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Tag: Edo State

  • Senator Osunbor celebrates democracy day with Edo State indigenes

    Senator Osunbor celebrates democracy day with Edo State indigenes

    Senator Professor Oserhiemen Osunbor felicitates with the people of Edo State and beyond on this year’s Democracy Day celebration, urging them to continue upholding the principles of democracy.

    In a statement marking the occasion, Senator Osunbor praised the resilience and determination of Nigerians, who have remained committed to democratic governance despite challenges.

    “Today, we celebrate our collective struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs in the pursuit of democratic governance,” Senator Osunbor said. “I urge all Edo State indigenes and Nigerians to remain steadfast in their pursuit of a better future, fostering unity and collaboration to build a more prosperous and inclusive society for all.”

    Sen. Prof. Osunbor commended Edo people for being a beacon of democratic values, emphasizing the need to continue upholding the principles of freedom, justice, and equality.

    As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, Senator Osunbor reiterated his commitment to serving the people and working towards a greater Nigeria.

    “Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria!” Senator Osunbor said.

  • Edo guber: Court announces date to rule on Labour Party’s candidacy tussle

    Edo guber: Court announces date to rule on Labour Party’s candidacy tussle

    A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State has fixed July 19 to deliver judgement on Labour Party’s candidacy tussle.

    Recall that the Labour Party had on February 23 conducted a primary election for the Edo State governorship election.

    Olumide Akpata won the ticket, but is currently being challenged by one of the aspirants, Mr Kenneth Imasuangbon, who alleged irregularities in the process and the personal documentation provided by Akpata.

    Justice Babatunde Quadri reserved ruling for July 19 after parties in the suit adopted their written addresses.

    Imasuangbon is challenging the nomination of Akpata on the grounds that the Labour Party did not follow the Electoral Act, the constitution of the party and the party guidelines in the conduct of the primaries.

    Lead Counsel to the plaintiff (Imasuangbon), A. Malik, SAN, in his submission prayed the court to dismiss the submission of the counsels to Olumide Akpata on the ground that the 1st defendant violated the electoral act and party’s constitution which he noted are critical elements of the electoral process.

    Malik also pointed out that his client has disclosed reasonable cause of action on the matter and urged the court to throw away the submission of the 1st defendant, declare and return the plaintiff as the winner or in the alternative void, nullify the primary election and order a fresh one.

    He alleged that the LP primaries were marred with over-voting contrary to the party’s guidelines and the constitution.

    On his part, the counsel to the defendant and running mate to Akpata, Kadiri Asamah, SAN, submitted that the argument and submission of plaintiff were baseless and cannot be litigated upon by the court. He said that it was a pre-primary issue and as such should be dismissed by the court.

    Asamah, while adopting all the arguments containing his written addresses, urged the court to dismiss the position of the plaintiff adding that it was an abuse of court process.

  • BREAKING: Edo Assembly passes bill adopting new official anthem

    BREAKING: Edo Assembly passes bill adopting new official anthem

    The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday passed a bill for a law to declare ‘Beautiful Edo, Glorious Edo’ as the official anthem of the State.

    A motion to consider the bill was moved by the Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian, (PDP Ovia North East) and it was seconded by the Minority Leader, Henry Okaka(APC Owan East).

    Considering the bill clause by clause, the lawmakers said the “Beautiful Edo, Glorious Edo” as the official anthem was to promote unity, pride and a sense of identity among Edo people.

    The lawmakers said that the Anthem, composed by the wife of the state governor, Mrs Betsey Obaseki would leave a lasting legacy of her in the state.

    Aiguobarughian said the bill, when passed into law, would also promote the cultural heritage of Edo people.

    The Deputy Speaker, Maria Oligbi-Edeko, also said that late Anthony Enahoro was the first to move a motion for Nigeria independence,

    Oligbi-Edeko added that Edo was always known for initiating new policies and programmes in the country.

    The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku,  said that Edo would be the first state to have an official anthem.

    According to Agbebaku, if you listen to the lyrics and rhythm of the three stanzas of the anthem, they are all perfectly arranged and composed.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said that we should all go back to the old national anthem of “Nigeria we hail thee”. It also good that as a state, we also have our official anthem,” he said.

    The lawmakers unanimously supported and passed the bill.

    The Speaker directed the Clerk, Yahaya Omogbai to forward clean copies of the bill to Governor Godwin Obaseki for his assent.

  • Suspended Enigie: ‘It’s abominable for individual to interfere in age-long Customary Arbitration’ – BTC Cautions Obaseki

    Suspended Enigie: ‘It’s abominable for individual to interfere in age-long Customary Arbitration’ – BTC Cautions Obaseki

    Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has cautioned Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State to stir clear on his acclaimed move to resolve the misunderstanding between Oba of Benin and some suspended enigie (dukes).

