TheNewsGuru

Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • APC primary election: 6 aspirants for Edo Governorship screening

    …Aspirant credentials to be displayed for claims and objections

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced six Governorship aspirants to be screened for the party’s June 22, 2020 primary election to elect the party’s Edo State Governorship candidate.

    The six aspirants who have bought, completed and submitted the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms are Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, H.E. Godwin Obaseki, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Odubu, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Hon. Osaro Obazee and Hon. Matthew Aigbuhuenze Iduoriyekemwen.

    “In our bid to ensure due diligence and transparency in the screening exercise and learning from our recent shocking experiences, we are determined to avoid any lapses in the process. Therefore, we are making the submitted information and documents of the governorship aspirants available to our party members and the public for verification of claims and to support the screening panel with information or any objection to the claims contained in the submission by the aspirants.

    “Consequently, the various submissions will be displayed at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja and in Benin City, the Edo State capital from Monday 8th to Tuesday 9th June, 2020 for claims and objections.

    “We are inviting party members and indeed members of the public to assist the screening committee by scrutinizing the information, credentials and documents provided by the governorship aspirants and availing the Screening Committee of counter and correct information, if applicable.

    “Recall that in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, APC had earlier released its time table and schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2020 Governorship Primary Elections in Edo States.

    “Accordingly, sales of nomination and expression of interest forms began at the APC National Secretariat from Wednesday 20th May to Tuesday 2nd June, 2020.

    “The last day for submission of completed forms and accompanying documents was
    Wednesday 3rd June, 2020.

    “As earlier stated, publication of claims and objections will be from Monday 8th to Tuesday 9th June, 2020.

    “Screening of aspirants has been slated for Wednesday 10th to Thursday 11th June, 2020.

    “This will be followed by Screening Appeal which will hold on Friday 12th June, 2020.

    “The Primary Election will hold on Monday 22nd June, 2020, while Election Appeal has been slated for Wednesday 24th June, 2020,” a statement signed by Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, National Publicity Secretary of the party read.

  • Obaseki names Lalong, Sanwo-Olu, Uzamere to reconcile Edo Assembly

    Obaseki names Lalong, Sanwo-Olu, Uzamere to reconcile Edo Assembly

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has named the Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Senator Ehigie Uzamere, to reconcile members-elect in the Edo State House of Assembly.

    In a statement, the governor said the constitution of the reconciliation committee is part of moves to restore harmony and peace in the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state at large.

    The governor insisted that he is committed to peace and that a united front would make the party stronger, more cohesive and help to foster more development in the state.

    He added that the committee, which commences work with immediate effect, would reach out to all parties in the dispute and ensure that all grey areas are addressed to make for peaceful resolution of the matter.

  • BREAKING: Stewart replaces Ohonbamu as Edo Commissioner

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the appointment of Mr. Stewart Efe as Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation.

    In a statement, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., said the appointment takes “immediate effect.”

    “The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the appointment of Mr. Stewart Efe as Commissioner for Communication and Orientation. His appointment takes immediate effect,” he said.

    Mr. Efe, until his appointment was the Public Relations Officer, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City.

    He hails from Ward 9, Egor Local Government Area (LGA) in Edo State.

    He was a top contender as Chairman, Egor LGA, in the last local council elections, but stepped down for party interest.

  • Edo 2020: Why Obaseki wants Court to stop Pastor Ize-Iyamu

    More facts have emerged why embattled Governor Godwin Obaseki went to court to stop Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from participating in the scheduled June 22 Edo All Progressives Congress APC primaries.

    See it below:

    The Suit #HAB/05/1/2, is between Pastor Kenneth Asekhomhe(suing for himself and on behalf of members the Executive Committee of the Edo state chapter of the APC, save those who may expressly dissociate themselves), Mr Benjamin Oghumu, (suing for himself and on behalf of members the Executive Committee of the Orhionmwon LGA chapter of the APC, save those who may expressly dissociate themselves); Mr Matthew Ogbebor and Mr Unweni, (suing for himself and on behalf of members the Executive Committee of the the Edo state chapter of the Ugboko ward 5 of the Orhionmwon LGA chapter of the APC, save those who may expressly dissociate themselves), as claimants and the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (sued for himself and on behalf of members of the National Working Committee of the APC), and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, as respondents.

