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Tag: Edo State

  • Gov Okpebholo sets 5-point agenda for Edo State

    Gov Okpebholo sets 5-point agenda for Edo State

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Tuesday unveiled a five-point agenda for the development of the state after he was sworn in as the 5th civilian governor of the state.

    Okpebholo, in his inaugural speech, pledged to prioritise security, infrastructure, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education.

    The Governor declared war on criminals, saying the era of incessant kidnapping and other violent crimes was over.

    “Our citizens is top priority for us. To achieve this, we shall implement programmes carefully outlined in my five-point agenda, designed to grow robust economic growth and improve the lives of our people.

    “We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the Deputy Governor, Rt. Honourable Dennis Idahosa,” Gov. Okpebholo said.

    While bemoaning incessant cases of kidnapping and other crimes, the governor said his administration would be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of the state.

    “For a long time now, our people have become victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

    “To end this ugly situation, we will be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of our land so that farming and other business activities will flourish again.

    “The deplorable condition of our roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the state to another

    “Our policy to develop road infrastructure is targeted at constructing roads, drainages, and bridges to ease transportation for all. We shall immediately commence work to make the roads passable again.

    “We are also ready to partner with the Federal Government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, those in the diaspora, and other stakeholders, to develop our state across all sectors”, he said.

    According to him, the new administration will support small businesses and market women with soft loans.

    “Our teeming youthful population will not be left out. We shall support them to acquire relevant skills for self-empowerment.

    “My administration shall immediately swing into action to recruit teachers and rebuild the deplorable classrooms.

    “Tertiary education will be strengthened in many ways, too, to ensure quality education,” Okpebholo said.

    The new governor announced a panel of inquiry into the remote cause of the failure to inuagurate 14 House of Assembly members-elect in the state in 2019 for seventh assembly.

    “Fellow citizens, my administration is ready to link communities that have not yet been connected to the national grid to ensure that they have electricity.

    “Our traditional institution shall be given the necessary support to play their role as custodians of our rich cultural heritage.

    “It is in recognition of this that my administration shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned artefacts, that were looted by British Colonial Forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897,” he said.

    He promised to work closely with other arms of government to strengthen democracy and good governance in the state.

    Shettima, others grace inauguration of Okpebholo as Edo new Governor

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday led the Federal Government delegation to grace the inauguration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo as the fifth democratically elected governor of Edo.

    Shettima was joined by governors across the country, who were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The APC governors include  Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, among others.

    The National Chairman of the APC, Dr Umar Ganduje and his predecessor, now Sen. Adams Oshiomhole were also part of the ceremony, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

    Amidst heavy crowd and security presence, Okpebholo, accompanied by his two daughters, took the oath of office and allegiance at 1:00p.m administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.

    Earlier, Dennis Idahosa, accompanied by his wife, had mounted the podium to take the oath as the Deputy Governor of the state.

    The governor later went ahead to inspect the guard of honour as well as parade by the officers and men of the Nigeria Police.

  • Edo: Transition committee seeks probe into N410bn debts

    Edo: Transition committee seeks probe into N410bn debts

    The Transition Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo has recommended a probe into more than N410 billion local and foreign debts allegedly owed by the state.

    The committee made the recommendation on Monday in its report presented to the governor-elect, Sen. Monday Okpebholo ahead of his inauguration on Tuesday as the fifth democratically elected governor of the state.

    Presenting the document, Dr Pius Odubu, who is the Chairman of the committee, said the committee was presented with N410 billion debts as against the N55 billion inherited by the outgoing government in 2016.

    “For those of you who have the capability to fact-check, you will find out that the indebtedness today is much more. It is over N500billion,”he said.

    Odubu, who is an erstwhile deputy governor in the state, said the committee also recommended a review of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on the management of Central and Stella Obasanjo hospitals.

    “All employment carried out in the recent past should be cancelled, while the governor should investigate the true ownership of the Ossiomo power plant and Raddisson Blu Hotel.

    “The same with Museum of West Africa Arts-MOWAA. We deserve to know the state’s equity in these companies as the outgoing government went blank on these enquiries.

    “We also demanded a comprehensive review of the world bank funded EdoBest programme and a probe should be instituted to uncover its rather opaque operations.

    “All major contracts issued by the state government under the Ministry of Roads and Bridges should be reviewed as they appear not to have followed due process, including the payment advance awarded to the contractors.

    “The procurement agency indicted the government in its own report to the Transition Committee; hence we have advised the incoming Governor to take a critical review,”he said.

