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Tag: Edo State

  • Edo LG chairmen, deputies restored back to office

    Edo LG chairmen, deputies restored back to office

    The 18 local government council chairmen of Edo State and their deputies suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly have been restored back to office.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the 18 LG chairmen and their deputies were restored back to office by a State High Court sitting in Benin, capital of the State.

    Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, who presided over the case, issued a mandatory injunction compelling the defendants to restore the claimants to their respective offices.

    Joined in the case as defendants are the Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State Government, the attorney-general and the accountant-general.

    Recall that the Edo State House of Assembly had passed a resolution suspending chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local governments in the state for two months for alleged insubordination and gross misconduct.

    The suspension followed a petition written by the Governor, Monday Okpebholo to the House over the refusal of the chairmen to submit their financial records as directed.

    Okpebholo had on Dec. 3, 2024 given the council chairmen 48 hours to submit their statements of account from September 2023 to date to the Edo State Assets Verification Committee.

    In the letter, the governor described their action as an act of insubordination and gross misconduct and requested the House to look into the matter.

    Subsequently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited the suspended chairmen of the 18 local governments in Edo to its office for interrogation.

    The invitation was contained in a letter by EFFC Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol and addressed to the Secretary to the State Government.

    Granting the mandatory injunction, Justice Ikponmwonba ruled that the status quo as of December 12, 2024, must be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    The court further restrained the defendants from acting on the resolution passed by the state House of Assembly suspending the chairmen and their deputies.

    “The court orders a mandatory injunction compelling the defendant by themselves, their privies, servants, agents, however named or described, to restore the chairmen and vice chairmen of their respective local government councils,” the judge ruled.

    TNG reports the case was adjourned to February 17, 2025, for a hearing, with the court directing that hearing notices be issued to the defendants.

  • Edo committee uncovers N200bn contract debt

    Edo committee uncovers N200bn contract debt

    The Edo Assets Verification Committee says it has uncovered some irregularities in award of contracts, including a N200 billion road contract debt owed by the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki.

    Dr Ernest Umakhihe, Chairman of the committee, told journalists on Thursday in Benin that some contractors even returned mobilization fees to government officials, which were not properly documented.

    The committee also queried poor supervision of projects by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

    Umakhihe, however, urged the current administration to leverage on the dry season to construct roads, particularly projects hurriedly awarded during the September 2024 election period.

    “As the committee close for the year, we felt the need to brief the public on key discoveries. There are huge outstanding commitments in respect of road infrastructure.

    “No matter how indecent some of our findings are, the government has to explore the dry season to make an appreciable intervention in road construction.

    “Significant breaches of the Edo State Public Procurement Law were uncovered, including dubious contract variations that exceeded initial contract sums.

    “In some cases, the variations were higher than the initial contract sum. The transaction on the Radisson Hotel project leaves so much to be desired.

    “The Radisson Hotel project was another area of concern, with ownership changes reducing Edo State’s equity to 20 percent despite government N17.5 billion investment and an initial payment of N2billion for acquisition of land.

    “The state government must reclaim its primary position as the core investor in the Radisson Hotel,” Umakhihe asserted.

    The committee chairman explained that Opaque operations of agencies like the Edo State Oil Palm Project Office were also discovered, with huge expenditures funneled through consultants.

    He stated that the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) was found to be an independent trust on government land, with Edo State contributing N3.8 billion but holding no equity in the project.

    He revealed that ICT projects were riddled with irregularities, including a N5 billion payment commitment for cybersecurity software, of which N1.7 billion had already been expended.

    Umakhihe promised a comprehensive final report in 2025, with detailed findings across other sectors, including education, health, and agriculture.

    According to him, we are committed to ensuring that the new government has accurate data to make informed decisions.

  • EFCC invites suspended Edo LG chairmen

    EFCC invites suspended Edo LG chairmen

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may have invited the suspended chairmen of the 18 local governments in Edo to its office for interrogation.

    The invitation was contained in a letter by EFFC Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol and addressed to the Secretary to the State Government.

    Chukkol, in the letter dated Dec. 17, directed the chairmen of Akoko-Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, and Esan West, to report at its office on Thursday, Dec. 19.

    Others also expected at the commission on Thursday are the chairmen of Etsako Central, Etsako East, and Etsako West local governments.

    The remaining chairmen from Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode local governments are scheduled to report on Friday, Dec. 20.

    The commission’s director of investigation requested that the chairmen come with certified true copies of comprehensive documentation relating to staff strength and payroll.

    Other documents requested included details of accounts where funds are received for payment of staff salaries, details of accounts where funds are reserved for staff salaries exigencies, the statement of account of the said accounts from Jan. 1 to Date.

    He said the request was made pursuant to Section 38(1);(2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.

    Recall that the state House of Assembly had on Dec. 17 suspended the chairmen and the vice chairmen for alleged insubordination and misconduct.

