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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Edo assembly confirms commissioner nominees, CJ

    Edo assembly confirms commissioner nominees, CJ

    The Edo House of Assembly on Monday confirmed 11 commissioner nominees sent to it by Gov. Godwin Obaseki for approval.

    The nominees were cleared after the assembly endorsed the report of the Committee on Rules, Business and Government House, chaired by the Majority Leader, Henry Okhuarobo.

    In its report, the committee said it found the nominees to be competent, relatively young and physically fit for the assignment.

    The assembly unanimously confirmed the nominees in a voice vote.

    Gov. Obaseki had in a letter dated Sept. 28, addressed to the Speaker, Mr Marcus Onobun, requested the house to screen and confirm the nominees as commissioners in the state.

    Those on the list included, Mr Oluwole Osamudiamen lyamu (SAN) (Oredo LGA), Prof. Obehi Akoria (Esan West), Dr Joan Oviawe (Uhumwode) Ethan Uzamere (Ovia South West) and Mr Monday Osaigbovo (Ovia North East).

    Others were Mr Marie Edeko (Esan North East), Joseph Eboigbe (Esan Central), Mr Moses Agbukor (Etsako East), lsoken Omo (Ikpoba-Okha), Andrew Emwanta (Egor) and Mrs Otse Momoh-Omorogbe (Etsako West).

    In the same vain, the house also confirmed the nomination of Justice Joe Acha as the new Chief Judge of the state.

  • BREAKING: Obaseki finally releases long-awaited cabinet list [LIST ATTACHED]

    BREAKING: Obaseki finally releases long-awaited cabinet list [LIST ATTACHED]

    Edo State Godwin Obaseki has finally released list of Commissioner-nominees members of the State Executive Council.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the list was released by the Governor on Friday.

    See the Complete list below

    1) Barr. Osamudiamen Wole-lyamu (Oredo).

    2) Mr. Chris Nehikhare (Orhionmwon)

    3) Mr. Richard Edebiri (Uhunmwode).

    4) Barr. Andrew Emwanta Adaze (Egor).

    5) Mr. Tony Aganmwonyi (Ikpoba Okha).

    6) Mr. Ethan Uzamere (Ovia South West)
    7) Ms. Efosa Uyigue (Ovia North East).

    8) Barr. Donald Okogbe (Akoko Edo).

    9) Barr. Anthony Innih (Etsako East)

    10) Mrs. Omo Otse Omorogbe (Etsako West).

    11) Hon. Damian Lawani (Etsako Central).

    12) Mr. Jimfred Obaidiku (Owan West).

    13) Barr. J O Braimah (Owan East)

    14) Hon. Felix Akhabue (Esan West).

    15). Fred Emefiele (Igueben)

    16) Mrs. Anehita Ojezua-Emeya (Esan Central).

    17) Dr. Olu Ayewoh (Esan North East).

    18) Mrs Magdalene Ohenhen (Esan South East).

  • COVID-19 jab: Gov Obaseki dares court order

    COVID-19 jab: Gov Obaseki dares court order

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has said that his government’s directive on no access to public places without being vaccinated still stands.

    The State Government had announced plans to make it compulsory for residents to take COVID-19 vaccine and present proof before accessing public places from second week of September.

    Obaseki, at a news briefing in Benin on Wednesday, also threatened to impose lockdown, if residents failed to follow the directive and comply with COVID-19 protocols in order to halt the spread of the Delta variant of the pandemic.

    “The attention of Edo government has been drawn to an order by a High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers directing government to maintain the status quo on the purported compulsory COVID-19 vaccination for citizens.

    “To the best of our knowledge, the order is, at best, speculative and preemptive, as the scheduled date for the commencement of enforcement of the directive is the second week of September.

    “We want to reiterate that our directive on vaccination stands,” Obaseki said.

    He urged those planning social, religious, political or business events after the second week of September to ensure that both themselves and their guests were not only vaccinated but possessed vaccination cards as proof.

    “Anyone without this proof will not be granted access to crowded facilities,” he said.

    The governor also said that government was commencing intensive enforcement of use of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to curb the current spike in COVID-19 infections and deaths.

    “It must be stated that there is an obvious misconception that the directive issued by government was to make vaccination compulsory for all citizens.