    The committee chairman also called for the streamlining of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem in the state, which he said appeared to be a duplication of duties.

    “The outgoing government didn’t provide audited financial statements published or unpublished, hence the committee is advising government to institute an enquiry into this.

    “The government couldn’t account for the number of teachers in the state; hence we demand a proper teacher headcount,”Odubu said.

    The committee chairman said the document, made up of 24 page report and 800 annexures, was a product of three weeks of rigorous assignments, meetings, interactions, engagements and analyses of the documents presented to the committee.

    “We are proud to present to Your Excellency, our report based on our findings after a careful examination and analyses of the official documents received from the outgoing government transition team.

    “Your Excellency, it will interest you to know that the report being presented to you this afternoon was derived from our collective inputs during the several sessions we had as a team.

    “We did not just carefully examine the five thematic pillars as presented by the government’s transition team, we took time to look at other information available to the committee through our interactions with relevant stakeholders in the state.

    Responding, the governor-elect commended the committee members for doing a thorough job, saying the document would help the incoming government.

  • Security: AIG Zone 5 sets up new vigilante in Edo

    Security: AIG Zone 5 sets up new vigilante in Edo

    The Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in charge of  Zone 5, comprising Delta and Edo Police Commands, Arungwa Nwazue, has constituted a new vigilante group in Edo.

    This is contained in a statement, by SP Tijani Momoh, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday.

    Nwazue said the vigilante group, known as Edo State Police Vigilante Group (ESPVG), inaugurated on Monday was constituted to help the police in its information gathering process.

    He also said it would collaborate with the Police to ensure a watertight security.

    According to him, their operational modalities will be released in due course.

    The AIG therefore advised residents of the state to cooperate with the Police, and the new vigilante group for utmost policing.

    Recall that the former vigilante group in the state was disbanded by the Inspector General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in the twilight of the September 21 governorship election.

  • Groom-to-be killed by suspected cultists in Edo State

    Groom-to-be killed by suspected cultists in Edo State

    Gunmen, suspected to be cultists, have killed a man whose wedding has been scheduled for December in Edo State.

    The victim, simply identified as Danladi, was reportedly killed at a friend’s shop located about 100 metres from the Esigie Police Division in Oredo Local Government Area, one of the municipal council areas in the state.

    A source, who pleaded anonymity noted that Danladi was sitting in the shop when the gun emerged from a GLK Benz jeep and shot him twice at close range.

    “Danladi is an easy going guy. He was the son of Seriki Hausa in the area. His death has created a huge vacuum in his family and a painful loss to his would-be wife.

    “He has started sending invitation cards for his wedding to guests. He was billed to tie the knot with his partner in December,” the source said.

    When contacted, SP Moses Yamu, Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Edo, regretted the renewed cult killings in the state.

    “The command is doing everything within the law to tame cultism in the state. The situation has been brought under control,” he said.

    Yamu, however, called on members of the public to give useful information to the police in helping the fight against cultism and cult related crimes in the state.

  • BREAKING: Edo Governor-elect makes first appointment

    BREAKING: Edo Governor-elect makes first appointment

    The Governor-elect of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo has named Fred Itua as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), making it the first appointment made by the incoming administration.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Itua’s appointment as Senator Okpebholo’s CPS was disclosed on Monday in a statement personally signed by the Edo State Governor-elect. According to the statement, the appointment of Itua as CPS would take effect on November 12, 2024.

    Itua is a distinguished journalist with a wealth of experience. He is a celebrated journalist with The Sun Newspaper, and will head the media team of the Governor, who is expected to step in on Tuesday, 12th of November, 2024.

    Itua, an accomplished writer, journalist, and media and communications consultant with over 13 years of experience, Fred is recognized for expertise in covering diverse and critical issues, from humanitarian crises to national governance.

    Anchoring Inside The Red Chamber, an online television program, and co-hosting the radio show Bottom Line, Itua brings a dynamic presence and a well-rounded understanding of media to every role.

    Known for his strategic and resourceful approach, Itua excels in crafting compelling narratives and breaking down complex topics for wide audiences. With extensive experience covering the National Assembly, migration issues, health, anti-corruption, and environmental concerns, Fred possesses deep insight into national and international affairs.

    With a strong foundation in public relations and communication strategy, Itua effectively builds and maintains relationships across government, media, and public sphspheres.

    Itua demonstrates resilience, diligence, and professionalism in fast-paced environments, making him adept at both live and pre-recorded broadcasting, news writing, and editorial roles.

