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Tag: Oshiomhole

  • Oshiomhole and burden of leadership

    And they said unto Moses, because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? Wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.”

    “And the people murmured against Moses….. and the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger”.

    The above explained the burden and challenge of leadership Moses faced in the course of leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. It wasn’t an easy task. I am sure Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is presently in this quagmire. Like Moses, Oshiomhole is on my mind. A misunderstood activist, he is almost becoming a victim of his own creation – One Man, One Vote. A champion of the democratic struggles in Nigeria, a selfless labour leader who sacrificed personal comfort for the common good, he is now being derided over the recent local government election in Edo State.

    Like Moses led the children of Israel from bondage, so did Oshiomhole Edo people. He, with others struggled for a democracy that would guarantee Nigerians access to quality education, healthcare and good physical infrastructure. These heroes struggled for a country where every Nigerian would have legitimate means of livelihood. They fought for a country that would enhance the productive capacities of every Nigerian. They fought for a country where every Nigerian will live in dignity.

    Oshiomhole is one patriotic Nigerian struggling for a united Nigeria and a society where every vote will count. As a Governor, just as in labour unionism, he is still in the struggle for a society where the will of the people, not godfathers, would be the basis of governance. This is the nature of the society Oshiomhole is fighting for. And he hasn’t betrayed this trust.

    Beside Moses, Jesus Christ on my mind. He saved the world but the world rejected him. The world preferred Barabas. Needless to remind us of those miracles God wrought through Moses yet, they complained. Remember the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

    Isn’t this a resemblance of how Oshiomhole came to Edo politics to rescue us from the political bondage we found ourselves since 1999? And we believed him? And we thanked God? Can we deny this fact?

    There is no doubt he meant well for Edo people. He preached One Man, One Vote like a puritan politician. He cannot be governor and the same time be commissioner. He cannot be EDSIEC chairman neither can he pretend to be. He cannot sit in Osadebey Avenue and at the same time in Uromi for the election. He has told us time without number that he cannot rig election for anybody; what shall it profit him?

    And so, during and just after the local government elections, some elements best described as criminals, hijacked the political space. Edo State was in their hands before Oshiomhole came in. It was a state where poverty, inequality, under- and unemployment were on the increase. The majority of our youths and graduates were unemployed. But the situation, since Oshiomhole came on board, has since changed. They would be foolish, if they don’t fight back. And so, the opportunity presented itself; late arrival of electoral materials by EDSIEC- they seized it, cashed on it and politicized it.

    However, let me quickly remind us that we must not forget the general acknowledgement of the decline of education system in the state before Oshiomhole came. We also know that this decline was partly due to the neglect of the education sector by successive governments at the state and local government levels. And that these politicians who shouted hoax masterminded the coup against Edo people in the past. We must not forget so easily.

    Be it in terms of road infrastructure, Oshiomhole opened our eyes. We were in a parlous state but today, there is no local government that has not benefited from Oshiomhole’s road gesture. Some will argue, ‘it’s our collective patrimony’ but don’t forget that some diverted same to private pockets in the past and heavens didn’t fall.

    We now see extra lanes being constructed along Uselu, Ugbowo, New Benin, Airport Road, and Akpakpava road. We now see street lights in Ring Road, Sapele Road, Sokponba Road, Siloko Road and the magnificent glittering sight to behold in Five junction. We now see red roofs in our public schools across the 18 local government areas, water in difficult terrains and employment of jobless youths. We’ve not had it so good before and we must do everything possible to sustain this tempo.

    In Oshiomhole’s enlightened self interest, he freed the political space and brought governance down from its Olympian height to the ordinary people. Today, anybody can go to Edo State Government House, access the governor, the commissioners and even lead one man protest to Osadebey Avenue.

    Even Oshiomhole’s worst critics attest to the fact that we now have a purposeful and visionary leadership in the state. The governor is not oblivious of this fact that except good leadership, the political and economic leaders will be consumed by the rot they have created in the country.

    In effect, good governance and improved social and physical infrastructure as well as inclusive political participation, wealth creation and distribution and retooling of our educational facilities as well as conducting a free and fair local government elections are not only needed by Edo people, but some appreciating and encouraging minds can yield more of democratic dividends.

    Or else, our political Pharaohs will say of us, “they are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in”. Lest we forget that it was also in this wilderness that the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. This is the burden of leadership and that’s why I sympathise with Oshiomhole.

     

    • Dr. Deacon Abulimen writes from Uromi, Edo State

  • Be practical, Oshiomhole tells NLC

    •’I can’t be intimidated’

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to lament the situation in the country but to practically engage the government.