    The suspension reportedly followed their failure to submit their financial statements as directed by Gov. Monday Okpebholo.

  • Edo: Drama as committee storms tribunal to recover govt vehicle

    Edo: Drama as committee storms tribunal to recover govt vehicle

    There was a mild drama on Wednesday in Benin as members of the state government Assets Recovery Committee stormed the 2024 Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to recover a bus owned by the state government.

    The vehicle, which was a 32-seater-coaster bus, conveyed the counsels to the People’s Democratic Party, to the tribunal sitting in the premises of the Edo High Court.

    Some members of the recovery committee had, in the morning, before the sitting of the tribunal, attempted to recover the vehicle.

    The committee said the bus was one of the assets taken away by some officials of the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki.

    According to sources, the committee later reached an accord with the occupants who were majorly senior lawyers that the bus would be returned once it took them back to their destinations.

    Drama, however, ensued when the committee members reneged after the sitting and sought to forcefully recover the bus.

    The action later degenerated into fisticuffs among the occupants of the bus and some members of the committee.

    It took the intervention of the stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party to settle the matter. The lawyers were later seen, leaving the court in the bus.

  • APC asks tribunal to dismiss PDP’s petition against Okpebholo

    APC asks tribunal to dismiss PDP’s petition against Okpebholo

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the 2024 Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to dismiss the petition filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the victory of Gov. Monday Okpebholo.

    The APC, in a motion, argued by its counsel, Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, on Wednesday, described the PDP petition as incompetent.

    Orbih told the three man panel, sitting in Benin that the PDP’s petition was not filed in accordance with the extant law. Besides, he said the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

    According to Orbih, further grounds for seeking the dismissal of the petition are contained in the motion paper dated Nov. 30, and supported by a seven paragraph affidavit.

    In its counter-argument, the PDP through its counsel, Ken Mozia, SAN, urged the tribunal to discountenance the submission of the APC.

    Mozia explained that the PDP had filed a reply and counter-affidavit to challenge the APC’s motion.

    The tribunal’s chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, however, reserved ruling on the motion until the final day of the case.

    In another motion, APC asked the tribunal to strike out some paragraphs in the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate in the election, Dr Asue Ighodalo.

    While arguing the application, Orbih urged the tribunal to deliver its ruling on the motion before it commenced hearing into the petition.

    The PDP’s counsel, however, countered the application, urging the tribunal to dismiss the APC’s motion for lack of merit.

    Justice Kpochi, however, discountenanced the argument of the APC, saying rulings on all preliminary motions would be delivered on the final judgement day.

    Earlier, the PDP had also moved four different motions, calling on the tribunal to expunge various paragraphs in the replies of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC and Okpebholo to its petition.

    At the end, the tribunal adjourned to Dec. 21 for the parties in the case to file a common proposal that would guide the tribunal during the hearing.

    The PDP is challenging the declaration of Okpebholo as winner of the Sept. 21 election by the INEC. INEC said Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat PDP’s Ighodalo, who recorded 247,274 votes.

  • Edo LG chairmen fault Assembly on suspension

    Edo LG chairmen fault Assembly on suspension

    The embattled 18 Local Government Chairmen in Edo State on Wednesday in Benin declared their suspension by the State House of Assembly as null and void.

    It would be recalled that the Governor, Monday Okpebholo had written to the House over the chairmen’s refusal to submit financial records to the Asset Verification Committee as directed.

    The governor described their actions as gross misconduct and insubordination, urging the House to address the matter.

    On Wednesday, December 17, the Edo House of Assembly suspended the chairmen and their deputies over alleged insubordination and misconduct.

    The chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Edo chapter and chairman, Orhiomwon LG, Newman Ugiagbe, said the Assembly acted against a court ruling, adding that they would remain in office till September 2026.

    Ugiagbe noted that the chairmen had taken the matter to court, where Justice Daniel Okungbowa ruled that the governor and Assembly lacked powers to suspend them.

    He said they reminded the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku of a court order restraining the government from interfering with their constitutional functions or council assets.

    He disclosed that the court also barred the defendants from meddling in council administration or obstructing the chairmen from performing their lawful duties.

    Ugiagbe emphasized that their tenure runs from September 2023 to September 2026, as stipulated by law.

    He affirmed their commitment to fulfilling their constitutional roles, maintaining that no authority could prevent them from serving their councils.

    The chairmen urged security agencies to protect council assets and ensure law and order in the 18 local government areas of the state.

    On his part, the State Attorney General, Dr Samson Osagie said local governments democratic structures had not been altered by the Assembly.

    According to him, “what’s clear is that the House has exercised its powers in the constitution in pursuant to local government administration.

    “The Chairmen better be advised that there is only one Chief Security Officer in the state, that is the governor,” Osagie said.