    Recall that some enigie had dragged the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II and the state government to court over their suspension.

    The Enigie argument is that the Oba does not have the power to suspend them without the consent of the state executive council and Governor Obaseki.

    Obaseki, in one of visits to one of the suspended enigie in the crisis, Professor Gregory Akenzua, said he would visit the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin to initiate the reconciliation process.

    But the BTC in a strong-worded statement dated May 22, 2024, said it was an abomination for any individual to seek to interfere with the age-long and well-established process of customary arbitration of the kingdom which they expected those involved to explore.

    The statement was signed by prominent Benin chiefs including: Osuma of Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere; Oliha of Benin, Chief Edionwe Oliha; Aiwerioghene of Benin, Chief Henry Osato Bazuaye; Uwangue of Benin, Chief Ekhoerovbiye Oviasogie and Eribo of Benin, Chief Ada Igbinovia.

    Others are Esere of Benin, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi; Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah; Ine of Benin, Chief Okuonghae Edomwandagbon and Obahiagbon of Benin, Chief David Aibiokun Ehondor.

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the reported plan by the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency,Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to initiate dispute resolution of the suit filed by two suspended Enigie against His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo,Oba of Benin.

    “Our attention has also been drawn to a Press Statement credited to the Honourable Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Edo State, Mr. Chris Nehikhare in which he claims that the suit filed by the Enigie is a family dispute within the Benin Royal Family

    “We wish to state for the avoidance of doubt that the Benin Traditional Institution has a well-established and fully functional process of customary arbitration under the authority of His Royal Majesty, The Oba of Benin. This process of customary arbitration is well-known to all Benin traditional chiefs, including the suspended Enigie. Any traditional chief who has any genuine cause to be aggrieved is at liberty to explore this customary arbitration process. It is therefore an abomination for any individual to seek to interfere with this age-long and well-established process of customary arbitration.

    “We also wish to emphasize that His Royal Majesty, The Oba of Benin reigns over the Benin Kingdom as the spiritual and royal father of the Benin people irrespective of family status, age and office.

    “Consequently, it is an affront for anyone to suggest that His Royal Majesty, The Oba of Benin is in dispute with those over whom he reigns, including members of the Royal Family.

    “We admonish members of the general public to be wary of the abominable efforts to undermine the Benin Traditional Institution through deliberate acts and utterances which are calculated to create confusion.

    “We appeal to members of the general public to remain law-abiding, and pray for peace to continue to reign in the Benin Kingdom.”

  • Pensioners dismiss planned protest in Edo

    Pensioners dismiss planned protest in Edo

    The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Edo has disowned a letter purporting the union’s planned protest against the state government over unpaid pensions.

    The union’s chairman, Comrade Samuel Okhuelegbe, refuted the claim during a meeting with its members in Benin on Tuesday.

    Okhuelegbe said those who authored the letter to notify the government do not represent the interest of the pensioners in the state.

    He noted that the intention was to create bad blood between the pensioners and the Edo Government, adding that their pensions were paid by the 25th or 26th of every month.

    He wondered why the union would contemplate demonstrating against a government that had paid 21 years of pension arrears to the state and local government pensioners.

    “The government has also promised to harmonise pensioners’ money and increase gratuity payment, both at the local and state levels, because he discovered that our pension is small.

    “When I got the information of some people planning to stage a protest, I was surprised. I said there was no need for a protest at this time when the governor was responding to our requests.

    “In order to find out the real position of the rumour of the protest, we decided to call a meeting of the different bodies that make up the union, and we found out that it was not true.

    “We are debunking it now that there is no protest from any quarters. Those thinking about a protest now are not representing the good interest of pensioners in the state.

    “They are trying to cause bad blood between the union and the state government,” he said.

    The NUP chairman added that the Godwin Obaseki-led government had introduced 13th month’s pay for pensioners in addition to the free Health Insurance Scheme.

  • NDDC inaugurates electricity substation in Edo

    NDDC inaugurates electricity substation in Edo

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated the 1x15MVA 33/11KV electricity injection substation worth N248 million at Amufi in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo.

    The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said this on Monday during the inauguration of the project.

    He said the NDDC expended N248 million on the execution of the project in line with its mandate geared towards boosting power supply and commercial activities in Amufi community and environs.

    According to Ogbuku,  the Commission is making a difference by adding value to the lives of the people of the Niger Delta, adding that series of projects had been lined up for inauguration to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.

    “The most compelling need for this administration has been that all abandoned projects must be completed to serve urgent need of the communities in which they are situated

    “And help in renewing hope in the people in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “This is day two of our series of projects to be commissioned. Just on Saturday, we commissioned a 12-kilometer road project in Imo state.