    According to him, it is impossible to persuade the oppressors to stop oppressing the masses.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa yesterday, he said freedom for the people can only come when there is a resolution for labour to stand on its feet.

    He said: “I like to remind NLC to use this opportunity to remind workers that it is not a time for lamentation, it is a time for engagement, practical engagement.

    “So my comment to NLC and to Organised Labour is to recognise that we cannot persuade the oppressors to stop oppressing.

    “We cannot persuade the exploiter to stop exploitation. We can engage them, we can terminate them, we can weaken their capacity and we can get freedom when we resolve to stand on our feet.

    “When we remember that the union makes us strong then we can build a new world from the ashes of the old.

    “Well, it’s a struggle, you know, I mean there is no question that things could be better.”

    “You know people who don’t work who are making money are still too many. You know there are difficulties in reconciling efforts with reward.

    “Those who work the hardest can hardly feed. And those who are not working have so much.”

    Oshiomhole also said the protesters of the April 20 local government elections are attempting to oppress him with Federal Government apparatus.

    He spoke at the pre-May Day Symposium of Nigerian Centenary May Day Celebration at Abuja, where he said he had attended a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House in Abuja.

    “First I apologise to Mr. Chairman for obviously disrupting the last speakers’ presentation. It wasn’t intended.

    “I had to go and see Oga at the top in the Villa before coming here. Of course, when it comes to Oga at the top it has to take precedence.”

    The governor said despite the uprising of protesters , he can neither be intimidated nor oppressed.

    Oshiomhole said he deployed his skills acquired from labour struggle to defeat his opponents ,who held sway in the state’s politics and saw themselves as invincible.

    According to him, those former political tin gods are only operational in Abuja, where they seek to use federal might to oppress him.

  • Council elections free and fair, says Oshiomhole

    Council elections free and fair, says Oshiomhole

    •’Rigging synonymous with PDP’  

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday declared that the April 20 local government election was the freest and fairest ever in the state.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Oshiomhole said the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was victorious because he and some patriots destroyed the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) rigging machine.

    Stating that he believes in the one-man-one-vote principle, the governor said the people voted for ACN because of the progress and infrastructural development in the state.

    According to him, many PDP leaders and members have joined the ACN as they now realise it is possible to conduct a free and fair election under the ACN platform.

    Oshiomhole said: “Well, the first question to ask is who is complaining? If a robber is complaining of being robbed, it is your choice as to how much weight to place on his complaints.

    “The history of rigging election in Nigeria is as old as PDP. It has lived on it, it has perpetuated it, it has deepened it, it has feasted on it, and it has even celebrated it.

    “I thank God He used me and all other patriots to dismantle the PDP’s rigging machine in Edo State. And do recall that July 14, last year, I contested election in Edo State and I won in all the 18 local governments, including Chief Tony Anenih’s local government. I defeated him in his local government; I defeated him in his ward.

    “Mike Onolomemeh, the Minister of Works, I defeated him in his polling booth, I defeated him in his ward. Itulah, the lawmaker, I defeated him in his ward; I defeated him in his unit.

    “Where are the PDP guys? This is the end of the PDP godfatherism. So, God has used us to dismantle it, if it is evil, it can’t stand.”

    He continued: “After that election, more and more people have joined the ACN because they were completely demoralised. When they joined, they said when a child keeps failing, a responsible person will say my friend go and learn work, ‘e be like say your brain is not good for this kind book work.’ So the truth is more people have left PDP.

    “Now, we conducted local government elections. The only reason it can be an issue is because we chose to fight on the side of democracy because that has been our lives.

    “When some of these guys who are feasting on the system today were embedded in the military, we were on the streets demanding democracy and therefore for us, it is not a choice that we launch the campaign of one-man-one-vote, we need it and without it Nigeria’s democracy is not on.

    “And so when they are talking, I ask them a simple question and you can ask them, who among those talking came to Edo State to campaign?

    “Edo people are not fools, how will they vote for rogues? People whose philosophy is share the money. Those days are gone. All they have tried to do in this election is clear and that is what I went to tell the President.

    “They tried to create the impression of a state that was out of control. They tried to use some criminals, some armed gangs to create trouble here and there and the police were looking the other way.”

    Oshiomhole continued: “Of course, since I had this altercation with the police over the murder of Olaitan Oyerinde and the shoddy investigation that they did, I am not the police’s best friend.

    “But I don’t need to be best friend with the police. What I need is to be loved and appreciated by the Edo people. And when Edo people are on, no force external to Edo can rig the election and that is what has happened.

