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Tag: Edo State

  • Edo govt lifts suspension on state security corps

    Edo govt lifts suspension on state security corps

    Edo Government says it has lifted the suspension on the operations of the state security corps to strengthen the state security apparatus.

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor announced this via a statement issued in Benin on Friday.

    “In a move to fortify the security architecture of Edo State, the government has lifted the suspension imposed on the Edo State Security Corps in September 2024.

    “The decision made by the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, marks a comprehensive shift in the state’s quest for enhanced safety and security.

    “The suspension was initiated by the Inspector General of Police ahead of the Sept. 21, 2024 Gubernatorial Election.

    “The suspension was based on the constitutional stipulation that election security is the sole responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force, although it can be assisted by other sister agencies within the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

    “However, with the successful conduct of the gubernatorial election, the Edo State Government has deemed it necessary to reinstate the security corps,” he said.

    Ikhilor said the move was to bolster the state’s security apparatus and ensure the safety of its citizens.

    According to him, all returning officers are required to report to the office of the State Corps Commander or the three zonal offices of the Corps.

    “This directive aims to ensure a seamless transition and the effective deployment of the security corps,” the SSG said.

  • Edo PDP raises alarm over Okpebholo’s flyover

    Edo PDP raises alarm over Okpebholo’s flyover

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee has called on the Edo State government to make public the procurement procedure for the proposed flyover at Ramat Park, Benin.

    Dr Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, said this at a news conference on Tuesday in Benin.

    Aziegbemi alleged that the flyover recently flagged off by Governor Monday Okpebholo bypassed standard procurement procedures.

    He urged the government to disclose the project’s cost, timeline, and the process by which contractors were selected.

    “We are aware that the emergency overhead bridge at Ramat Park bypassed all standard procedures.

    “The project is a white elephant scheme to reward godfathers for subverting Edo people’s will during the gubernatorial election,” he said.

    The chairman accused the governor of dismantling governance structures inherited from his predecessor, claiming the state’s Procurement Act was disregarded.

    He criticized the delay in November salary payments despite the former administration left over N30 billion in the state’s coffers.

    “For eight years, the PDP administration paid salaries on or before the 25th of each month. Today, civil servants await November salaries despite the funds left behind,” Aziegbemi added.

    He also denounced the governor’s alleged attempt to disparage the EdoBEST programme, which he described as one of Africa’s most impactful education reforms.

    He credited the PDP-led administration for successfully rehabilitating over 340 schools across Edo’s senatorial districts.

    Reacting, Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, dismissed PDP’s allegations, stating the party was struggling to adjust to its opposition role.

    Itua accused the PDP of mismanaging resources, disrespecting traditional institutions, and distributing government assets to allies.

    “Within one week, the governor has addressed issues the PDP ignored for eight years. He banned touting in markets and illegal revenue collection,” Itua said.

    He highlighted the flyover bridge as a milestone for Edo State, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges.

    He warned that the public would soon learn the depth of the previous administration’s mismanagement.

    According to him, records show the PDP-government gave away nearly 500 government vehicles to cronies.

    “No blackmail will stop the recovery of Edo’s commonwealth,” he said.

  • Residents lynch 2 artisans to death by mistake in Edo

    Residents lynch 2 artisans to death by mistake in Edo

    A mob in Edo State has reportedly killed two artisans mistaken for armed robbers in Amagba community of Benin City.

    Sources disclosed that the victims, who were said to be welders, were identified as Osamudiamen Ehigie and Nosa Aghimie.

    The duo were said to be returning from a project site in the community about 6p.m on Nov. 16 when they ran into gunmen who were robbing some residents.

    A source told NAN that the suspected robbers who saw the artisans gave them a hot chase and in the process, the artisans ran into a house in the vicinity and hid themselves.

    According to the source, the residents in the neighborhood who mistook them for the robbers, apprehended them and beat them to death.

    The owner of the site, where they had gone to work, came to the scene to argue their innocence.