    In the originating summons the claimants through Mr Ken Mozia,SAN, who is their attorney, are asking the court to determine the following questions:

    1. Whether article 31(2) of the APC Constitution is not in conflict with Section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended as it relates to the qualification for elected to the office of a Governor of a state.

    2. Whether having regards to the provisions of section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution, the APC can validly grant a waiver to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to make him eligible to contest in the party primaries.

    3. Whether having regard to the provisions of Articles 31(2) and Articles 31(3)(ii) of the APC Constitution, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (and the NWC) can grant a waiver to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu without the approval of the NEC of the APC and without Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu formally applying for such a waiver through his ward, LGA, State and Zonal Committee of the APC.

    4. Whether a waiver purportedly granted by the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (and the NWC) to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on or about 21-5-20 or any other date in gross violations of Section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 31(2) and Article 31(3) of the extant 2014 amended Constitution of the APC is not null, void and of no effect.

    And if questions 1-4 are answered in the negative and resolved in favor of the claimants, the claimants seek the following reliefs from the court:

    1. A declaration that Article 31(2) of the APC Constitution as amended is in conflict with section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution as it relates to the qualification for election to the office of a Governor of a state and is therefore null and void.

    2. A declaration that having regards to section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution the APC cannot validly grant a waiver to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to make him eligible to contest the APC primary elections with a view to nominating him as it’s candidate to contest the 2020 governorship elections of Edo state.

    Alternatively,
    3. A declaration that the NWC of the APC cannot grant any waiver to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to make him eligible to contest the primary elections to select the APC candidate without approval of the APC NEC.

    4. A declaration that having regards to the provisions of Articles 31(2) and 31(3)(ii) of thee APC Constitution Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (and the APC NWC) cannot validly grant a waiver to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu without the approval of the APC NEC and without Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu formally applying for such waiver through his claimed ward, LGA, state and zonal committees of the APC.

    5. A declaration that any waiver purportedly granted by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (and the APC NWC) on 21-5-20 or any other date in gross violation of section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution and Articles 31(2) and Articles 31(3)(ii) of the extant amended 2014 APC Constitution is null, void and of no effect.

    6. A declaration that the waiver purportedly

  • Obaseki’s ploy to stop Ize-Iyamu fails again as High Court adjourns sitting

    Obaseki’s ploy to stop Ize-Iyamu fails again as High Court adjourns sitting

    Embattled Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State ploy to stop his top contender, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on Thursday kissed the dust again following the adjournment of sitting on his frivolous motion requesting the restraining of the APC from conducting its primary and screening Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu by the High Court in Benin City.

    The embattled governor caused tension in the state today with the blockage mounted by his thugs and other security officials meant to bar journalists from gaining entrance into the court premises, an action said to be meant to intimidate the members of the judiciary into granting him a favorable order.

    This however failed like his previous attempts when the High Court adjourned sitting until June 17. Godwin Obaseki is challenging the membership of Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu in the All Progressives Congress, a concern that has been dismissed by the leadership of the party at the state and national level.

    The governor, aware of his unpopularity and likely defeat to Pastor Ize-Iyamu at the party’s internal primary set for June 22, is desperate to use the courts, and other organs of state, to rig the process in his favor.

    This particular case was moved to the High Court in Benin City after it was discovered that Justice Vestie Eboriem of the Abudu High Court where it was initially lodged had allegedly met and obtained inducement from Barrister Osarodion Ogie, the SSG, to try the case secretly and grant an ex-parte order that would have prevented the primary from holding.

  • Rumble in Edo as Obaseki orders security operatives to bar journalists from court sitting

    ….as Governor seeks injunction against Pastor Ize-Iyamu
    ….Channels TV, AIT others barred
    ….EBS gets pass for coverage

    Rumble in Benin City, the Edo State Capital as Governor Godwin Obaseki bar journalists from covering court proceedings.

