TheNewsGuru

Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Edo indigenes in UK laud Buhari, world leaders over guber polls

    Edo indigenes in UK laud Buhari, world leaders over guber polls

    The Concerned Indigenes of Edo State in the UK have lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring a free, fair and credible gubernatorial election in Edo State.

    Speaking to TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) correspondent in London, the spokesperson for the group, Deacon Henry Olovba recounted how they feared for the lives of their loved ones in Edo State who would have been the victims of any use of force by security agencies in the course of the election.

    “We were worried for our friends and families in Edo who have threatened to resist any attempt by security agencies to disenfranchise them from exercising their civic rights.

    “As you know, the gun is only a friend to the one who holds it and presses the trigger facing a target. We knew that, if push comes to shove, the security agencies might deploy the use of force against any resistance.

    “This concern necessitated our raising a petition to the British Prime Minister who we know enjoys a good relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari, to help us appeal to him to ensure that no external interference by security agencies, that ordinarily should not be on ground in Edo State on Election Day.

    “You will recall that on Thursday 10 September, our group went to the Nigeria High Commission here in London to hand a copy of our petition to the Ambassador for onward transmission to President Buhari. This was after submitting the master copy to the British Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson.

    “I made a press statement outside the Nigeria High Commission on behalf of the group, appealing to our Prime Minister and other world leaders to help us appeal to our President on the subject matter.

    “Barely 2 days after that appeal, the United States of America made some strong statements regarding election riggers and placing travel ban on some un-named people.

    “Within 24 hours of the US statement, the British Government warned of consequences for anyone who engages in electoral malpractices and violence in the Edo and Ondo States’ elections.

    “Few days to the election, President Buhari reassured Nigerians and Edo indigenes of his commitment to a free and fair election as part of his resolve to strengthen our democratic process,” Olovba said.

    Deacon Olovba noted that, their appeal yielded the needed outcome. He said the 2020 Edo guber election which held on Saturday 19 September has been adjudged as one of the most credible elections in Nigeria in recent times.

    He expressed his appreciation, on behalf of the group, to President Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for doing their due diligence in ensuring a peaceful election.

    He also thanked Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Donald Trump for lending their voices to the call for a violence-free election in Edo State.

    He commended the electorates for coming out in their numbers to cast their votes and assured them that, with this template set by this election, future elections would see more participation.

    Deacon Olovba used the opportunity to call on Governor Godwin Obaseki to be magnanimous in victory, and work for all Edos across party divide and provide dividends of democracy to the electorates who gave him the overwhelming support.

    He said, election is over, now its time for governance.

  • BREAKING: Obaseki receives Edo election results sheet from INEC [Photo]

    BREAKING: Obaseki receives Edo election results sheet from INEC [Photo]

    Godwin Obaseki, the incumbent Governor of Edo State and the winner of the just concluded Governorship Election that held in the State on Saturday, has officially received the election results sheet from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports INEC on Sunday declared Obaseki, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the election winner over Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “I have just received the results sheet of the Edo governorship election from INEC Nigeria, which provides details of the polls cast on Saturday. I appreciate Edo people for their support and unflinching resolve to reward our hard work. Congratulations to all of us once more,” Obaseki said shortly after receiving the results sheet.

    The results sheet as received the Governor contained the details of the election as submitted by the returning and electoral officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.

    According to the results, Godwin Obaseki secured 307,955 of the total votes, 84,336 more votes than his closest rival, Ize-Iyamu, who polled 223,619 votes. A total of 14 political parties fielded candidates to jostle for the office of the governor in the State.

    Below are the official results of the Edo State Governorship election as announced by INEC:

    Igueben LG

    APC – 5199

    PDP – 7870

    Esan North-East

    APC – 6,556

    PDP – 13,579

    Esan Central

    APC – 6,719

    PDP – 10,794

    Ikpoba Okha

    APC – 18,218

    PDP – 41,030

    Uhunmwonde

    APC – 5,972

    PDP – 10,022

    Egor

    APC – 10,202

    PDP – 27,621

    Owan East

    APC – 19,295

    PDP – 14,762

    Owan West

    APC – 11,193

    PDP – 11,485

    Ovia North-East

    APC – 9,907

    PDP – 16,987

    Etsako West

    APC – 26,140

    PDP – 17,959

    Esan South-East

    APC – 9,237

    PDP – 10,563

    Oredo

    APC – 18,365

    PDP – 43,498

    Esan West

    APC – 7,189

    PDP – 17,434

    Akoko Edo

    APC – 22,963

    PDP – 20,101

    Etsako East

    APC – 17,011

    PDP – 10,668

    Etsako Central

    APC – 8,359

    PDP – 7,478

    Orhionmwon

    APC – 10,458

    PDP – 13,445

    Ovia South-West

    APC – 10,636

    PDP – 12,659

    Earlier, Obaseki had lauded the people of Edo State for giving him the mandate to govern the State for a second time.