    Meanwhile, it was gathered that the police have arrested three suspects alleged to have been directly involved in the lynching.

    When contacted, SP Moses Yamu, spokesman of the police command in Edo, on Monday, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the three suspects for murder.

    “The command is aware of the incident where two young boys unfortunately met their deaths. The command immediately arrested three suspects, while two other suspects are at large.

    “Those arrested have since been charged to court,” he said.

  • Gov Okpebholo unveils 14-man panel to probe Obaseki

    Gov Okpebholo unveils 14-man panel to probe Obaseki

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has constituted a 14-man state Assets Verification Committee to probe the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.

    A statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Fred Itua on Sunday in Benin, said the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

    Itua listed the members to include Dr Ernest Umakhihe, Chairman, Anslem Ojezua- Deputy Chairman, Frank Edebor, Secretary, while Prince Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale and Taiwo Akerele, are members.

    Others members are Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Mrs Lyndsey Tes-Sorae and Abass Braimoh.

    The statement said that the committee became imperative to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership.

    “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government came up with very scanty and limited assets and liabilities of the state.

    “In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected persons is to look into the books,” the statement said.

  • Edo govt declares over 200 official vehicles missing

    Edo govt declares over 200 official vehicles missing

    Chairman of the Committee set up by Gov. Monday Okpebholo to recover government vehicles, Mr Kelly Okungbowa, on Friday declared over 200 vehicles missing.

    He stated that the committee had within 24 hours recovered three vehicles in a private residence in Benin.

    Okungbowa, who spoke to newsmen on the success of the committee’s assignment, said within 24 hours three vehicles including one Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses have been recovered.

    He disclosed that in one of the Toyota Hiace buses, the committee recovered some palliatives which were meant to have been distributed to Edo people.

    The chairman added that the palliatives included bags of garri and rice.

    He appealed for more information from members of the public, adding that it was the information earlier obtained that led to the recovery of the three vehicles.

    Okungbowa assured whistleblowers that a handsome reward awaits them provided their information were correct and verifiable.

    “Yesterday, we were inaugurated, we promised to follow the law to carry out the mandate of Mr Governor which is to recover all missing government vehicles in private hands.

    ”We are glad to inform the people of Edo State that we have recorded success within 24 hours of our inauguration. I am glad to announce to you that we have recovered one Hilux and two Toyota Hiace buses in private custody.

    “We assure Edo people and the State Government that we are going to do the job to the best of our ability. We will make sure we recover all the stolen vehicles.

    “This is not private property but the property of Edo citizens and it is not good for a private individual to steal government property,” he said.

    He appealed to former government officials and other citizens holding back government vehicles to return them within 48 hours.

  • Gov Okpebholo probes Obaseki’s recruitment into Edo civil service

    Gov Okpebholo probes Obaseki’s recruitment into Edo civil service

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Friday suspended recruitment into the state’s Civil Service until further notice.

    The governor also ordered review of all recruitments carried out by former Gov. Godwin Obaseki between May and November 2024.

    A statement by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Musa  Ikhilor, accused heads of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of carrying out clandestine recruitments into the state’s Civil Service.

    “The governor is in receipt of report of the clandestine activities being perpetuated by some Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of government in the state.

    “Preliminary investigation reveals that these bodies have continued to issue back dated letters of employment to their cronies without due process.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, this administration believes in the principle of fairness and equity, which expects that all employment exercise should be merit based, competitive and accessible to all Edo indigenes.

    “In light of the foregoing and in order to arrest this ugly trend, the governor has directed the immediate suspension of all employment processes.

    “As well as the review of all appointments carried out since May, 2024 by Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government.

    “Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to note and comply with the above directive,” the statement said.

  • Gov Okpebholo dissolves governing councils of tertiary institutions in Edo State

    Gov Okpebholo dissolves governing councils of tertiary institutions in Edo State

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Wednesday approved the dissolution of the Governing Councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions.

    The Governor also approved the disengagement of the Management Staff of Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City with immediate effect.

