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Tag: Oshiomhole

  • Oshiomhole mourns Thompson Oliha

    Oshiomhole mourns Thompson Oliha

    Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has mourned the death of ex-midfielder of the Super Eagles, Mr Thompson Olisa, saying the state has lost a worthy ambassador.

    In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPC), Mr Peter Okhiria, Comrade Oshiomhole said: “I am saddened by the news of the sudden death of ace footballer, Mr. Thompson Oliha. His death is no doubt a big blow not only to the sports family but to all of us who watched him display intrinsic skills on the football pitch.

    “His exploits in the Bendel Insurance Football Club and his quality contributions to the African Cup of Nations winning team of 1994 are forever etched in our memories. Indeed, Edo State has lost an outstanding son, a worthy ambassador who projected the image of the state on a positive note.

    “His death has robbed our state and indeed Nigeria of a patriot who gave his all in his chosen field by bringing honour to the nation.

    “Even as we mourn his death at such a young age, we are consoled that he lived a life worthy of emulation and that his contributions to the nation remain indelible.

    “We pray for the repose of his gentle soul and beseech God to comfort the family that he has left behind.”

  • Amaechi, Oshiomhole, Atiku, Akume mourn senator

    Amaechi, Oshiomhole, Atiku, Akume mourn senator

    Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, his Edo State counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Senate Minority Leader Senator George Akume have described the death of Senator Pius Ewherido as “unfortunate”.

    Amaechi said Ewherido was also a public-spirited man and a community leader.

    Amaechi, who paid the tribute in a statement he personally signed, said Ewherido’s passage was “no doubt a monumental loss to our nation”.

    The statement said: “We hereby condole with the Nigerian Senate, the government and people of Delta State and the entire Ewherido family on the sudden death of Senator Pius Ewherido, who, until his death, represented Delta Central Senatorial District on the platform of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP),

    “It is unfortunate that the hardworking, independent-minded senator, a political icon, and one of the most accomplished politicians in our country passed on at a time our country needed his invaluable service most. His loss is no doubt a monumental loss to our nation.”

    Oshiomhole described the death of the late Ewherido as a “rude shock”.

    The governor said: “The news of the death of Senator Pius Ewherido came as a rude shock. He had served his people with all his resources and energy and his death has robbed Delta State and indeed the nation of a bright young mind.

    “Ewherido truly distinguished himself in the Senate with his incisive contributions to debates and will be sorely missed not only by his Constituents but also by others who have come to love his style.”

    In a condolence message by his media office in Abuja, the former Vice- President said the late Ewherido was a remarkable good, tolerant and patient neighbour.

    He said: “Anyone that lived peacefully and respectfully with his neighbours without a hint of suppressed grudges must be one in a million, especially in a country like ours where some big men spare no efforts to be noticed.”

    Akume said: “The late Distinguished Senator Ewherido was no doubt an accomplished businessman, astute politician and a legislator per excellence who brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to bear on the Delta State legislature and the Nigerian Senate. His contributions to the entrenchment of democratic ideals were second to none, therefore, I regard his death as a tragedy which has befallen not just the Senate and people of Delta state but indeed the entire nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Senate, the people of Delta state and his family at this difficult time.”

     

  • Edo 4: FG backs Oshiomhole on execution

    Edo 4: FG backs Oshiomhole on execution

    The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State on Monday’s execution of four inmates.

    The governor came under knocks from the human rights bodies, the United Kingdom and, the European Union (UN), urging authorities across Nigeria to halt future executions.

    But the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru said Governor Oshiomhole did nothing wrong.

    He stressed that the governor was in order and acted within his constitutional jurisdiction

    Ashiru spoke yesterday in Abuja at the stakeholders’ consultative forum on the 2nd cycle of Nigeria’s Universal Periodic Review (UP).

    He also noted that criminal code was in the constitution handed over to the country during the colonial administration, adding that the constitution remained the guiding principle to the nation.

    He, therefore, urged Nigerians not to shy away from what the constitution says is right.

    “In Edo State, what happened recently has nothing to do with the Federal Government. We have a constitution where the states are autonomous, so there are areas where governors have authorities and in this case, that was what happened in Edo State where the governor exercised the constitutional provision to sign the execution that is there.