    This is sequel to blockage of Sapale road and other axis leading to the High Court by thugs suspected to be loyal to Governor Obaseki over the hearing of a case bordering on the membership of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the All Progressives Congress.

    The thugs, working in collaboration with security officials including the Police, NSCDC, and Mobile Policemen, are also mounting a barricade at the entrance of the court, denying entrance to members of the press.

    The court case was initially lodged at the Abudu High Court where Justice Vestie Eboreime, suspected to be induced by members of the Obaseki-administration, attempted to secretly issue an ex-parte order restraining the All Progressives Congress from screening Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu and conducting its primary election.

    However, a loud outcry over her complicit relationship with members of Obaseki-administration, particularly Barrister Osarodion Ogie, the Secretary to the State Government, and a petition to the Chief Judge of the state, caused a re-assignment of the case reportedly to the High Court in Benin where a suspicious secret hearing is being planned for this morning.

    Journalists around the court vicinity are protesting their exclusion, noting that even court cases involving the presidential election were made open to the press for transparency and fair reporting of proceedings.

    Except for the state owned electronic media, Edo Broadcasting Television, others including Channels television, Africa Independent Television were denied access for coverage.

  • Edo 2020: Oshiomole’s silence a dangerous signal to Obaseki’s camp

    Edo 2020: Oshiomole’s silence a dangerous signal to Obaseki’s camp

    …as PDP like a vulture patiently waits

    …Oyegun spits fire

    The comrade Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC , Adams Oshiomhole has never been this silent in his entire political career.

    Definitely this silence is capable of rattling any camp that knows the antecedents of the comrade.

    He is a fire brand that spits fire like the mythical dragon in cartoon series because once dared he emits fire from all cylinders.

    His silence is also capable of making all permutations misfire as Edo politics today is laced to comrade’s groins.

    In the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP there’s no visible sign that the party has any serious contender.

    The political stalwarts there are patiently waiting for the comrade’s miscalculation to latch on.

    If the APC primaries fail to produce a Godwin Obaseki as its flag bearer and he moves over the challenge to win the election will be gangantuan for the administrator.

    Akinwunmi Ambode dared the Asiwaju of Lagos the results are all over Nigeria for all to see.

    The Asiwaju simply told supporters of his APC”Ambode is a good administrator but not a good government man and chikena the matter was rested.

    For sometime now, the comrade of Nigeria has not spoken but his body language and signals from all those that matters in Edo politics point to the fact that it’s not going to be a rosy affair for Obaseki in APC.

    Edo may follow the path of Lagos as Obaseki maybe Ambodenised.

    Oyegun’s piece of mind:

    The former chairman of APC and governor of Edo State Chief Odigie Oyegun has never his anger over how a state he once nurtured is being turned into a mine- field and battle ground.

    Apparently peeved by this development, the elder statesman has made it clear that on no account should any leader should be involved in the conduct of the party’s primaries scheduled for June 22.

    Oyegun in a veiled message directed to Oshiomhole said “some persons in the leadership of the party (APC) are part of the contrived crisis in Edo state and must not be allowed to plan , participate or supervise the primary election in the state.”

    Oshiomhole in his new style of observing the law of silence has remained mum clearly sending another dangerous signal that all is not well in Edo APC.

    The ambodenisation of Obaseki is gradually unfolding as 22nd of June lurks around the corner.

  • BREAKING: Edo State discharges COVID-19 index case

    BREAKING: Edo State discharges COVID-19 index case

    The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) index case in Edo State has been discharged, the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has announced, following the imposition of dusk to dawn curfew in the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Obaseki made this known on Monday using his official Twitter handle, revealing the index case tested negative twice, and has now been discharged to go home.

    “The index #COVID_19 case in #EdoState has tested negative for the 2nd time and has now been discharged to go home. This brings to 7 the no. of patients successfully managed and discharged in Edo, with 50% recovery rate of 14 admitted cases. Please, stay safe,” Governor Obaseki tweeted.

    Recall that Governor Obaseki had during the Edo State government COVID-19 response team briefing, announced a dusk to dawn curfew as part of measures to curtail COVID-19 in the State.

    The Governor also announced mandating security agencies to enforce compliance with the curfew, stressing that, “if people are not well and alive we cannot talk about tomorrow”.