    Skilled in content development, social media management, and comprehensive media strategies, Itua is committed to delivering accurate, high-impact journalism.

    His commitment to ongoing learning and cross-cultural collaboration makes him a highly adaptable team player, ready to lead and innovate within multicultural contexts.

    Itua holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, a Masters degree in Media Arts from the University of Abuja, and is currently in the final stages of his Ph.D. thesis in Development Communication at the Veritas University, Abuja.

  • Transition: Okpebholo’s committee denies borrowing for inauguration

    Transition: Okpebholo’s committee denies borrowing for inauguration

    The Transition Committee of Edo Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, has denied borrowing funds for the inauguration ceremony slated for Tuesday.

    The outgoing Gov. Godwin Obaseki had accused the committee of borrowing N5 billion to organise the ceremony.

    Obaseki’s administration also accused the governor-elect of not inviting him for the inauguration ceremony, sparking concerns about the transfer of power.

    A statement by Kassim Afegbua, a member of the committee on Sunday in Benin, said the governor-elect had opted to fund the inauguration from his personal resources to avoid any unnecessary expenses.

    Afegbua said the decision was made after the committee’s meeting with the Secretary to the State Government and a Permanent Secretary, who requested an inauguration budget.

    Afegbua stated that they declined to present a budget to avoid potential accusations of misusing the funds.

    Afegbua criticised Obaseki’s administration, alleging that Obaseki was frustrating the inauguration process and overburdening the new administration with last-minute decisions.

    He said the governor-elect was committed to making life better for the average Edo person and did not believe in an ostentatious display of resources.

    “Suddenly, Godwin Obaseki, realises the ephemerality of power and now resorts to lamentations about an ongoing inauguration without extending an invitation to him. We found this to be generously laughable and self-indicting.

    “In other climes, an outgoing governor or president organises the inauguration of the incoming, but for the painful loss of the PDP at the election, Gov. Obaseki and his co-travellers are doing everything possible to frustrate the inauguration of the incoming governor.

    “Rather than sit down to plan the inauguration event as it is done in other climes, Gov. Obaseki is busy planting landmines on the path to smooth transfer of power.

    “From the transition committee to the inauguration committee, despite all the cooperation we have extended to them, what we have received in return is frustration and deliberate plot to overburden the new administration with all manner of misplaced government decisions.

    “We totally frown at these dubious plots which are clear negations of the standard procedures of power transfer the world over,” he said.

    Afegbua also said that most government vehicles had been carted away by government officials, leaving only one functional vehicle at the Edo Government House.

  • Governor Obaseki dissolves cabinet

    Governor Obaseki dissolves cabinet

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has dissolved his cabinet ahead of the November 12  swearing-in of Senator Monday Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the new governor of the State.

    Obaseki who came into office on November 12, 2016 is expected to end his eight years tenure on November 12, 2024. He dissolved the cabinet shortly after a valedictory session held at the Government House on Friday in Benin.

    The motion for the dissolution of the State Executive Council for 2020-2024 was moved by his deputy, Godwins Omobayo, and was seconded by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Osilama Okuofu.

    At the valedictory session, the governor commended members of the council for helping him in driving the government’s vision of making Edo great again.

    Obaseki also commended citizens of the state for supporting, praying and collaborating with his administration throughout his tenure.

    Members of the cabinet  took turns to eulogise the governor and acknowledged his many achievements in various sectors.

    They also commended the governor for the opportunity given to them to serve the people of the state in their various capacities.

    The outgoing commissioners and Heads of Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) also took turns to present awards and gifts to honour the governor.

    The valedictory session for the outgoing state executive council climaxed with a dinner in honour of the state governor.

  • Edo Governor-elect relieved as Abuja court quashes criminal summon

    Edo Governor-elect relieved as Abuja court quashes criminal summon

    An Abuja High Court  on Friday, quashed a criminal summon issued on September 12 by a magistrates’ court against Sen. Monday Okpebholo over alleged certificate forgery.

    Justice Charles Agbaza, in a judgment , also voided the entire proceedings before Magistrate Abubakar Mukhtar of a Wuse Magistrate Court in Abuja on grounds that the summon was issued in excess of his jurisdiction and error of law.

    Justice Agbaza agreed with Okpebholo that the entire proceedings and the criminal summons were illegal, unconstitutional and in violation of his fundamental human right to fair hearing as guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    Okpebholo, who is the governor-elect in the Sept 21 Edo governorship election, had, through his counsel, Andrew Emwanta, dragged Mr Honesty Aginbatse amd Mukhtar before the court as 1st and 2nd respondents.