    “Now look at the contradiction. I have seen them, yesterday I watched NTA, Itulah was saying that the election conducted in Esan East Local Government was the best ever and that the result should be announced.

    “But the same people are saying that the election conducted is a sham. How do you reconcile that?”

     

  • Oshiomhole urges Afenmai to preserve their heritage

    Oshiomhole urges Afenmai to preserve their heritage

    Over a dozen masqueraders and cultural troupes converged on the Ikelebe Sports Arena, Auchi, Edo State last week to celebrate the heritage of the Afenmai people. It was a colourful presentation embellished with heavy thudding strokes of the drums, dexterous and enticing footsteps in addition to an exhibition on sculpturing, skin decoration techniques, and masquerade costume production.

    The celebration was at the instance of the Centre for Afenmai Heritage & Cultural Studies, a creative outfit for the promotion, propagation and documentation of heritage of the Afenmai people. Six local government council areas were represented with two troupes each.

    The Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole who was the Special Guest, stressed the need for the people to ensure that their past is never allowed to go into extinction, reiterating the state government’s preparedness and willingness to partner with the centre in promoting the art and culture of the Afenmai people.

    He expressed satisfaction with what the founder and director of the centre, Prince Alhaji Usman Abudah had single-handedly put together. He stressed government’s readiness to key into the creative pursuits that would be of immense benefit to the forthcoming Edo Festival.

    Prince Abudah said the outing was to unfold the natural nature of the people through the lyric formats in masquerade presentation that was equally sustained in footsteps and instrumentation.

    “The emergence of the centre to assist in a thorough approach to unveil the rural based artistes, artisans and disciples of the often-forgotten aspect of a people’s past. It is also to document several historical locations that need to be fully put on record in various forms that the government alone cannot pursue. Apart from that, it is to promote tourism locally rather than talking from Abuja when the real locations are at home.”

    Abudah recalled that the centre had in the past promoted the heritage of Afemai land with its attendance at the COJA 2003 in Abuja featuring Ikao Masqueraders and the participation in the Lagos Black Heritage Festival in 2010 in which it featured a 45-member contingent. He disclosed that the centre has published numerous reports on artistic works and festivals of the land in various Nigerian newspapers and television stations.

    The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh, Ikelebe III, the Otaru of Auchi kingdom praised the efforts of the founder and director of the centre in promoting the artistry of the Afenmai people and called on him to sustain the pursuit. Oba Danesi, the Aidonogie of South Ibie Kingdom also graced the occasion.

    A lecture titled Masquerades don’t lie: Oshiomhole as a case study was delivered by Dr. John Edemode of the Mass Communication Department of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi.

    Constance Bolivia Osigbemhe Memorial Band provided some entertainments for the guests as he performed some ever-green tracks of his late father.

  • Oshiomhole vows to find Fugar killers

    •Farmer survived by four widows, 30 children

     

    An angry Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said he would sign the death warrants for the killers of two persons in Fugar, Etsako West Local Government.

    Oshiomhole spoke when he visited the victims’ families in Fugar.

    A farmer, Oboareyi Ivharve (72) and Joachim Imoedemhe were killed and four cars and five houses burnt during a clash between Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) youths and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government, last Wednesday.

    At the home of the late Ivharue, the governor while commiserating with his four widows and 30 children said: “I am extremely sad by the incident because it is our responsibility to protect lives and property of all irrespective of political affiliation. The election is about the welfare of the people and should not be done with bullets,” he noted.

    The governor, who was also at the residence of 46-year-old Imoedemhe, who was shot and hacked to death by suspected PDP loyalists.

    He described the killings as “senseless” and expressed his administration’s readiness to cooperate with the police to find the killers.

    The governor said: “I condemn in the strongest term possible, those who are responsible for this murder and I will encourage the police to handle this investigation professionally.

    “We need to get the guys who were involved in this murder and they must be brought to justice. I understand what it means when the head of the family, who was very hard working, suddenly dies. His departure has created a vacuum that you cannot fill.

    “No man has a right to take the life of another on account of any flimsy excuse, except as confirmed by a court.

    “ Local government election is like a family meeting, where you try to elect those who should lead the family.

    “Everybody knows the other; so it is a family affair. There is no reason to campaign for election with bullets; it is completely unnecessary. And there is no justifiable provocation to lead anyone to go and kill another person. Even the issue of provocation is completely unnecessary.”

    Oshiomhole went on: “Those who are responsible for this murder when found and they brought to justice and when they are condemned I will sign their death warrants. Because I believe we need to clean up the political system.