    In his victory post on his official Twitter page, Obaseki who said words failed him, thanked the people of Edo for being courageous in their bid to end godfatherism in the state.

    “Words fail me in saluting our teeming supporters who displayed immense courage in the face of threats, intimidation and brutalisation. The collective will of Edo people made itpossible for us to triumph over godfatherism. Congratulations to all Edo people,” Obaseki tweeted.

    https://twitter.com/GovernorObaseki/status/1307686663229931521

    Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the election process, which led to the victory of Governor Obaseki as declared by the INEC.

    The President congratulated the winner and urged him to show grace and humility in victory.

    In his reaction to the outcome of the election as announced by INEC, President Buhari said:

    “My commitment to free and fair elections is firm, because without free and fair elections, the foundation of our political and moral authority will be weak.”

    The President added:

    “I have consistently advocated for free and fair elections in the country because it is the bedrock of true democratic order.

    “Democracy will mean nothing if the votes of the people don’t count or if their mandate is fraudulently tampered with.”

    He commended the people of Edo State, the parties, candidates and security agencies for conducting themselves responsibly.

  • #EdoDecides2020: Obaseki leads Edo election

    #EdoDecides2020: Obaseki leads Edo election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has so far announced results of 13 local government areas (LGAs) in the Edo State Governorship Election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Godwin Obaseki, who is the incumbent Governor was leading after the announcement of results from the 13 LGAs.

    Obaseki’s closest rival in the election has been Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Below are the official results of the Edo state governorship election as announced by INEC so far:

    Igueben LG

    APC – 5199

    PDP – 7870

    Esan North-East

    APC – 6,556

    PDP – 13,579

    Esan Central

    APC 6,719

    PDP 10,794

    Ikpoba Okha

    APC – 18,218

    PDP – 41,030

    Uhunmwonde

    APC – 5,972

    PDP – 10,022

    Egor

    APC – 10,202

    PDP – 27,621

    Owan East

    APC – 19,295

    PDP – 14,762

    Owan West

    APC – 11,193

    PDP – 11,485

    Ovia North-East

    APC – 9,907

    PDP – 16,987

    Etsako West

    APC – 26,140

    PDP – 17,959

    Esan South-East

    APC – 9,237

    PDP – 10,563

    Oredo

    APC – 18,365

    PDP – 43,498

    Esan West

    APC – 7,189

    PDP – 17,434

    So far Obaseki has polled 243,604 votes, while Ize-Iyamu has polled 154,192 votes.

    TNG reports five LGAs results are still yet to be released.

  • Edo election: No need to change performing governor – Danjuma

    Edo election: No need to change performing governor – Danjuma

    Sen. Daisy Danjuma on Monday called on Edo women to rally round the re-election of Gov. Godwin Obaseki for a second term in the Sept. 19, governorship election in the state.

    Daisy Danjuma, who is the wife of retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, made the call at a reception organised in her honour by Edo women in Benin

    Danjuma said there was no need to change a performing team adding that Obaseki deserved a second term to continue with his sterling governance.

    She said, the governor’s sterling performance in all sectors of the state’s economy compelled me to endorse his candidacy for a second term at a function in Lagos even before the governor’s defection to PDP.

    “Obaseki was in APC and I saw all what he was doing in Benin. I then said to myself this is not about party but about the individual.

    “In my opinion he has done well but as a member of board of trustee of PDP I supported Obaseki for continuity even before his defection to the party.

    “Since, the nation’s return to democracy in 1999, former governor Lucky Igbinedion ruled for eight years, Adams Oshiomhole also ruled for eight years why is it that a performing governor will not do eight years.

    “There is no reason a performing governor will not have a second term.

    “I saw it that Obaseki will do something great, that is why I said in spite of my party I must support him for a second term so that he can finish all the good job that he started,” she said.

    She, however, called on parents to sensitise their children to the need to shun violence adding that they should not allow themselves to be used as agents of electoral fraud.

    “It is your duty to encourage everybody around you, convince your husband, children, friends and associates to come out on Saturday to vote for Obaseki and PDP.

    “Sept. 19, is a very important day and nobody should encourage violence,” he added.