    “We are here to tell the world that NDDC is a blessing against the narrative that the commission was under performing.

    “The only government presence you see in some communities are projects done by NDDC. We are not in competition with state governments but to compliment what they are doing,” he said.

    The project, he said, would improve the energy requirements of Amufi and neighbouring communities by increasing productivity in businesses and artisans.

    Ogbuku assured that the road leading to the community would be re-constructed as an added incentives to ease the challenges faced by the residents.

    “I must thank the community for ensuring that the project while it was abandoned, was not vandalized. It made it easy for us to complete”.

    Sen. Neda Imasuen (LP – Edo South), lauded the gesture, adding that the importance of light cannot be over emphasised.

    Imasuen, however, decried the deplorable state of the road leading to the community and urged the Commission to fix it.

    “Everyone knows the importance of electricity and the commissioning of the substation will help boost businesses in and around the community.

    “I will also use this opportunity to appeal to the NDDC to undertake the road construction leading to this community as the road is in a deplorable condition.

    “Constructing the road will improve the quality of life of the people,” Imasuen said.

    Mr Patrick Aisowieren, the Edo Representative, NDDC Governing Board, urged the people in the benefitting community to take ownership and protect the facility.

    Also, the Head of the Community, Pa Aisenogua Egharevba, thanked NDDC and called for the rehabilitation the road access road in the area.

    For his part, Victor Antai, the Executive Director of Projects, NDDC, said the project had been tested and certified by the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA).

  • Edo Guber: Association of farmers to boycott poll unless ……

    Edo Guber: Association of farmers to boycott poll unless ……

    All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Edo chapter  has said that it will boycott the forthcoming September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state if candidates of various political parties’ manifestoes do not reflect plans and programmes for farmers in the state.

    Alhaji Bako Dogwo, the State chairman of AFAN, made the remarks on Sunday in an interview with newsmen in Benin City. Dogwo also demanded that any political party that wins the election must appoint a commissioner for Agriculture from its fold.

    According to him, “I want to say categorically that candidates of political parties contesting for the September 21, 2024, governorship election, who will not accommodate farmers or tell us what programmes they have for us in their manifesto, farmers in the state will not vote for such candidate.

    “Their manifestoes must reflect what each candidate has in stock for farmers and programmes to better the agricultural sector in the state. Irrespective of your political party, you must come and tell us what programmes you have for farmers, because we are the engine room of the economy of the state and Nigeria at large.

    “If you don’t have anything for farmers, we are not going to vote for you, and you must also demonstrate to us that if elected, this is what you are going to do.

    “Also, the candidate must be ready to appoint one of us as commissioner for Agriculture in the state because you cannot appoint somebody who is a mechanic to be commissioner for health,” he said.

    He added that  any political party candidate who failed to meet the association’s demands and eventually wins the election, the association would not work with such a governor.

    He assured that any governorship candidate that is ready to work with and partner with the association, irrespective of the political party, the association would be ready to vote such a candidate into office and also work with the government to succeed.

  • Several Dangote Cement staffers reportedly kidnapped in Edo state

    Several Dangote Cement staffers reportedly kidnapped in Edo state

    An unspecified number of staff of Dangote Cement Company Plc have been reportedly kidnapped by Gunmen in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

    It was  gathered that the workers were allegedly abducted on Monday after the close of work.

    The victims were said to be in a Coaster bus returning to Okpella community when they were kidnapped at gunpoint.

    A source living in the community who spoke to newsmen, alleged that the gunmen who had laid ambush emerged from the bush and forced the bus to a halt at gunpoint before whisking their victims into the bush.

    He added that the staffers of Dangote Cement were in their staff bus when the gunmen struck.

    He said “yes, they were in a Coaster bus coming to Okpella when they were kidnapped by gunmen.

    “But we don’t know the number of the workers that have been kidnapped.”

    However, the Edo state police command is yet to comment on the matter as at the the time of filing this report.

     

  • Edo govt cautions against politicising affairs of Oba of Benin

    Edo govt cautions against politicising affairs of Oba of Benin

    Edo Government has cautioned politicians in the state against politicising affairs of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Ewuare II, and the palace.

    The state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr Chris Nehikhare said this while briefing newsmen on Monday in Benin.

    Nehikhare said that recent findings showed that members of the opposition in the state had been allegedly propagating distasteful and demeaning information against the Benin Royal Palace,

    He urged people of the state to be wary of political parties that thrived on lies and propaganda.

    “We all admit that we are going into election season and a lot of campaign of calumny and mudslinging is ongoing.