    “I have passed through election twice and I have never asked anyone to go and kill anybody. And I went through election last year and it was peaceful. So this is really terrible.”

    He urged the police to arrest the killers, saying “it is also important to point out that all the houses burnt were the houses of ACN leaders.”

    Oshiomhole said: “It is very clear that in this act of violence, one PDP person was killed; one ACN person was killed also. But three houses belonging to the ACN were burnt.

    “I think it was good that ACN supporters did not go round burning people’s houses. We can win election any day without resorting to violence.

    “Our greatest weapon is performance; not guns, not bullets, not cutlasses. Those who destroyed the houses have destruction awaiting them. Everything must be done to isolate politics from criminals.

    “It does not matter the political affiliation of the perpetrators. If an ACN member is found to have killed, he must be brought to justice. If a PDP man is found to have killed he must be brought to justice.

    “The reason is simple. People can change their party affiliation but those killed cannot come back. There is no hiding place for these killers.”

     

  • Fugar killing: I will sign death sentence -Oshiomhole

    Fugar killing: I will sign death sentence -Oshiomhole

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State who visited the families of those killed in last week  mayhem in the state has vowed to sign the death sentence of perpetrators of the gruesome murder.

    72- year old Oboareyi Ivharve, a farmer with three wives and 30 children and Joachim Omedemeh, were shot dead while four cars and five houses were burnt during a clash between Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) youths and that of the Democratic Party (PDP) in Fugar, Etsako Central council area of the state.

     

  • Oshiomhole revokes Igbinedion’s land

    EDO State government has revoked a large parcel of land, which Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, sub-let to farmers in Ovia North East Local Government Area and assured the farmers that they are free to farm on the said land without fear of molestation.

    Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, gave the assurance during his campaign tour of Okada, Ovia North East Local Government Area, and in Ovia South West and Orhionmwon Local Government Area as part of the ongoing Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) campaigns for the forthcoming April 20, 2013 local government elections.

    Speaking to a massive crowd of supporters in the local government areas, Oshiomhole said the people have seen the difference between the forces of darkness and light.

    According to him: “At the local level, we want to form a government that is committed to the welfare of the people. Before now, there are two forces in Edo State. The forces of darkness that under developed the state, stole all the money, visit our people with misery and excuses, while they are getting rich, the people are getting poorer.

    “Those forces that would award a road contract and they would not do it. Those forces who could not build one good school; those are the forces of darkness. The force of light you can see it right here.”

    He noted that in the ten years of the Peoples Democratic Party, there is no one project that was successfully completed.

    “We want a local government chairman who has conscience.

    “A political party that has a record of performance. Our chairmen will work with the fear of God. There is no compromise.”

    On the revoked land, the governor said, “Let me sound a note of warning. I understand that some people are still carrying rumours that the land that has not been revoked that they still own it. There is only one government in Edo State and there is only one governor.

    “I understand that some of our farmers are being threatened by people government gave land to farm. Now they are not farming on the land.

    “They are giving the land to people and making them to pay rent. Don’t pay royalties to anybody any more. Edo is a free society,” he said.

    “Let me assure you that on Monday, all those land you are farming on which government gave to individuals who now in turn sublet it to you.

    “I, the Governor of Edo State say I will revoke those lands on Monday. I will revoke it in the public interest.”

    “The reason we revoked the land is simple. Every Nigerian has a right to live in any part of Nigeria. I lived in the north. I was not treated as a settler. Therefore, we cannot be here while fellow Nigerians who are cocoa farmers are treated like tenants.”

    He stressed, “in this land, there are only two authorities, the Edo State Government and His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin. Those are the only two. If you are not the Oba of Benin or the State Government, how can you be a landlord? People are paying rent to you on a land you do not own. When you farm on Edo land, whatever money you make is yours.

    “All we ask of you is to pay your personal income tax. You cannot pay rent on land.”

    “That land has been reclaimed for the good of the people of Edo State.

    “Anybody farming on that land will pay tax to government.”

    While thanking them for the confidence in his leadership, Oshiomhole urged them to keep the flag flying.

    The governor presented Mrs. Lucy Omagbon, Moris Ogurobo Ovia and Roland Ibirotomwen as Council Chairman candidates for Ovia North East, Ovia South West and Orhionmwon local government areas.

    This is coming on the heels of the announcement by Oshiomhoe that his administration has approved the sum of N110 million for the coming primary schools final and the Junior Secondary School examination, just as he said 23,000 chairs and tables would soon be purchased for public schools in the state.