    According to her, nobody has governed for four years in the state. Please, let’s vote right. No man is God.

    Vote right. Use your PVCs right and vote for Obaseki’s re-election,” she added.

    Earlier, Betsy Obaseki, the wife of the state governor, said that Gov. Obaseki was fighting a political battle to liberate not only Edo but the nation from the shackles of godfathers.

    Obaseki urged women in the state to come out en masse on the election day to vote for the governor for a second term.

  • Edo 2020: Obaseki misused his chances for re-election – Ize-Iyamu

    Edo 2020: Obaseki misused his chances for re-election – Ize-Iyamu

    Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the Edo Governorship election says Gov. Godwin Obaseki has toyed with his chances for re-election by failing to keep to his electoral promises.

    Ize-Iyamu made the assertion on Monday, during his ward-to-ward campaign at Ogwa, Esan West and Amahor, Igueben Local Government Areas of the state.

    He said Obaseki, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), missed his chances of reelection when he betrayed the trust of people of the state.

    He said it was because the governor could not give account of his stewardship to Edo people that he decided to cross-carpet to PDP where he felt he would not be held accountable for his actions.

    “‘The governor did nothing for Edo people for almost four years and does not deserve a second term because he will also not work for the people,” he said, urging the electorate to vote massively for APC to restore Edo to the path of development.

    “We will bring more roads and employ teachers in your schools.

    “In the area of Manpower development, our women need more than wrappers, they need money to support their businesses,” Ize-Iyamu said.

    At Udo, Igueben council, he promised to construct the road linking the community to Igueben town.

    In his remarks, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo, said he withdrew his support for Obaseki because he failed to continue with the upgrade of infrastructure he met on ground.

    Oshiomhole said Obaseki could not deliver the dividends of democracy to Edo people, a promise the Governor made during his electioneering campaign in 2016.

    “Today, you are complaining of lack of good roads, no teachers, no water because he failed to continue with my work.”

  • Edo 2020: Delete Oshiomhole’s image from Ize-Iyamu, Obaseki will gallantly lose on Sept 19 – Edolites

    Edo 2020: Delete Oshiomhole’s image from Ize-Iyamu, Obaseki will gallantly lose on Sept 19 – Edolites

    …say we’ll vote according to our conscience

    The larger than life image of former All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole on Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s guber ambition may make him lose Edo 2020 guber polls.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG, reports that the active participation of Oshiomhole in Ize-Iyamu’s campaign may deny the Redeemed Christian Church of God pastor victory on September 19.

    Most Edolites who spoke on the forthcoming elections simply gave the victory to Ize-Iyamu because of his massive grassroots connection across the state.

    But quickly added that with Oshiomhole standing with him his chances of emerging governor of the state is very slim.

    One of the Edolites, a prominent son of Edo South who spoke under the condition of anonymity said:

    “Look my son, if you delete Osho from POI, the election will heavily tilt in his favor because he has always been there for us.

    “Every Christmas and Easter festivities, POI for several years must send bags of rice to us despite the fact that we know that he is not holding any Political office.

    “This has been his tradition and such a man cannot come to me for his vote then I will look the other way, it’s impossible.

    Another prominent leader told TNG that”in Edo South, POI is the ultimate if not for the manner Osho de-marketed him in our last guber election.

    “You don’t expect me to raise the hands of the pastor that has been painted in the image of a monster before my people, it will dwindle my personality.

    “I think I am bigger than that because it was Osho who decided on his own to rubbish us APC members.

    “There’s apathy in Edo over the manner Obaseki was disqualified from the primaries in the first place.

    “In a civilised clime, Obaseki would have been allowed to participate in the primaries, if he loses, well and good we will understand.

    “But for Oshiomhole under his watch as APC Chairman to allow Obaseki to be disqualified for obvious reasons cannot really be deciphered.

    “On election day, we’ll vote according to our conscience and I will add that if not for Osho, POI would have coasted to victory without stress.

    The grassroots network of POI has been his major weapon in the forthcoming guber election slated for September 19.

    He has maintained this network over the years and this may just be the tonic that may open the gate of Denis Osadebey Government House for him.

  • Edo 2020: Obaseki should explain how he spent N6bn on renovation of Ogbe stadium

    Edo 2020: Obaseki should explain how he spent N6bn on renovation of Ogbe stadium

    …when same amount can be spent on 18mini stadia in 18LGAs

    …says it’s undemocratic for 7 lawmakers to legislate for all Edolites

    …speaks on N700m allegation

    …insists he has not lost his calling as a pastor

    Edo State guber aspirant, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on Thursday said his rival in the race, Governor Godwin Obaseki should explain how he spent N6billion on the renovation of Samuel Ogbemudia when same amount can build 18 mini stadia across the State.