    “Dear Edo people, in order to ensure strict compliance with measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our dear State, I have imposed a daily curfew from 7pm to 6am effective from April 20, 2020.

    “Security agencies are mandated to enforce compliance with this curfew. I want to assure all of you that we are fully prepared to combat this pandemic”.

    The Governor further stated, Our approach to impose a partial lockdown was to ensure that we do not totally shutdown the economy and expose the people to the hardships and fatal incidents that have been witnessed in other States that opted for a total lockdown”.

    The order would be reviewed after 10 days after increased screening and testing, the Governor said.

    Similarly, Obaseki has said a model commissioned by the State Government has predicted that the State could see a COVID-19 growth that could peak to about 500,000 cases in the last week of June except some actions are taken.

    The Governor stated on Sunday during the broadcast, where he said the State commissioned the epidemiological study in conjunction with UBTH to predict and guide the course of action required to control the spread of the COVID-19 in Edo.

    He said the model has influenced and informed the strategic plan and framework which the State has designed and that the State plans to screen a minimum of 500,000 Edo citizens in the next two weeks.

    “My dear good people of Edo State, I am pleased to speak to you once again, and to intimate you on actions and steps which have been taken to tackle the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the State.

    “After I established the State COVID-19 Response Team, we commissioned an epidemiological study in conjunction with UBTH to predict and guide the course of action required to control the spread of the COVID-19 in Edo.

    “The model predicted that after the Edo first confirmed case on the 23rd, we will see 8 cases within the first 3 weeks, and a growth that could peak to about 500,000 cases in the last week of June except we take some actions.

    This model has influenced and informed the strategic plan and framework which we have now designed. Our approach like with many other countries is to use data and evidence to take the steps and actions required to flatten the curve and reduce the prediction.

    “Consequently, Edo COVID-19 Response Team, which I Chair, meets daily to provide effective coordination, supported by the NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, ISTH, UBTH, and Security Agencies.

    “I am very proud of our very comprehensive governance and management framework, which is aligned to international best practices and global standards because this is a fundamental requirement to tackle a pandemic of this nature,” Governor Obaseki said.

    He went on to highlight some achievements of his government in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that screening and testing is key if the State is to understand and have the required information to control the spread of the virus.

    “As our health workers are crucial if we are to win the fight against COVID-19, therefore we have emphasized; training, equipping and motivation of frontline health workers.

    “To date we have trained over 4200 healthcare workers who are now manning our screening, testing and treatment facilities. Apart from providing the safety and protection required, we have offered them life insurance and special allowances to continue to motivate them.

    “Screening and Testing is key if we are to understand and have the required information to control the spread of this virus. Therefore, our goal is to screen a minimum of 500,000 of our citizens.

    “The first of the proposed 100 screening centers started operations last week in Oredo LGA. 6 of these centers are Public Primary Healthcare Centers, and 4 are in private hospitals. This would be scaled up to all the 18 LGA in the State within the next 2 weeks.

    “I am glad to inform you that the testing center at the UBTH is now ready. We have begun trial tests under the guidance of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. We expect it will commence full operations this week.

    “We have also taken delivery of another PCR testing machine currently being installed at the Edo Specialist Hospital which we hope will also be ready within the next 2 weeks. This will give us the capacity to perform up to 1000 tests daily in Edo State.

    “With massive screening and testing we will have sufficient information which is required to direct the decisions for proper management and control of the scourge.

    “I am also pleased to inform you, surveillance, contact tracing and line listing is very effective in all local governments in Edo State. Every reported case is actively searched and Persons of Interest (POIs) are thoroughly followed up.

    “We have started treating patients in 3 of the 4 isolation centers in Benin City, Irrua and Auchi, which have a total capacity of 300 beds and 30 ventilators.

    “Our operations involve huge logistic effort and coordination of more than 500 people trained to collect, process and distribute samples, supplies and palliatives.

    “Up to 2,000 men and women from Federal and State security agencies are helping us to provide security for our health workers and residents whilst ensuring compliance and enforcement of our safety guidelines.