    The dissolutions are contained in a Government Special Announcement” dated Nov. 20 by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor.

    “It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the dissolution of the Governing Councils of all State owned Tertiary Institutions with immediate effect.

    “Accordingly, all affected members of the Governing Councils of all State owned Tertiary Institutions are to handover all Government properties in their possession to their respective Heads of the Institutions.

    “It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the disengagement of the Management Staff of Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City with immediate effect.

    “In view of the above, the Management Staff of the aforementioned hospitals are to handover all Government properties in their possession to the most senior officer in their various Institutions,” Ikhilor announced.

  • Gov Okpebholo suspends market unions in Edo State

    Gov Okpebholo suspends market unions in Edo State

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended all Market Unions and Associations in the state over alleged price fixing and extortion.

    The Governor directed the Police and other security agencies in the state to arrest defaulting leaders of the suspended unions and associations.

    The dissolution was contained in a statement by Mr Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Wednesday in Benin.

    According to the statement, the decision is informed by the “disturbing activities” of market unions and associations in the state.

    The statement read: “The attention of the State Government has been drawn to the disturbing activities of Market Unions in the State.

    “Reports abound that the Executives of these Unions either out rightly prevent farmers from disposing off their wares directly to consumers at the markets or arbitrarily fix prices of these staple foods at the detriment of the low income earners and generally, the citizens of the State.

    “Their actions have ultimately led to an astronomical rise in the prices of staple foods in the State, thereby making life unbearable for the common Edo man.

    “Edo State Government views this action with serious concern and considers it extortionist in nature which should not be allowed to thrive.

    “While Edo State Government appreciates the role of market traders and their contribution to the economy of our dear State, it will not however serve as justification to allow a few individuals under the guise of Market Unions Executives and for their selfish reasons, continue to hold the entire State to ransom through their selfish and extortionist activities.

    “Following from the foregoing, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension of the activities of all Market Unions in Edo State with immediate effect.”

  • Edo Assembly confirms Okoebor as Finance Commissioner

    Edo Assembly confirms Okoebor as Finance Commissioner

    Edo House of Assembly on Wednesday in Benin confirmed Mr Emmanuel Okoebor as Finance commissioner following his nomination by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    The confirmation of Okoebor was sequel to his screening by theCommittee on Rules, Business and Government House chaired by the Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian.

    The committee found Okoebor to be educationally qualified and fit for the job and therefore recommended that he be confirmed.

    The House thereafter confirmed the nominee of Okoebor as commissioner for finance in the state in a voice vote.

    The confirmation of Okoebor has raised the number of commissioners so far to three.

  • Gov Okpebholo launches construction of first flyover in Edo State

    Gov Okpebholo launches construction of first flyover in Edo State

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has launched the construction of first flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin, as part of immediate efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the city.

    Performing the ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday, Okpebholo said his administration would also construct two more flyover bridges at Dawson Road Junction and Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction, also in Benin.

    According to him, the completion of the Ramat Park flyover in Benin will transform the economic and social fortunes of the city.

    He stated that Ramat Park is a gateway to Benin and other parts of the country, noting that the bridge would reduce the hardship faced by motorists and commuters on the Benin-Auchi and Benin-Asaba expressways.

    He said “I warmly welcome you to the groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of the Ramat Park flyover here in Benin City.

    “We have gathered to witness the beginning of a very important project that will transform the economic and social fortunes of our capital city and indeed Edo State.

    “During our campaigns a few months ago, I specifically promised to construct flyovers to ease transportation and reduce the traffic gridlock in our city.”

    The governor added that “today, one week into my administration, we are here to fulfill that promise and deliver the dividends of democracy.

    “This is the first flyover we are constructing, and we are going to construct more.”

    Okpebholo urged the contractor handling the construction — CCECC Nigeria Limited, to work day and night to meet the 18-month completion period.

    The governor assured the people of Edo that in the execution of the project, his administration would abide by all relevant laws and appealed to motorists to make sacrifices by being patient with the contractors in the next 18 months.