    “Although the governor has the power to make such an order under the Gazetted Quarantine Regulations, this directive is actually only a denial of access to public places of persons who chose not to be vaccinated,” he said.

    According to Obaseki, government’s overriding concern is the safety and health of the citizens.

    He stated that the positivity rate (CPR) for COVID-19 hovered between 15 and 25 per cent, adding that deaths were consistently being recorded daily, with unvaccinated persons accounting for 100 per cent.

  • Drama in Edo: Obaseki takes over federal constituency project of House Deputy Majority Leader

    Drama in Edo: Obaseki takes over federal constituency project of House Deputy Majority Leader

    There is currently a drama playing out in Edo State as the State Government has taken over a federal constituency project of Mr Peter Akpatason, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and member, Ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the drama started when a constituent of Akpatason, who is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a live video that went viral called out the project for not being executed up to standard.

    In the viral video shown below, the constituent, who gave his name as Paul aba Lawani, was heard raining curses on politicians and alleging in the video that the road project fell short of standard and quality.

    Watch video below:

     

    MATTERS ARISING.

    LAWANI STREET, IGARRA
    AKOKO-EDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE NIGERIA.

    -PAULSON GREAT

    Posted by Paul Alaba Lawani on Saturday, 3 July 2021

    TNG reports a visible signboard along the on-going construction indicated that the project is being undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Agency, constructed by Royal Jeff Nigeria Ltd and Sponsored by Akpatason.

    The project was for the construction of link roads and drains of 200m at Igarra Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency.

    After the video went viral, Akpatason quickly wrote a letter to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Agency, calling for urgent investigation of the allegations as contained in the viral video.

    Akpatason’s letter to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Agency reads: “It has been brought to my knowledge that the above road project awarded to Royal Jeff Nigeria Limited by Rural Development Department as part of the Zonal Intervention Projects in the 2020 Appropriation Act is allegedly being poorly executed to the dissatisfaction of my constituents.

    “I am personally very embarrassed by the disturbing allegations contained in a short video by one of my constituents, who claims that the ongoing job is grossly substandard.

    “Therefore, I request that Rural Development Department should urgently investigate the allegations as contained in the viral video and report back within 24hours with details of your findings for necessary actions to address this unpleasant development.

    “Also furnish my office with details of the awards as well as Bills of Quantity. Please treat as urgent. Accept the assurances of my esteemed warm regards”.

    However, on Tuesday, the Edo State Government orders take over of the project for the construction of link roads and drains of 200m at Igarra Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the State.

    Following the viral video online, which exposed the poorly executed road project, Governor Godwin Obaseki, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, inspected the project and affirmed that it is substandard.

    A statement ordering take over of the project by the State Government reads: “the Edo State Government has taken over the construction of the Lawani Crescent Federal Constituency Road project in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

    “Following a viral video online, which exposed the poorly executed road project, we undertook an inspection of the project and affirmed that it is substandard. The project falls short of the standard that we have maintained in execution of road projects across Edo State.

    “We call on citizens to take charge of all government properties in their area. The contractor handling the Lawani Crescent project must be arrested for the bad job done and handed over to ICPC and the EFCC, to enable us ascertain exactly what happened.

    “The contract for the project stands revoked. The National Assembly allocated N360m for constituency projects in Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency this year. We would investigate all to ensure we have value for money”.

  • Certificate forgery: Gov Obaseki thanks Buhari for Supreme Court victory

    Certificate forgery: Gov Obaseki thanks Buhari for Supreme Court victory

    Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his victory at the Supreme Court.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Obaseki won his certificate forgery case at the Supreme Court on Friday and thanked Buhari for ensuring a vibrant and fair judiciary that upholds the will of the masses.

    In a statement following the ruling of the Supreme Court, Obaseki dedicated the victory to Edo people, while also expressing thankfulness to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The statement reads: “The verdict of the Supreme Court on the certificate forgery case brought against me by the All Progressives Congress (APC), during the 2020 governorship election, is a vindication of the decision of God and the people of Edo State.

    “The ruling puts to rest the diabolical controversy contrived by opposition elements over my credentials and puts to shame the individuals that sought to swindle Edo people with falsehood and lies in pursuit of pecuniary gains.