  • 2025 will be better for Edo people – Gov Okpebholo assures

    2025 will be better for Edo people – Gov Okpebholo assures

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has assured that his administration will make 2025 a better year for the people, through practical and good governance in the State.

    Okpebholo gave the assurance during 2024 Nine Lessons and Carol organised by the State House of Assembly on Wednesday in Benin.

    Okpebholo, who joined the 24 members and staff of the assembly in a melodious tune, thanked God for his blessings upon the state and prayed for love and unity of the state as it progresses into 2025.

    “God has been good to us in the state. As the year is coming to an end, we will not end with the year, but see the end of it and together we shall all enter 2025, praying for more blessings,” the governor said.

    The Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, during the Nine Lessons and Carol service, expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of life and His countless blessings throughout the year.

    Agbebaku acknowledged the challenges faced but emphasised the faithfulness of God in preserving and guiding everyone through them.

    The Deputy speaker, Maria Oligbi-Edeko, in her heartfelt prayer, asked for God’s continued protection, wisdom, and grace in the coming year, urging everyone to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God.

    Oligbi-Edeko also highlighted the significance of the season as a time to reflect on God’s love, share joy, and spread hope.

    The high point of the Carol was the rendition of different melodious tunes by the EDHA choir and El-Excess Choral choir to the delight of everyone present.

  • Edo gets new controller of corrections

    Edo gets new controller of corrections

    Mr Sunday Oyakhire has assumed duty as the Controller of Corrections, Edo Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Suleman Aminu announced this via a statement on Wednesday in Benin.

    According to Aminu,Oyakhire takes over from Assistant Controller General of Corrections, Philomena Emehinola Esq who has been deployed to the National Headquarters following her promotion from the rank of Controller of Corrections.

    The command’s spokesperson described Oyakhire as a very seasoned and professional officer.

    Until his elevation, Aminu said the new controller was the officer incharge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Enugu.

    According to him, Oyakhire has previously in his career headed several Custodial Centres in the state, including Medium Security Custodial Centres, in Auchi, Oko, and Ubiaja.

  • PDP reacts over suspension of all Edo LG chairmen

    PDP reacts over suspension of all Edo LG chairmen

    The Edo State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the suspension of all chairmen in the 18 local government areas of Edo State by the State House of Assembly.

    A statement by Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, the state PDP Chairman on Tuesday in Benin, described the action as unconstitutional, null, and void.

    He noted that the suspension disregarded the recent ruling of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.

    Aziegbemi claimed that the suspension was a blatant violation of the Supreme Court’s decision, which affirmed the autonomy and independence of local governments, as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “How can a governor direct the State Assembly to suspend democratically elected chairmen of the 18 local councils for insubordination when these officials enjoy autonomy and independence as enshrined in the Constitution,” he said.

    He noted that local council chairmen were not subordinates of the governor, the State Assembly, or any other arm of government.

    He expressed concern over the complete disregard for the Constitution and the judiciary’s rulings.

    “We are also aware that the Chairmen and their vice chairmen were not given the opportunity to defend themselves. They were suspended unheard, based on watery, trumped-up charges,” Aziegbemi said.

    He stressed that such actions were not only illegal but also a direct assault on democracy and the rule of law.

    “The Constitution remains supreme, and any attempt to undermine it must be resisted,” he added.

    Aziegbemi said that the Speaker and the entire Edo House of Assembly had clearly exceeded their constitutional mandates by carrying out the illegal action.

    He urged the Assembly to immediately reverse its decision in respect for the rule of law and the principles of democratic governance.

    He emphasized that adherence to the Constitution was non-negotiable.

    “We therefore direct the council chairmen and their vice chairmen to report to their councils tomorrow and carry on with their normal duties,” Aziegbemi said.

    He also called on the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation to intervene, stating that the state government actions constituted a breach of the Constitution and a threat to security.

  • Edo Assembly suspends 18 local government chairmen

    Edo Assembly suspends 18 local government chairmen

    The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a resolution suspending chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local governments in the state for two months for alleged insubordination and gross misconduct.

    At plenary on Tuesday, the House also mandated leaders of the legislative arms in the local governments to take over leadership of the respective councils.

    The suspension followed a petition written by the Governor, Monday Okpebholo to the House over the refusal of the chairmen to submit their financial records as directed.

    Okpebholo had on Dec. 3, 2024 given the council chairmen 48 hours to submit their statements of account from September 2023 to date to the Edo State Assets Verification Committee.

    In the letter, the governor described their action as an act of insubordination and gross misconduct and requested the House to look into the matter.

    The suspension of the chairmen and the vice chairmen was sequel to a motion moved by Mr Isibor Adeh (APC Esan North East1) and seconded by Donald Okogbe (PDP Akoko-Edo11)

    After the debate, the Speaker, Mr Blessing Agbebaku called for voting on the matter

    After voting, 14 members supported the motion for their suspension, six were opposed to the motion while three members refused to either support or oppose the motion.