    The guber aspirant, who disclosed this in a media parley in Abuja noted that such a huge amount of money could have been channelled into at least 18 mini stadia.

    Ize-Iyamu further explained that this same amount could have been used to build “at least 18 mini stadia across the state and that is what I will do.

    Asked whether his meddle into politics will not affect his calling as a man of God, the pastor said he can’t lose his calling because if nobody steps forward to challenge issues politically who else will do it.

    N700m Allegation:

    The money in question was released by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP which I only signed for and it was taken to Chief Tony Anenih’s house for disbursement to LG chairmen in the state.

    “I was not given even N100k for signing and Chief Anenih had to add his money because he felt it was not going to be enough.

    On the state House of Assembly, the guber aspirant condemned a situation whereby only seven lawmakers legislate for Edolites while the remaining 17 are barred from law making.

    He said “what ought to form a quorum is a minimum of 8 but today only 7 lawmakers run the House.

    On security in the state, he said nothing”tangible has been done to curb insecurity as the money made available is not even enough to fuel vehicles.

    He explained his agenda for Edolites code named:SIMPLE.
    “Let me explain the simplicity of a simple agenda, it’s an acronym which means Security and Social Welfare. This means infrastructural development and urban renewal, M means manpower development, the P means public private partnership, the L means leadership by example and the E means employment and empowerment scheme.

    “Starting with the first issue of security; you all will agree with me that there can be no meaningful development in the absence of security. Mr President has done well but state government, even the local government must compliment the efforts of the federal government.

    “Unfortunately in our state, what we are experiencing now is a very high level of insecurity to the extent that few businesses that we have are closing up and no new ones are coming in.

    “There is no amount of MoU that you sign if there is no security they will not come because nobody is going to endanger their lives simply because you are inviting them to come and do business in your state.

    If you want to secure your state you must be ready to invest in it unfortunately again this is not being done in our state. The excuse that security is in the hands if the federal government, security agencies are answerable to the commander in chief is not a good excuse for insecurity. If that was so I cannot justify why governors will collect security votes every month. I think the essence of such approval is that they should complement the efforts of the federal government to secure their states.

    In our state what is released his very little that cannot even fuel their vehicles and even our own local vigilantee or community security are all phasing out, in the absence of encouragement they no longer exist and now to ply our roads federal and state high ways has become a very risky venture. So security is going to be key in moving our state forward.

    Secondly infrastructural development and urban renewal; it is unfortunate that a lot of the promises that were made whether in terms of roads, light, hospitals and even schools are not actualised.

    Four years ago the present government promised that he was going to bring healthcare to the door step of our people, in all the wards of the state he would establish a primary health care centre that is well equipped and well furnished but at the end of the four years he has not been able to complete it out of 121, how can that be a pas mark.

    The hospital that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole built and established even when the present governor ….became a subject of unnecessary controversy, today that hospital has been given to a private consultant who is charging fees that the average Edo man cannot pay. So the hospital us open but it is not open to Edo people because they cannot access the place. A hospital that was built with the resources of all, it is unfortunate that hospital has become inaccessible to Edo people.

  • Pastor Ize-Iyamu: Obaseki should explain how he spent N6bn on renovation of Ogbe stadium

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu: Obaseki should explain how he spent N6bn on renovation of Ogbe stadium

    …when same amount can be spent on 18mini stadia in 18LGAs

    …says it’s undemocratic for 7 lawmakers to legislate for all Edolites

    …speaks on N700m allegation

    Edo State guber aspirant, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on Thursday said his rival in the race, Governor Godwin Obaseki should explain how he spent N6 billion on the renovation of Samuel Ogbemudia when same amount can build 18 mini stadia across the State.

    The guber aspirant, who disclosed this in an ongoing media parley noted that such a huge amount of money could have been channelled into at least 18 mini stadia.

     

    Details soon…

  • BREAKING: To forestall APC impeachment moves, Gov Obaseki orders renovation of Edo House of Assembly complex

    BREAKING: To forestall APC impeachment moves, Gov Obaseki orders renovation of Edo House of Assembly complex

    To forestall impeachment moves by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and following the reported invasion of the Edo State House of Assembly, the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has ordered the immediate removal of the roof of the House of Assembly complex for renovation.