    “I agree that the governor of Edo State acted within his constitutional power.

    “So, don’t shy away from what we believe is right and what we believe is in the constitution. We have constitution and it is our constitution that will guide us. When we look around, it is our constitution that will guide us, “ he said.

  • Point missed by Oshiomhole on NGF election

    SIR: Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, will be remembered as one of the best Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Oshiomhole explained, recently, how 35 governors were present for the Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum (NGF) election. “They counted 35 papers; we voted one by one in the open ballot, and counted the votes one by one; Jang got 16 votes and Amaechi 19. However, immediately, the very people that voted said no, no, no, we are going to walk out.”

    Understandably, “the very people that voted” refers to Jang and his co-losers, including Governor Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party.

    Did Oshiomhole lie? No, he simply confirmed what every conscious and conscientious person already knew. From the end of the election until now, only 16 governors recognise Jang as their chairman, while all the others remain with Amaechi. Oshiomhole rightly chided the NLC for appealing to the two parties to behave, instead of telling the losers point blank to repent. But, why did Oshiomhole himself not identify President Goodluck Jonathan as the one beating the drum for the reed dancing on the ocean, while (rightly) expecting the NLC to call the spade a spade?

    Most Nigerians saw nothing wrong with rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones, as good for order, equity and stability, until President Jonathan’s inordinate ambition in 2011.

    Yes, my hope is the All Progressive Congress (APC), and I pray all reasonable and well-meaning Nigerians will unite to reposition Nigeria along the path of order, peace, and stability.

    Those who brought the rotational idea meant well. Every zone certainly has presidential materials, and rotation connotes equity and inclusion. It will end arbitrariness in our highly heterogeneous society. Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Audu Ogbe, Oshiomhole, and all of us must reinstate it.

     

    • Pius Oyeniran Abioje, Ph. D,

    University of Ilorin.

     

  • Why we formed APC – Oshiomhole

    Why we formed APC – Oshiomhole

    Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Wednesday said the Action Congress of Nigeria and other opposition parties came together to form the All Progressives Congress to enable Nigerians have a robust choice in the governance and development of the country.

    Speaking in Benin City, the governor said: “If a democracy is not capable of bringing a change of parties that can form government at all levels that democracy is not on course.”

    “The good news is that in our neighbouring countries they have shown that it is possible for a government to recognise the ultimate right of the people to determine who governs them. They have been able to have different parties at different time, forming the federal and other levels of government.”

    Oshiomhole spoke when members of the Igbo Community Union in the state paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Benin City.

    He said, “Nigeria cannot continue to play leadership of the African continent if we don’t get our politics right. It is also the business of those in the other parties to recognise that when we pull resources together, it is better to be a small fish in a big pond than to be a big fish in a small pond in which you cannot even swim. I am hopeful that all of us will continue to commit ourselves to democracy and in all recognise that power without purposes is meaningless.

    “We must play politics on the basis of commitment to use political power and allocate resources in such a way that it is pro-people, pro-development, pro-employment, and pro-welfare. The statistics that government rolls out not just for the fun of it are statistics that actually reflect on the quality of life of the man on the street,” he added.

     

  • NAMA: We didn’t ground Oshiomhole’s aircraft

    NAMA: We didn’t ground Oshiomhole’s aircraft

    • We only delayed it’

    • ACN: ‘It’s executive misuse of power’

    • PDP: ‘No, it’s not’

     

    The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), yesterday denied grounding the OAS helicopter that it recalled mid-air on Friday while carrying Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State to Awka, Anambra State.

    The agency said it merely delayed it for some minutes with a view to enforcing air safety regulations in the country.

    The action generated more reactions yesterday with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Edo State saying it was pure executive misuse of power. The PDP in the state differed and said NAMA acted right as it owes the country a duty to ensure that airline operators follow the law.

    The managing director of NAMA, Nnamdi Udoh, said the helicopter pilot caused the problem by failing to file his flight plan and submitting the manifest as prescribed for such operations.

    Speaking through the general manager, Public Affairs of NAMA, Mr Supo Atobatele, he explained that the incident had nothing to do with politics, but purely an aviation matter bordering on rules and regulations.