    “Many of our people still do not believe that #COVID19 is real and therefore are not internalizing social distancing which is required to end this pandemic.

    “We have therefore organized our comms team to rally our people by undertaking massive awareness and to raise the consciousness of citizens to accept personal responsibility to protect themselves and the community. We are utilizing all available media, – TV, radio, etc.

    “As at today, Edo State has recorded 15 COVID-19 cases. Unfortunately, the worst may be yet to come as we expect to see a rapid increase in the number of cases when we begin massive screening and testing.

    “The good news is that with the steps we are putting in place, I want to assure you that we are fully prepared to combat this pandemic and emerge from this crisis a stronger and more cohesive state.

    “We will continue to impose a partial lockdown for now and not totally shutdown the economy because of the untold economic hardships which a total shutdown will cause to our citizens. We will review our decisions based on evidence obtained from our mass screening and testing.

    “We realise we need to do more social distancing at this time. Therefore, we are taking additional measures to ensure that people stay at home. Consequently, with effect from tomorrow 20th April an order prohibiting movement of people in Edo State from 7pm to 6am.

    “This order will be reviewed after 10 days when we have increased our screening and testing of our citizens. The security agencies, by this directive, are mandated to enforce total compliance by ensuring that movement is restricted at night across the State.

    “All drivers and passengers of all vehicles bringing essential workers and commodities into the State will be screened by health professionals and triaged. We crave your indulgence to cooperate with them as we ensure the process is without much hitches.

    “Also, I want to reiterate that the ban on street trading, which was announced by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, is in the best interest of our people.

    “This move is aimed at ensuring that all trading activities in this period is concentrated in the pry and secondary school premises, where we are strictly enforcing the social distancing policy as well as the hygiene and safety precautions, to slow the spread of #COVID19.

    “Many families and individuals are suffering as a result of the partial lock down. That is why we have started distributing food items to over 50,000 vulnerable families and will give medical support to even more.

    “We are fumigating and providing water in markets, parks and public spaces and have reduced taxes on small businesses. The situation we find ourselves today, is equivalent to a war against an unknown enemy, that is why I am calling on every citizen of #EdoState to partner with the government on this shared responsibility to stop the spread of the virus.

    “We are therefore appealing to everyone to support our fight by donating cash, healthcare equipment, water, food, testing supplies. We are also encouraging you to look out for and support our vulnerable persons so they can maintain their dignity and prevent catastrophe.

    “We should all show care and love at a time like this and be our brothers’ keeper. The government of Edo State is leading this battle and has already spent over 1billion naira of our limited resources in this fight.

    “We have constituted the #EdoState Fundraising Committee, which is populated by captains of industry, religious leaders and traditional rulers to help galvanize efforts at mobilizing resources to beef up the state government’s response to the pandemic.

    “The committee will be inaugurated on Monday, April 20, and we expect that their input would richly improve our efforts at building the required buffers to triumph over this setback.

    “In order to cater to the educational needs of our children who are to resume school on the 27th of April, we have designed EDOBEST-AT-HOME in partnership with MTN. EDOBEST-AT-HOME consists of interactive audio lessons with customized messaging, digital self-study activity packs, mobile phone-based interactive quizzes, digital storybooks and virtually moderated teacher-student classroom interactions.

    “Private schools are welcome to access the materials which will be updated on the Edo SUBEB website.

    “Once again, try to get screened at any of our several screening centers across the state and where required, you will be tested for confirmation. Wash your hands regularly with soap under running water and use alcohol-based sanitizers. Stay at home; but if you must go out, wear facemasks and avoid gatherings of more than 20 persons.

    “Don’t be afraid! Keep safe, stay healthy and strong. COVID-19 need not be a death sentence.If we all play our parts, together we will beat it. God bless Edo State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Governor Obaseki stated.

  • UPDATE: Edo State expects 500,000 COVID-19 cases, intensifies efforts for mass testing of residents

    UPDATE: Edo State expects 500,000 COVID-19 cases, intensifies efforts for mass testing of residents

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has said a model commissioned by the State Government has predicted that the State could see a Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) growth that could peak to about 500,000 cases in the last week of June except some actions are taken.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Obaseki stated on Sunday during a broadcast, where he said the State commissioned the epidemiological study in conjunction with UBTH to predict and guide the course of action required to control the spread of the COVID-19 in Edo.