    “It has become clear that its the intention of the opposition to drag the reputation of our Royal Majesty into the murky waters.

    “Members of the opposition are openly propagating this distasteful and demeaning information against the Royal palace.

    “Clearly, they have decided to weaponise negative campaigns against our respected traditional institutions as their only strategy toward the coming election because they do not have a sellable candidate.”

    According to the commissioner, we want to warn them that these disrespectful comments about our traditional institutions are not a strategy for campaign .

    He said: “but since they have brought forward a candidate that is not trust worthy for Edo people, PDP will trounce them come September 21, 2024 governorship election. ”

    Reeling some of the state government’s achievements that would lead to victory for the PDP in the state, the commissioner said Edo was the only state currently paying N70, 000 minimum wage.

    “This government is the only government in Nigeria that today pays N70,000 as minimum wage.

    “We are not the state with the highest allocation or Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) but our people matter to us. This government gives automatic employment to its citizens with first class, ” he said.

    Nehikhare, while warning against misinformation and fake news ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial polls, emphasised that Journalists also have a role to play as they need to be neutral.

  • INEC set to resume voters’ registration in Edo, Ondo

    INEC set to resume voters’ registration in Edo, Ondo

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it plans to conduct the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo and Ondo States from Monday, May 27 to Wednesday, June 5.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this at the commission’s second regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties held on Monday in Abuja.

    Yakubu said that INEC would also distribute uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the two states during the period, advising those who were yet to register or collect their PVCs to use the opportunity to do so.

    He said that the resumption of the CVR would also afford registered voters who wanted to transfer their registration from other states to Edo and Ondo.

    “Let me reiterate that the CVR is only open to new registrants and those who seek to transfer their registration.

    “Persons who are already registered voters should not attempt to register again as that will amount to double or multiple registrations and it is illegal.

    “Lost or damaged voters’ cards will be replaced during the exercise but this does not require fresh registration,” he said.

    Yakubu said that taking into consideration the limited time to the election, the CVR would take place at ward and state headquarters of INEC instead of the local government offices, and a few designated centers.

    “This means that there will be 192 Ward registration centres in Edo and 203 centres in Ondo, in addition to our state offices in Benin City and Akure, making a total of 397 walk-in registration centres in the two states.

    “There will be no online pre-registration option in the two states because of time constraint. Each centre will be managed by two officials drawn from our regular staff and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC),’’ he said.

    He added that in the next few days, INEC would commence the training of at least 794 officials for the exercise, saying that the locations for the registration centres and other relevant information had been made available to political party leaders.

    Yakubu appealed to political parties and other stakeholders to join INEC in mobilising prospective registrants for the exercise, particularly on the need to register early and not wait until the eleventh hour.

    He said that INEC plans to publish the list of uncollected PVCs in its offices in the two states and simultaneously uploaded to the commission’s website.

    Yakubu appealed to party leaders to continue to play by the rules during the electioneering process and beyond, ahead of the April 24 commencement of electioneering campaign for Edo election.

    He also urged them to adhere strictly to the timeline for the upload of the list of polling and collation agents to INEC dedicated portal.

    He said doing so would enable INEC to produce and deliver identity cards in good time for the expected 76,823 polling unit agents and 3,587 ward, local government and state collation agents for the election.

    “Turning to Ondo, political parties have just concluded their primaries. Eighteen political parties conducted primaries monitored by the Commission.

    “I wish to remind you that parties have one week to the deadline for the nomination of candidates which is 6.00pm on Monday May 20, 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down.

    “I urge you to adhere strictly to the deadline. Political parties have been given 23 days from the end of primaries to prepare and submit the list of only two candidates (governorship candidate and running mate) to the Commission,’’ Yakubu said.

    He said that the commission was remobilising to conduct the two State Assembly constituencies in Enugu and Kano States.

    Yakubu also said that INEC would soon announce date for the conduct of by-election into existence of vacancies in National and State Assemblies caused by either death or resignation of members in three states constituencies and one federal constituency.

    “The constituencies are; Khana 2 State Constituency of Rivers, the Bagwai/Shanono State constituency of Kano State, the Zaria Kewaye State Constituency of Kaduna State and the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency of Jigawa State,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, the National Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mr Yusuf Dantalle, pledged to work with INEC to mobilise voters for Edo and Ondo governorship election.

    “Ahead of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo States governorship election, it is important that voters are massively mobilised to register and participate in the poll.

    “As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC will spearhead this crucial exercise in collaboration with INEC.

    “In previous elections, Council would move to various states, sensitize and mobilise the people on upcoming polls, called for non-violence and urge them to shun vote buying and selling, etc with the limited funds at its disposal,’’ Dantalle said.