation Account.

The APC chairman noted that the drop was also the fallout of decline in the price of crude oil in the international market.

He said Oshiomhole did not take the action to impoverish the youth, who played a predominant role in the state’s political development, but to ensure that the beneficiaries derived maximum benefits from it.

According to him, Oshiomhole has the moral justification to determine how youths could earn regular wages.

Ojezua said the absence of some youths from their place of primary assignments – following their journeys abroad or getting alternative jobs – had been an issue the government was concerned about.

The party chairman assured that the youth would be reinstated, after a thorough screening by the committee set up for that purpose.

He regretted the hardship the hardworking beneficiaries were going through.

Ojezua expressed satisfaction at the friendly manner the issues were handled.

The APC chairman hoped that before the end of the year, the scheme would be back on track.

He assured the youth of his readiness to liaise with the government on how to re-absorb those affected into the renewed scheme.

July 15, 2015
Oshiomhole hails three council chiefs over salaries

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has hailed three local government chairmen for promptly paying their workers’ salaries, despite dwindling resources from federal allocation.

The council chairmen are: Abdulmalik Afegbua, of Etsako East; Joseph Ikpea, of Esan South East and Jimoh Ijegbai, of Owan East.

Other 15 local government areas are owing between five to 10 months salaries.

This has prompted several protests by members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

Oshiomhole said the three council chiefs had displayed quality leadership through prudent management of available resources.

The governor, in a letter of commendation by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Julius Ihonvbere, expressed appreciation for the council chairmen’s success at meeting their statutory obligation when many of their colleagues failed to pay workers’ salaries.

He noted that the record would rekindle the people’s confidence in their party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The letter reads: “These are no doubt eloquent testimonies of efficient management of human and material resources.

“Your vision, masterly deployment of revenue, sensitivity to the yearnings of your workers and the people of your local governments have, in no small measure, helped to build confidence in governance and in our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

July 14, 2015