    He said the model has influenced and informed the strategic plan and framework which the State has designed and that the State plans to screen a minimum of 500,000 Edo citizens in the next two weeks.

    “My dear good people of Edo State, I am pleased to speak to you once again, and to intimate you on actions and steps which have been taken to tackle the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the State.

    “After I established the State COVID-19 Response Team, we commissioned an epidemiological study in conjunction with UBTH to predict and guide the course of action required to control the spread of the COVID-19 in Edo.

    “The model predicted that after the Edo first confirmed case on the 23rd, we will see 8 cases within the first 3 weeks, and a growth that could peak to about 500,000 cases in the last week of June except we take some actions.

    This model has influenced and informed the strategic plan and framework which we have now designed. Our approach like with many other countries is to use data and evidence to take the steps and actions required to flatten the curve and reduce the prediction.

    “Consequently, Edo COVID-19 Response Team, which I Chair, meets daily to provide effective coordination, supported by the NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, ISTH, UBTH, and Security Agencies.

    “I am very proud of our very comprehensive governance and management framework, which is aligned to international best practices and global standards because this is a fundamental requirement to tackle a pandemic of this nature,” Governor Obaseki said.

    He went on to highlight some achievements of his government in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that screening and testing is key if the State is to understand and have the required information to control the spread of the virus.

    “As our health workers are crucial if we are to win the fight against COVID-19, therefore we have emphasized; training, equipping and motivation of frontline health workers.

    “To date we have trained over 4200 healthcare workers who are now manning our screening, testing and treatment facilities. Apart from providing the safety and protection required, we have offered them life insurance and special allowances to continue to motivate them.

    “Screening and Testing is key if we are to understand and have the required information to control the spread of this virus. Therefore, our goal is to screen a minimum of 500,000 of our citizens.

    “The first of the proposed 100 screening centers started operations last week in Oredo LGA. 6 of these centers are Public Primary Healthcare Centers, and 4 are in private hospitals. This would be scaled up to all the 18 LGA in the State within the next 2 weeks.

    “I am glad to inform you that the testing center at the UBTH is now ready. We have begun trial tests under the guidance of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. We expect it will commence full operations this week.

    “We have also taken delivery of another PCR testing machine currently being installed at the Edo Specialist Hospital which we hope will also be ready within the next 2 weeks. This will give us the capacity to perform up to 1000 tests daily in Edo State.

    “With massive screening and testing we will have sufficient information which is required to direct the decisions for proper management and control of the scourge.

    “I am also pleased to inform you, surveillance, contact tracing and line listing is very effective in all local governments in Edo State. Every reported case is actively searched and Persons of Interest (POIs) are thoroughly followed up.

    “We have started treating patients in 3 of the 4 isolation centers in Benin City, Irrua and Auchi, which have a total capacity of 300 beds and 30 ventilators.

    “Our operations involve huge logistic effort and coordination of more than 500 people trained to collect, process and distribute samples, supplies and palliatives.

    “Up to 2,000 men and women from Federal and State security agencies are helping us to provide security for our health workers and residents whilst ensuring compliance and enforcement of our safety guidelines.

    “Many of our people still do not believe that #COVID19 is real and therefore are not internalizing social distancing which is required to end this pandemic.

    “We have therefore organized our comms team to rally our people by undertaking massive awareness and to raise the consciousness of citizens to accept personal responsibility to protect themselves and the community. We are utilizing all available media, – TV, radio, etc.

    “As at today, Edo State has recorded 15 COVID-19 cases. Unfortunately, the worst may be yet to come as we expect to see a rapid increase in the number of cases when we begin massive screening and testing.

    “The good news is that with the steps we are putting in place, I want to assure you that we are fully prepared to combat this pandemic and emerge from this crisis a stronger and more cohesive state.

    “We will continue to impose a partial lockdown for now and not totally shutdown the economy because of the untold economic hardships which a total shutdown will cause to our citizens. We will review our decisions based on evidence obtained from our mass screening and testing.