    The Governor also ordered the heaping of sand at the front of the Edo State House of Assembly complex to further forestall the forceful takeover by security agencies. Several artisans were seen going about the renovation works which is currently ongoing.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports security agencies, believed to be drafted from Abuja on Thursday stormed the Edo Assembly complex to provide security cover to 17 lawmakers loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

    The move, TNG gathered, which was to allow fresh inauguration of the APC loyalists, and the impeachment of the Speaker, Frank Okiye; the Governor and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, was however foiled when Obaseki, Shaibu and supporters stormed the complex.

    Our correspondent later observed that trucks and tippers from the Government House were already heaping sand and other construction materials at the front of the Assembly gate. The move is likely to prevent the APC and the Abuja forces from forcefully taking over the Assembly.

    Recall that Edo State lawmakers had been sitting inside the Edo State Government House for over a month, with the claim that the Assembly complex at ring road was being fumigated over Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) scare.

    However, on Thursday morning, there was heavy security presence at the Edo State House of Assembly, ring road, with reports of takeover by the 17 lawmakers loyal to the APC and Pastor Ize-Iyamu. The development is coming a day after the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yekini Idiaye was impeached reportedly by 7 lawmakers loyal to the State Governor for pledging loyalty to the APC and Ize-Iyamu. A member of the Edo APC executive, who pleaded anonymity, said the security measures were to allow the fresh inauguration of the 17 lawmakers loyal to the party and its candidate.

    The crisis in the Edo Assembly began when the Assembly was inaugurated under controversial circumstances at night by the Governor with only nine out of 24 lawmakers-elect on June 17. All the 24 lawmakers were members of the APC until the recent defection of about 7 to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside Governor Obaseki.

    When contacted, Speaker Frank Okiye said he was not aware of the security presence. But a government official fingered Oshiomhole in the planned takeover.

    Meanwhile, the PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan has charged the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed to immediately stop the invasion and attempt to forceful takeover the Edo state House of Assembly by security operatives.

    The party posits that the invasion and occupation of the state legislature by security agents allegedly deployed by sacked national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, is a direct coup against the democratic order of Edo state and a recipe for anarchy, chaos and bloodletting.

    “We urge the Inspector General to act with dispatch to curb this nefarious situation, which has heightened tension in the state, and if not halted, may results in a bloody clash as the citizens are already charged to defend their symbol of democracy from a forceful takeover.

    “The Police hierarchy is urged to note that this provocative and lawless act by the APC is part of its plans to overheat the polity and create a security situation with the view to unleash violence on the people, derail the democratic order in the state and blame it on security agencies.

    “We condemn this notorious resort to self help by the APC and their agents to forcefully takeover power in Edo state through the back door.

    “Our party has been informed that the plot is to use the illegal security operation to seize the processes of the House of Assembly and illegally inaugurate certain individuals whose seats have been lawfully declared vacant with plans to use them to pull down democratic structure in the state.

    “The PDP has also been made aware of grand plots by Oshiomhole, working in alliance with the impeached Deputy Speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, to import a fake mace, cause anarchy and then push for the imposition of a state of emergency in the state, seeing that they cannot win the forthcoming governorship election.

    “Our party therefore charges the IG to wade in and immediately withdraw the illegally deployed security officers and protect democracy and peace in Edo state.

    “Our nation cannot afford to have a breakdown of law and order in Edo state at this critical time as such is capable of having a spiral effect on other states in the Niger Delta region, which will further result in dire consequences to our nation.

    “We therefore restate our call to President Muhammadu Buhari to rein in Adams Oshiomhole before he triggers a serious crisis in this country,” the statement reads.

  • I’ve not resigned as PDP publicity secretary in Edo – Nehikhare

    I’ve not resigned as PDP publicity secretary in Edo – Nehikhare

    Mr Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Edo, says he has not resigned his position in the party.

    Nehikhare in a statement on Sunday in Benin said that in the last 24 hours, there had been a “diabolical” post on social media suggesting that he had resigned.

    He stated that the information was a lie and the figment of the imagination of the desperados managing a lame campaign that had run out of ideas and decided to take the simple way out.

    “I have said it repeatedly that governance is a serious business. My convenant with Edo people is to help enthrone a governor that is transparent, financially prudent and puts Edo people first.

    “I remain in PDP filled with men and women with integrity and compassion for Edo people. I remain in PDP that is enjoying unprecedented support from Edo people and Nigerians.

    “I remain in PDP to help Gov. Godwin Obaseki continue with his excellent job,” he stated, noting that for PDP, its Edo first and resetting Edo for a better tomorrow.