    “We want to be emphatic with our declaration this afternoon that the safety and security related issues raised by our men on Friday at Benin Airport are about a flight plan and passenger manifest. It has no political undertone at all, but purely an aviation matter bordering on rules and regulation,” he said.

    He continued “Basically, as a matter of rules, we needed to know where the aircraft was going and how many people were on board. NAMA by statute is covered by legislation to demand for all these. But the pilot or his employer failed to comply with this simple procedure.

    “It is a globally acceptable procedure for a pilot to file his flight plan and declare his passenger manifest before getting a start up. When this is done, there will be no delay while perfecting your documentation at the point of departure.

    “It was a minor issue that should not be given political colouration as being portrayed now. NAMA is never political in discharging its duties. NAMA is safety driven as safety does not respect status, what is applicable to ordinary citizens is applicable to very important persons, because accident does not discriminate.”

    Also speaking, the coordinating spokesman for the aviation agencies, Mr Yakubu Dati, said the chopper was never grounded as being alleged in some quarters.

    According to him, the chopper was only delayed for a few minutes because the pilot did not do what he ought to have done, even as he denied that the crew were kept on ground for non payment navigational charges.

    Dati added that even pilots flying the presidential fleet are not exempted.

    He said the relevant aviation agency will sanction the airline and the pilot for violation of safety procedure.

    “Why did the pilot not comply with the safety procedure? They are used to taking things for granted. We will continue to ensure that we sink in the message,” he said.

    Also speaking, the general manager, NAMA air traffic control operations, Mr Chuks John Onyegiri said: “NAMA needs to know who is on board. It is purely security and safety issues. Nothing is wrong if the governor gives his name.

    “But, the pilot wanted to use executive connection. It is purely the fault of the pilot. We have to monitor every movement, from the take off of the aircraft to landing.

    “It is clear the pilot did not want to submit a flight plan and declare manifest. There is no more cutting of corners. After the pilot eventually complied, he hopped over to the airport for the flight plan.”

    The airspace manager of Benin Airport, Mr Lawrence Okoye, said:”NAMA is not interested in the occupants of the aircraft. The aircraft owner and pilot must comply with safety regulations. They must not circumvent the law.

    “The pilot bragged saying I have a governor on board. The pilot failed in his duty to comply with safety regulations. The pilot was on ground for 55minutes at Government House, which was sufficient time to get to Benin Airport to file a flight plan.

    “The pilot must know that Government House, Benin is not an airport, where he wanted to take off from without filing a flight plan. The pilot should have complied and advised the clients to understand.”

    Reacting to the Friday incident, ACN’s National Vice-Chairman, South-South, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, wondered if it was not “executive misuse of power,” because the authorities at the airport were aware of the presence of the chopper; they gave it clearance to land and to pick the governor and it was possible for them to have paid whatever fee they needed to pay before or after the journey, but it is surprising that they were allowed to take-off, only to be called back when they were already airborne and thereafter delayed them for hours.

    “This is not the first time a chopper will be coming to pick the chief executive of our (Edo) state, considering the terrain of parts of the country, where you cannot easily access by road or by direct flight, so I am surprised that this is happening now.”

    The National Youth Leader, ACN, Miriki Ebikina, described the incident as worrisome. He said, “The grounding of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s chartered helicopter 42 days after a similar controversial incident was carried on the Rivers Governor’s Bombardier jet, in Akure, is vexatious.”

    However, the PDP Chairman in Edo State, Chief Dan Orbih, dismissed allegations of federal government’s involvement in the matter as unfounded, saying Nigerians should rather commend the aviation ministry for steps taken in recent times to ensure safer airspace.

    He said, “The allegation is baseless and unfounded. There are rules and regulations covering the operation of aircrafts and helicopters. These rules are meant to be applied irrespective of whoever is concerned. I am surprised that people are now trying to politicise apparent flagrant disobedience of a Filipino pilot, who from the account of NAMA, flouted its rules.

    “In the interest of Nigerians who have to travel, NAMA applied its rules. I don’t see any issue here, except that it was Oshiomhole that was on board, and I want to use this opportunity to commend the effort of the minister of Aviation who is doing everything to bring sanity to the industry.”