    “The judiciary has once again, demonstrated that it is willing and capable of defending our democracy. I see this victory as a renewed call by God Almighty to rededicate myself to His service and that of the people of Edo state.

    “From the statement by the Supreme Court Justices, it is clear that they align with what Edo people knew all along, which is that there was no merit in the case. The controversy was diabolical and ill-willed. It is reassuring that the Judiciary has upheld the wishes of the masses once again.

    “I dedicate the victory to Edo people, who resolved to stand by me through it all despite the campaign of calumny.

    “I appreciate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for supporting and holding steadfastly to the vision of our party for a better Edo State.

    “I am also grateful to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for ensuring a vibrant and fair Judiciary that upholds the will of the masses”.

    Meanwhile, the PDP in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan has hailed the Supreme Court verdict.

    The statement reads: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hails the judgement of the Supreme Court which upheld the election of Edo state Governor Godwin Obaseki, describing it as the inevitable triumph of the will of the people over anti-democratic forces.

    “The PDP asserts that the verdict of the apex court in throwing out the petition of All Progressives Congress (APC), is a resounding reinforcement of the popularity of the PDP and Governor Obaseki in Edo state, as firmly established in the election.

    “The party urged Governor Obaseki to continue in his commitment towards the development of the state and the wellbeing of his people in line with the manifesto and ideology of the PDP; the very reason he was overwhelmingly re-elected as governor of the state.

    “The PDP is proud of Governor Obaseki for the empowerment of the people as well as massive infrastructural development of Edo state in critical areas of healthcare, education, agriculture and food production, oil and gas, industrialization among others.

    “The party also commended the judiciary for its courage in upholding justice and the will of the people in the Edo governorship election”.

  • BREAKING: Gov Obaseki wins certificate forgery case at Supreme Court

    BREAKING: Gov Obaseki wins certificate forgery case at Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court has dismissed the certificate forgery case instituted against Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the case was filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its members, Mr. Williams Edobor.

    The Supreme Court dismissed the case on the grounds that the party failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    In a unanimous decision, a five-man penal of justices of the apex court, held that the appellants failed to prove their case against Obaseki.

    The apex court said it found no reason to set-aside the concurrent judgements of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which earlier dismissed the allegation that Obaseki tendered false credentials to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in aid of his qualification for the governorship election that held in Edo state on September 19, 2020.

    The Supreme Court, in its lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, held that the appellants woefully failed to substantiate their forgery allegation against Obaseki.

    “The appellants failed woefully to prove their case, they did not provide any disclaimer from the school that the result was not issued by them to Obaseki.

    “This court agrees with the lower courts completely, that the appellants did not meet sufficient requirement to prove their case,” the Supreme Court rules.

    The apex court went ahead and awarded a cost of N1 million in favour of Governor Obaseki.

    Recall that the Court of Appeal had in a judgement it delivered on March 18, held that the case the APC and Edobor brought to vacate the January 9 verdict of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which authenticated Obaseki’s University of Ibadan degree certificate, lacked merit.

    The appellate court panel which was led by Justice Stephen Adah, upheld the testimony of the Deputy Registrar, Legal, University of Ibadan, Abayomi Ajayi, who had ealier confirmed before the trial court, that Obaseki attended the University and fulfilled all the requirements for admission into the department of Classical Studies.

  • Gov Obaseki fires missiles at Edo LG Secretaries

    Gov Obaseki fires missiles at Edo LG Secretaries

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Wednesday warned that government would fire any Local Government Education Secretary who failed to perform the assigned duty of tracking pupils’ progress in the locality.

    Obaseki gave the warning in Benin during the closing of a training organised for education secretaries and managers, by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

    “We ‘ve gone through diligent process in hiring you, and let me tell you that I will fire you if you do not achieve the set goals.

    “We are going to invest in you; we ‘ve started it. We are going to continue to train you.

    “This is just the first in a series; it will be a continual training, learning and development process. But we are going to have a very strict assessment system.

    “Any local government secretary or manager that falls below a certain standard will be fired. If we see that the children in your local government are not couping, then we will drop you.

    “We will be doing this assessment on an annual basis. No godfather gave you this job; it is your talent that gave it to you and you must go back there and do the work,” he said.