    The governor stated this in Ekpoma, headquarters of Esan West local government council, during the campaign by the party ahead of next Saturday’s local government election in the state.

    Tom Ikimi, in his comments said PDP is now surviving on “Abuja oxygen” which he said would soon expire. “In the last one month, I have been discussing with Nigerians one message they have given me, that they want the young to take over from us and I give you the guarantee that that is the project we have in hand in the ACN.”

     

  • PDP fuss over Oshiomhole’s age

    •I’m 61, says governor

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has asked Governor Adams Oshiomhole to “honourably resign” from office over what it described as the confusion arising from his recent birthday celebration.

    The party said Oshiomhole’s ‘60th birthday’ celebrated last Thursday contravened the affidavit sworn-to by the governor, which showed he is 61.

    PDP Chairman Dan Orbih, at a briefing yesterday, said Oshiomhole, in the affidavit, claimed he was born on April 4, 1952 but that the governor’s birthday celebration, including several profiles of the governor, showed that he was born on April 4, 1953.

    Members of the PDP present at the briefing wore black dresses because of what they termed “ a sad day for democracy”.

    Orbih said the governor committed perjury by swearing to an affidavit that he was born in 1952 when actually he was born in 1953.

    He said Oshiomhole gave the PDP a bad name in the state and presented himself as a saint.

    The PDP chairman urged Bishop Matthew Kukah to return to Edo and conduct a confession for the governor, adding that Oshiomhole never corrected the age discrepancies.

    He said: “We are in a dilemma. When was he born; 1953 or 1952? No one man can be born in two days.

    “It is only here we are seeing inconsistencies in birthday celebrations.”

    “We challenge Oshiomhole to declare his true age.

    “We are here to deepen democracy. Democracy cannot be deepened when leaders are not credible.”

    But Oshiomhole said he is 61 and was born in 1952.

    The governor explained that he pointed out the error but the committee of friends that organised the birthday said it was too late to make any adjustment.

    The governor, who spoke through his Media Adviser, Kassim Afegbua, said past advertorials placed in the papers congratulating him on his birthdays were not authorised by him.

    The governor said he had publicly declared his true age.

    He said: “The PDP is a busy body. It is an attention-seeking party cashing in on any issue to gain press coverage.

    “The governor’s true age, which is 61, is reflected on all his travel documents and credentials.

    “Oshiomhole insisted that he would not spend tax payers’ money to celebrate his birthday.

    “If PDP is serious, it should prove allegations of spending millions on the birthday.

    “The PDP should go and campaign for the local government elections.”

     

  • Oshiomhole, Ogbemudia, others shun Niger Delta Award Dinner

    THE Steering and Organising Committee of Niger Delta Awards in the much publicised exclusive dinner/fund raising event was almost marred when notable political invitees declined to honour the invitation nor send any emissarcy.

    Among guests slated to attend the occasion who were conspicuously absent included the Benin Monarch, Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of old Bendel, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, Edo State Speaker, Hon Uyi Igbe, and Chief Mike Ozekhome.

    However, guest speaker at the event, Dr Akpo Mudiaga Odje, a constitutional lawyer, expressed concern when organisers in the country only recognise politicians who in turn use it for showmanship and ostentatious pretences.

     

  • Council poll: ACN has strategy to defeat PDP, says Oshiomhole

    EDO State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has declared the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has the strategy to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party in the April 20 local government election.

    Speaking to ACN supporters at Ehor and Igueben in his campaign tour for the poll, Oshiomhole said: “Our weapon against People Democratic Party (PDP) is service to the people.

    “We work for the people because PDP has a history of working against the people; elevate the people because PDP philosophy is to bring the people down.”

    He added: “We will invest in education because PDP believes in privatising education, investing in the building of roads because PDP believes in under-developing the people. Everything that they are opposed to that is good, we will do.”

    He told the candidates: “We have come to remind you that another election is around the corner. We need men and women who are ready to serve the people at the grassroots.

    “Our candidates must imbibe the philosophy of ACN, which is service to the people.

    “We have also decided nobody elected as a Chairman under our platform will not be allowed to govern in absentia. You cannot be a visiting chairman.

    “You must be resident local government chairman. That way, he does not need to be told that there is no light. He does not need to be told that the transformer is bad. What you don’t know you can’t solve.”

    The governor assured voters in the local areas that government would complete all on-going projects in the areas.

    He later presented the Igueben council candidate, Mr. Ashuma Asemota and Mr. Alari Roland of Uhunmwode local government areas as candidates of the ACN.