  • NAMA grounds Oshiomhole’s helicopter

    NAMA grounds Oshiomhole’s helicopter

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole got a shocker from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) yesterday, as the regulatory agency grounded his helicopter.

    Minutes after the OAS-operated chopper took off from Government House, Benin with the governor and a few of his aides on board, authorities of NAMA radioed the pilot to return to the Benin Airport tarmac.

    Captain James Manahash, the Filipino pilot of the helicopter, complied .

    The aircraft was there and then grounded and the governor’s trip to Awka,Anambra State terminated.

    Oshiomhole stormed out of the airport, shocked and fuming with anger.

    He was scheduled to attend the burial of Mrs.Colette Obi,wife of Senator Ben Obi,Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters.

    He is the second governor in six weeks to be so treated by the regulatory agencies in the aviation sector.

    A Bombardier – BD 700-1A11 carrying Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State was similarly grounded at the Akure Airport on April 26.

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said at the time that the action was taken in accordance with safety procedures and the law governing Nigeria’s civil aviation regulations, including alleged forgery of the aircraft’s documents.

    The pilot of the OAS helicopter, Captain James Manahash, a Filipino, said yesterday that he was “surprised that I was recalled after taking off from Government House because I had communicated with the control tower on radio.

    “We were already airborne when we got the call to return to the airport and were even threatened that failure to do so would lead to complete grounding of the aircraft. The governor prevailed on me to return and listen to them.

    “When we got back to the airport, I was told to pay landing and aerodrome fees which ordinarily we could pay later because we were already airborne.

    “Even after completing the process of payment within 10 minutes, we were still delayed for one hour fifteen minutes. The Governor left in anger after that.

    “I am surprised by this development because this is not the first time I would be coming to Benin to fly the governor.

    “I was even threatened, after payment, that the aircraft would be grounded completely if I argued with them.

    “I have flown for 35 years, seven of which I spent in Nigeria, and this is the first time I am encountering a situation like this. I do not know what problem they have with the governor.”

    With the pilot and NAMA officials locked in an argument on the issue, the governor stood in the scorching sun, expecting to resume his trip soonest.

    That never happened and he stormed off, declining to speak to reporters.

    It was gathered that he drove to his Iyamho hometown.

    Governor Oshiomhole’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbua, blamed the federal authorities for the development.

    “I think the government of the day is competing with too many crisis, and it is disturbing that governors are no longer respected or recognised even in their own domain when it is known that they were duly elected by the people.

    “How else do you explain the role of a NAMA clerk who grounded the governor’s aircraft and prevented him from keeping his appointment in Anambra State because he is acting out a script that has become the rule of engagement by a dictatorial PDP regime. We remain unprovoked because we are civilised people.”

    Oshiomhole is a supporter of Governor Amaechi in the disputed election of the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

    Contacted, the Managing Director of OAS Helicopters, Mr Everest Nnaji, expressed shock over the incident, saying: “I am still making calls to find out exactly why they did not allow the pilot to fly the helicopter conveying the governor to Anambra State. I am really angry. I don’t know why they did that, and that is why I am still trying to make contacts because we have no problems with NAMA.”

    However, NAMA said the pilot was to blame for the problem, saying Mahanash was reluctant to comply with the declaration of passenger manifest for the flight.

    The general Manager, Public Affairs of NAMA, Supo Atobatele, said in a statement: “The pilot of an helicopter marked 5N-BPX AS335 operated by OAS, called from Government House, Edo State that he would be lifting from there to Awka, Anambra State. He was, however, informed of the need for official documentation.

    •That for the safety and security of people onboard there is the need to file a flight plan at the airport and submit passenger manifest.

    •That his initial response was that he was flying the Governor and they were going for an important meeting in Awka.

    •That the pilot was advised to lift from the airport direct and do the documentation since he had the Governor who is the chief security of the state on board. This would have taken only three minutes.

    •That the flight plan can be a tool for search and rescue in case of any emergency.

    •That the pilot hesitated for a while and later consented to fly to the airport.

    •That at 10.18 am the helicopter landed at the airport and the pilot went straight to the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) without manifest as he claimed he didn’t know the names of those on board. He was however assisted to write the names of those on board for the sake of the governor.