    Obaseki said that he was proud of SUBEB’s achievements at the state level, adding that they should be replicated at the local government level.

    Earlier, the Chairman of SUBEB in Edo, Dr Joan Oviawe, thanked the governor for his immense support to basic education.

    “You have not only given us the assignment, but also the tools to do the work. For this, we are internally grateful, your excellency,” she said.

  • APC cries foul over demolition of ex-Edo Deputy Governor’s property

    APC cries foul over demolition of ex-Edo Deputy Governor’s property

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the demolition of property belonging to former deputy governor of Edo, Dr Pius Odubu, by the State Government.

    APC said this in a statement by the state Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Azebamwan on Wednesday in Benin.

    Azebamwan said other members of the party whose property was demolished included Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC- Owan) and Mr Mike Itemuagbon, a sports enthusiast.

    “We recall that Gov. Godwin Obaseki about this same time last year demolished a private property of an APC chieftain, Mr Tony Kabaka Adun.

    “Unchallenged, he has taken a step further, all in a bid to intimidate, suppress, hound, crush and silence his perceived enemies.

    “No doubt, it is part of the governor’s ‘Make Edo Great Again’ agenda to regularly and willfully demolish property belonging to perceived opponents, and dissenting or critical voices in the state, in the bid to foist a siege mentality on the citizenry.

    “It is on record that Obaseki had earlier this year revoked the Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) of some property, but the demolition carried out while the case is in court, is unacceptable because it amounts to a subversion of the rule of law,” he said.

    He added: “The proper thing is for the government to wait for the outcome of the court process, but apparently because it knew that it was pursuing an illegal agenda, it demolished the property.”

    He, however, urged the governor to perish the idea of trying to use false claims and propaganda to justify the demolition.

    “We also reject this constant invasion of citizen’s privacy and demolition of their property, as it is not only wicked, but cowardly.

    “It is a direct recipe for crisis in our state. We caution against future action in this guise, because it is borne out of hatred and political intolerance in furtherance of the larger plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its administration to destroy the fabric that binds Edo people, and eventually overheat the polity.

    “We dismiss the latter day reasons given by the government as dastardly, baseless, false and incongruous, because they fail to justify the unwarranted invasion, harassment of these innocent citizens who once served the state meritoriously, and demolition of their property.

    “Edo people know that the PDP and its government is unduly hounding, harassing and demolishing property of citizens for daring to be among compatriots at the forefront of the quest to rescue our state from misrule and strangleholds of a cabal that do not mean well for the people,” he said.

  • Gov. Obaseki to receive NSF’s torch of unity April 3

    Gov. Obaseki to receive NSF’s torch of unity April 3

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo will on April 3 receive the torch of unity of the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged “Edo 2020”, an official said on Monday.

    Philip Shaibu, Chairman of the festival’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), in a statement said the torch of unity would arrive in Benin same day.

    “Thereafter, the torch will then be taken on a tour of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    ”It will return to Benin, where the governor is expected to light the festival torch on April 6,” Shaibu, who is also the state’s Deputy Governor, said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 8,000 athletes from the FCT and the 36 states of the federation are expected to participate in the festival.

    The festival had suffered a number of postponements, owing to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will now take place from April 2 to April 14

  • Gov Obaseki orders Edo LGA chairmen to vacate office

    Gov Obaseki orders Edo LGA chairmen to vacate office

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has directed all the 18 Local Government Chairmen in the State to handover to their respective local government administrators by March 5.

    The directive is contained in a memo dated March 2, from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.

    “The directive affects all councillors and political appointees of the 18 council areas of the state”.

    The memo with reference number: FMLC.170/vol.111/646, signed by the Permanent Secretary, M.E. Jos-Bazuaye, asked the chairmen to vacate office on the said date because their tenure will expire.

    Jos-Bazuaye also said that the directive affects all councillors and political appointees of the 18 council areas of the state.

    “I am directed to refer to the above subject and to request all Local Government Council chairmen are to hand over the administration of the 18 Local Government Councils to the respective Heads of Local Government Administrators in their various Local Government latest by Friday, March 5, 2021,” the memo read.

    The council officials were inaugurated on March 5, 2018, following their victory in the local government elections of March 3, 2018.