    The development followed the criminal summons by Magistrate Mukhtar on Sept. 12, directing Okpebholo to.apoear in court on Sept. 20, the eve of the governorship poll in Edo, over an alleged false statement on his date of birth brought against him by Aginbatse, an Indigene of the state.

    The Okpebholo, the APC candidate in the election, was ordered to appear before the court at 12 noon.

    He was accused of claiming conflicting dates of birth in his nomination forms submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the election.

    Against the backdrop, Emwanta filed an originating summons before the FCT High Court marked: CV/4589/2024, seeking an order of certiorari to bring into the court for the purpose of being quashed, the entire proceedings and criminal summons issued on Sept. 12 by Mukhtar at the instance of Aginbatse.

    The lawyer, in motion dated and filed on Oct. 21, argued that the action was instituted to prevent Okpebholo from presenting himself as a candidate in the Sept. 21 poll and to disqualify him on false grounds.

    He also sought a declaration that the entire proceedings and criminal summons was illegal, unconstitutional and in violation of his client’s fundamental human right to fair hearing guaranteed by the law.

    He equally sought an order of prohibition, prohibiting the magistrate from further proceeding with the case number: CR/W22/816/2024 instigated by Aginbatse.

    In the affidavit in support of the motion, Emwanta averred that Okpebholo “on March 31,2022, deposed to an affidavit to correct the mistake in his date of birth (written as Aug. 29, 1972 on his June 2008 WASSCE Certificate.

    He also averred that Okpebholo on his permanent voters card had Aug. 1, 1977, as his date of birth instead of Aug. 29, 1970, which is his correct date of birth), before the Commissioner for Oaths in the Registry of this Honourable Court.”

    He said Okpebholo also deposed to an Affidavit of Regularisation of Personal Particulars at the Supreme Court of Nigeria Registry on July 26, stating the facts and correcting the aforementioned mistake in his date of birth in both his WASSCE Certificate and Personal Voters Card (PVC) issued by INEC.

    The lawyer said his client further made a declaration via a Deed of Regularisation of Personal Particulars and sworn to before the Commissioner for Oaths at the Supreme Court’s Registry on July 26, among other steps taken by the governor-elect.

    Emwanta argued that the magistrate lacked jurisdiction to entertain such matter being a pre-election matter, under Section 29 of which the law confers jurisdiction on the Federal High Court.

    But Aginbatse, in a 16-paragraph counter affidavit filed by his lawyer  Raymond Azinye, urged the court to dismiss the application.

    On his part, Mukhtar, who was the 2nd respondent, neither filed any process nor represented in court.

    Delivering his judgment , Justice Agbaza agreed with Emwanta that the magistrate ought to have considered the exhibits presented by Okpebholo before issuing such order.

    He cited previous Supreme Court decision in Osita Nwosu and Imo State Environmental Protection Agency to back his ruling.

    The judge, who also agreed with the lawyer on other grounds, barred the magistrate from further proceedings on the case.

    He was, however, of the view that the magistrate had a discretion to fix a hearing date of a matter before him.

  • Court summons Edo Deputy Governor for refusing to vacate position

    Court summons Edo Deputy Governor for refusing to vacate position

    A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, ordered Godwins Omobayo, the embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, to appear in person before it on November 26 over his alleged disobedience to court judgment.

    Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, held that the order was to give Omobayo, the alleged contemnor, a fair hearing and the opportunity to defend himself in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo, Philip Shaibu, had filed the contempt charge for Omobayo to be committed to prison over his alleged refusal to vacate the deputy governorship position after a valid court judgment.

    Justice Omotosho had, on July 17, voided the impeachment of Shaibu as the deputy governor of Edo by the house of assembly.

    The judge, in the judgment, ordered his reinstatement to office on the grounds that the Edo House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in the purported impeachment.

    The judge also held that the allegation on which the assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and did not constitute a gross misconduct.

    The judgment was on the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024 with Shuaibu as the plaintiff.

    The reinstated deputy governor had sued the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Deputy Governor of Edo, the AG, Chief Judge of Edo, Speaker of Edo House of Assembly and the Edo State House of Assembly as 1st to 6th defendants respectively.

    Omobayo was, on April 8, sworn in as the new deputy governor after Shaibu’s impeachment by the state’s house of assembly.