    •That NAMA officials in line with requirements for safety and security moved quickly to ensure that the pilot complied with the flight procedure and this lasted for 30 minutes.

    •That the said helicopter needed to file in a flight plan because it is billed to operate in a controlled airspace where it would be expected for the pilot to yield to air traffic controllers’ instructions.

    •That the Benin Airport, Air Force Commandant, Air Commodore U.J. Atiku told the pilot of the need to file in the necessary papers as a professional and should not give impression that the Governor was denied departure to Awka.

    •That amidst of all these, the governor sought to speak with the Airspace Manager on the cause of delay. The ASM was never given chance to explain the need to observe mandatory procedures for safety and security, rather was verbally assaulted severally while trying to explain the primary reason for the delay.

    •That the Pilot, believed to be a Korean, later apologised to NAMA officials for his refusal to document his flight and pay the necessary charges. He pleaded that the incident should not be filed against him.

    “There is no political issue in this case.NAMA is an air navigation service provider and we operate within globally acceptable standards. We are professionally guided by rules and procedures. The service we render borders on safety from the ground to the air and back to ground.”

  • NAMA grounds Oshiomhole’s chopper

    NAMA grounds Oshiomhole’s chopper

    The Nigerian Aviation Management Agency on Friday recalled and grounded an airborne OAS Helicopter ferrying Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State to Awka, Anambra State for the funeral service of late Mrs. Colette Obi, wife of Senator Ben Obi, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President.

    Pilot of the helicopter, Captain James Manahash, a Filipino, said “I was surprised that I was recalled after taking-off from Government House because I had communicated with the control tower on radio.

    “We were already airborne when we got the call to return to the airport and was even threatened that failure to do so would lead to complete grounding of the aircraft. The governor prevailed on me to return and listen to them.

    “When we got back to the airport, I was told to pay landing and aerodrome fees which ordinarily we could pay later because we were already airborne.

    “Even after the completion of the payment process within 10 minutes, we were still delayed for one hour and 15 minutes. The Governor left in anger after that.

    “I am surprised by this development because this is not the first time I would be coming to Benin to fly the governor.

    “I was even threatened, after payment, that the aircraft will be grounded completely if I argued with them.

    “I have flown for 35 years, seven of which I spent in Nigeria and this is the first time I am encountering a situation like this. I do not know what problem they have with the governor.”

    The Managing Director of the OAS Helicopters, Mr. Everest Nnaji, who was contacted, expressed shock at the incident, saying that “I am still making calls to find out exactly why they did not allow the pilot fly the helicopter conveying the governor to Anambra State. I am really angry, I don’t know why they did that and that is why I am still trying to make contact because we have no problems with NAMA.”

     

  • ‘Leave Oshiomhole alone’

    An Edo State group, the Esan League for Good Governance, has urged opposition parties to back Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s development drive.

    In a communiqué by the Convener, Henry Okpamen, the group praised the governor for the development in the state, saying he needs the support of everyone.

    “We call on the opposition to exercise restraint in the outburst against the government on issues, which are usually trivial. We urge them to support the governor in his avowed desire to transform the state.

    “This is because the level of performance under the present leadership has demonstrated that Oshiomhole means well for the people and can be trusted with public funds,” the group said.

    The group, however, drew the governor’s attention to the need to dualise the Eguare – Ujeolen – Ihunmindumu road in Esan West Local Government, Ekpoma, which it said has broken down.

    It also called for the dualisation of Irrua–Uromi–Ubiaja roads and all the roads that pass through major towns in Edo Central; as well as rehabilitation of Ikeken, Idigun, Iruele Awo Primary schools in Ward 7, Amenokhian in Esan North East Local Government Area.

  • Oshiomhole urges religious bodies, others to invest in children

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday urged voluntary organisations, traditional and religious institutions as well as corporate bodies to invest in the upbringing of children, especially in the general environment where the children learn and play.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu, the governor spoke at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, the state capital, during this year’s Children’s Day celebration, with the theme: Our Children, Our Future, Our Collective Responsibility.

    Oshiomhole said everyone has a responsibility to ensure that children become good, productive and law-abiding citizens.