    “We realise we need to do more social distancing at this time. Therefore, we are taking additional measures to ensure that people stay at home. Consequently, with effect from tomorrow 20th April an order prohibiting movement of people in Edo State from 7pm to 6am.

    “This order will be reviewed after 10 days when we have increased our screening and testing of our citizens. The security agencies, by this directive, are mandated to enforce total compliance by ensuring that movement is restricted at night across the State.

    “All drivers and passengers of all vehicles bringing essential workers and commodities into the State will be screened by health professionals and triaged. We crave your indulgence to cooperate with them as we ensure the process is without much hitches.

    “Also, I want to reiterate that the ban on street trading, which was announced by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, is in the best interest of our people.

    “This move is aimed at ensuring that all trading activities in this period is concentrated in the pry and secondary school premises, where we are strictly enforcing the social distancing policy as well as the hygiene and safety precautions, to slow the spread of #COVID19.

    “Many families and individuals are suffering as a result of the partial lock down. That is why we have started distributing food items to over 50,000 vulnerable families and will give medical support to even more.

    “We are fumigating and providing water in markets, parks and public spaces and have reduced taxes on small businesses. The situation we find ourselves today, is equivalent to a war against an unknown enemy, that is why I am calling on every citizen of #EdoState to partner with the government on this shared responsibility to stop the spread of the virus.

    “We are therefore appealing to everyone to support our fight by donating cash, healthcare equipment, water, food, testing supplies. We are also encouraging you to look out for and support our vulnerable persons so they can maintain their dignity and prevent catastrophe.

    “We should all show care and love at a time like this and be our brothers’ keeper. The government of Edo State is leading this battle and has already spent over 1billion naira of our limited resources in this fight.

    “We have constituted the #EdoState Fundraising Committee, which is populated by captains of industry, religious leaders and traditional rulers to help galvanize efforts at mobilizing resources to beef up the state government’s response to the pandemic.

    “The committee will be inaugurated on Monday, April 20, and we expect that their input would richly improve our efforts at building the required buffers to triumph over this setback.

    “In order to cater to the educational needs of our children who are to resume school on the 27th of April, we have designed EDOBEST-AT-HOME in partnership with MTN. EDOBEST-AT-HOME consists of interactive audio lessons with customized messaging, digital self-study activity packs, mobile phone-based interactive quizzes, digital storybooks and virtually moderated teacher-student classroom interactions.

    “Private schools are welcome to access the materials which will be updated on the Edo SUBEB website.

    “Once again, try to get screened at any of our several screening centers across the state and where required, you will be tested for confirmation. Wash your hands regularly with soap under running water and use alcohol-based sanitizers. Stay at home; but if you must go out, wear facemasks and avoid gatherings of more than 20 persons.

    “Don’t be afraid! Keep safe, stay healthy and strong. COVID-19 need not be a death sentence.If we all play our parts, together we will beat it. God bless Edo State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Governor Obaseki stated.

  • BREAKING: Edo Govt imposes dusk to dawn curfew, announces partial lockdown

    BREAKING: Edo Govt imposes dusk to dawn curfew, announces partial lockdown

    Governor Godwin Obaseki has announced a dusk to dawn curfew in Edo State as part of measures to curtail the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Obaseki made the announcement on Sunday during the Edo State government COVID-19 response team briefing.

    The Governor also announced mandating security agencies to enforce compliance with the curfew, stressing that, “if people are not well and alive we cannot talk about tomorrow”.

    He said, “Dear Edo people, in order to ensure strict compliance with measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our dear State, I have imposed a daily curfew from 7pm to 6am effective from April 20, 2020.

    “Security agencies are mandated to enforce compliance with this curfew. I want to assure all of you that we are fully prepared to combat this pandemic”.

    The Governor further stated, Our approach to impose a partial lockdown was to ensure that we do not totally shutdown the economy and expose the people to the hardships and fatal incidents that have been witnessed in other States that opted for a total lockdown”.

    The order would be reviewed after 10 days after increased screening and testing, the Governor said.