    The judge had, on Oct. 24, fixed today for the hearing of the matter.

    Justuce Omotosho rescheduled the date after the court granted Shaibu’s motion ex-parte seeking for an order for a substituted service of Form 49 on Omobayo.

    On the.last adjourned date, Ini-obong Ebiekpi, who appeared for Shaibu, had informed the court that the matter was fixed for hearing.

    Ebiekpi said that though Omobayo, who is the 2nd defendant in the charge, was served with Form 48, they had been unable to serve him with Form 49.

    The lawyer said it was on this ground that a motion ex-parte was filed for a substituted service of the Form 49 on Omobayo.

    Justice Omotosho consequently granted the motion and adjourned the matter until Nov. 4 for hearing.

    When the matter was called on Monday, Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, appeared for Shaibu, who was also in court in person.

    While Olusegun Jolaawo, SAN, represented the Edo House of Assembly (6th defendant), F.N Ogbe appeared for the Edo Chief Judge (4th defendant).

    However, Omobayo was not represented in court and neither was he in court as well. Besides, there was no representation for the.1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th defendants.

    Ogunleye, therefore, made an oral application that the court should direct Omobayo to appear in person as order of court cannot continue to be treated with disregard.

    Delivering the ruling, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Nov. 26 for hearing. He also ordered that hearing notices be issued to the.1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th defendants in the charge.

    “In the interest of justice, and to give the alleged contemnor the opportunity to defend himself and fair hearing in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the alleged contemnor is hereby ordered to be in court in person on 26th day of November, 2024, being the next adjourned date,” the judge ruled.

    Meanwhile, the tenure of the current state government would be coming to an end on November 12.

  • Gov Obaseki marks end of tenure with thanksgiving service

    Gov Obaseki marks end of tenure with thanksgiving service

    Governor Godwin Obaseki, on Sunday, led members of the State Executive Council, religious, political leaders and other stakeholders to a thanksgiving service to mark the end of his eight-year tenure as governor of Edo.

    The service was done held in the newly renovated Interdenominational Government House Chapel, in Benin.

    Speaking during the service, Obaseki acknowledged God and the people of the state for his achievements over the last eight years.

    Obaseki said his government had addressed the diverse needs of Edo people and worked tirelessly to leave an enduring impact across all sectors, including education, healthcare and infrastructure, among others.

    “As we gather here to dedicate the Government House Chapel to God and render a thanksgiving service to mark the close of my tenure, I am deeply reminded of the many ways God has held us together.

    “The ways God upheld our vision and helped us to accomplish the monumental task which he set before us.

    “In the past eight years, my administration had been able to address diverse needs and improve lives and service delivery to Edo people.

    “Today is a day of thanksgiving as God has been our source of strength and has guided us through every challenge and given us victory in all our adversity.

    “The renovation of this Chapel draws from my deep inspiration and inspiration of many others.

    “I stand before you today not only as governor but conscious of the divine responsibility we all share to honour God in every area of our lives and our governance, ” he said.

    Obaseki continued, “This chapel stands as a physical symbol of that commitment, a commitment to build a state on a foundation of faith, unity and reverence for God.

    “It’s my hope and prayers that this Chapel will serve as a place where future leaders will seek the face of God and solace just as we have done, ” he added.

    The governor acknowledged the church and religious leaders for their steadfastness, moral support, and spiritual encouragement, which helped them during their dark hours over the last eight years.

    According to him, let this chapel be a place where leaders are grounded , where prayers for our people are lifted and where the vision for a brighter and prosperous future for every Edo citizen is birthed and nurtured.

    “We must continue to have faith. As my tenure comes to an end, I urge each and every one of us to carry this vision of a state rooted in love, faith, and respect for one another.

    “Let this place serve as a daily reminder of the divine calling upon our lives and inspire us to serve our community with passion and unwavering commitment.”

    He said that the Chapel would be a house of prayers for Edo State, adding that it would be a sanctuary for future leaders of Edo State who will come to seek God’s guidance.

    Obaseki was joined by his wife, Betsy, his Deputy, Engr. Marvelous Godwins, Chief Judge of Edo, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, candidate of the PDP in the 2024 governorship election, Dr Asue Ighodalo and his wife, Ifeyinwa.

    Others include the Chairman of CAN, Edo State Chapter, Apostle Irekpono Omoike, Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Archbishop Augustine Akubueze, Chairman PFN, Edo chapter, Pastor Mrs Margaret Agbonifo, among others.