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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Edo 2024: Obaseki’s ‘anointed’ candidate resigns corporate job

    Edo 2024: Obaseki’s ‘anointed’ candidate resigns corporate job

    Ahead of the Edo 2024 Governorship Election, Governor Obaseki’s ‘anointed’ PDP Candidate, Asue Ighodalo has resigned.

    The governorship aspirant in the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, Asue Ighodalo, has resigned as the chairman of the board of directors of the Nigerian Breweries Plc.

    The Nigerian Breweries made this known in a corporate filing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Friday.

    The company secretary, Uaboi Agbebaku, also said there were changes in its board of directors after the board meeting on December 7, 2023.

    Agbebaku said the resignation of Ighodalo, who hopes to clinch the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will take effect at the end of the year.

    He added that Sijbe Hiemstra will become the interim chairman.

    Agbebaku said: “The chairman informed the board today of his decision to offer himself for public service.

    “As a result, he will be resigning from the Board and as the chairman of the board on the 31st of December 2023 to enable him devote his full attention to the new cause.

    “To give the board enough time to appoint a substantive chairman, the longest serving director, Mr. Sijbe “Siep” Hiemstra, was appointed to act as the chairman in the interim effective the 1″ of January 2024.”

    Nigerian Breweries said during the transition period, Hiemstra will steer the affairs of the board and oversee the process of appointing a substantive chairman.

    Before his appointment, Hiemstra was a member of Nigerian Breweries’ governance committee and also served on the company’s statutory audit committee.

    “He joined the board on the 1 of August 2011 and is a past Heineken Regional President for Africa and Middle East,” the company said.

    Meanwhile, Nigerian Breweries also announced that Ndidi Nwuneli notified the board of stepping down from her position as an independent non-executive director.

    According to the company, Nwuneli, who served a 9-year tenure, will leave by December 31, 2023.

    The board of directors appointed Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli as an independent non-executive director to fill the vacant position.

    “Ojekwe-Onyejeli brings to the Board years of experience as a risk manager with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry, and skilled in enterprise risk management, business planning, internal audit, and analytical skills,” Nigerian Breweries said.

    “She currently serves on the boards of Coronation Insurance Plc and Rand Merchant Bank, amongst others. The company is pleased to have someone with her knowledge and experience join its board.”

     

  • Edo election: How PDP candidate will emerge – Obaseki

    Edo election: How PDP candidate will emerge – Obaseki

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the sole right to determine its candidate for the Sept. 21, 2024 Edo governorship election.

    Obaseki stated this when he visited Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State incompany of former Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom to congratulate him on his victory at the Appeal Court on Thursday in Bauchi.

    He described his relationship with his deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu as cordial.

    “He wants to run for the office and he is free to do so and you know as a Nigerian, he has the constitutional right to run and nobody can or should stop him.

    “The party will decide and also the members of the party will decide who will be the flag bearer of our party in the forthcoming general elections in Edo.

    “I’m only one out of the millions party members in Edo and I don’t think my vote would determine whether he becomes the flag bearer or not,” he said.

    Obaseki said the visit to Bauchi was to also discuss some pertinent issues relating to the PDP Governors Forum said other matters affecting Nigeria.

    The governor acknowledged that things were difficult and Nigerians were suffering, added that it was time for Nigerian leaders to stop lamenting, confront the problems and find solutions to them.

  • Shaibu accuses Obaseki of “intimidation” and “harassment”

    Shaibu accuses Obaseki of “intimidation” and “harassment”

    The deputy governor of Edo state Philip Shaibu, has said that Governor Godwin Obaseki should have discussed his choice of a successor with him, accusing his principal of “intimidation” and “harassment”.

    Shaibu made this known on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Tuesday.

    The deputy governor had on Monday officially declared to run for the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He insisted that despite his not-so-smooth association with his principal, it is his constitutional right to contest the number one office in the state.

    The deputy governor said, “He (Obaseki) said I am the type of deputy governor any governor will wish to have. So, what has changed? What has changed simply is that I want to be the governor of Edo State.

    “Possibly, maybe he (Obaseki) wants somebody else. In a situation like that, what you do is not intimidation, it is not harassment; you call a family together, you call all of us (aspirants) together and give us reasons why you feel certain things should be. Tell us what you want. You don’t intimidate, you don’t harass.

    “If I am governor tomorrow and my deputy wants to contest, he has the right to contest. If I want to support somebody else, I also have the right to support somebody else, not intimidation.

    “No conversation and then the next thing is intimidation and harassment, not to somebody that has sacrificed for the government.”

    The PDP governorship aspirant said he won’t cave in to pressure or intimidation but can be won over through engagements and discussions.

    “I am someone that can easily give in after engagement but I am not somebody that can give in to intimidation. If I am to give in to intimidation, we won’t have democracy today,” Shaibu said.

    He lamented that it was unfortunate that some supporters of the governors were not able to separate between loyalty and constitutional rights.

    “It’s my cross I am carrying and that is why I have refused. I don’t need to fight. I am loyal to the governor; it’s not disputed but my right to contest is mine. Loyalty is given and it is fully given even with the humiliations and everything I am still loyal but when it comes to contest, it is my constitutional right,” he said.

     

     

  • Obaseki blames global inflation on COVID-19 pandemic

    Obaseki blames global inflation on COVID-19 pandemic

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has said that the Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic which impacted the World three years ago, was responsible for the all time high global inflation.

    Obaseki stated this while delivering his keynote address on Friday at the 2023 Delta State Executive Council Retreat in Asaba.
    The retreat has the theme: “Delivering the M.O.R.E Agenda for Advancing Delta: Strategies Enablers”.

    The theme was aimed at ensure that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of Delta government align their programmes and activities with the Delta’s Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori led administration’s policy focus.

    Obaseki, who spoke on “Innovative Approach to Building a State that Works for the Citizens (Opportunities, Challenges and Prospects for Advancing the Delta State Economy), said that the pandemic triggered the global inflation.

    According to him, the pandemic of three years ago had driven global inflation to an all time high.

    ”Since the era of COVID-19, there has been a significant increase in use of technology and Artificial Intelligence in doing things, the effect on developing countries like Nigeria is frightening”.

    He, however, warned that sub-national and local governments must work assiduously to deliver for the people.

    Obaseki disclosed plans to buy back the state’s shares in the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC),  adding that talks were ongoing between Delta, Edo, Ekiti, and Ondo states to repurchase the shares.

    On his part, Oborevwori assured of his administration’s committed to ensuring excellence, process driven and result oriented governance for the people of the state.

    He said that the strategic imperatives of the M.O.R.E agenda have been distilled into deliverables that can be measured, tracked, and reported.

    “These key performance indicators will enable us to measure our progress as an administration based on established timelines and benchmarks for success.

    “This will in turn, enable efficiency of government, enhance performance, hold the MDAs accountable, and promote judicious utilization of resources.

    “It is my earnest expectation that this forum will provide the pathway for us to deliver on the promises of the M.O.R.E agenda.

    “Through fiscal responsibility, synergy among the MDAs, robust community engagement, effective public communication, creative execution of programmes, and excellent service delivery,” he said.

    Oborevwori said that a key component of his administration’s policy thrust was to ensure a credible feedback mechanism.

    “For us to achieve our stated goals, MDAs must constantly monitor the progress of projects under their jurisdiction and formulate a mechanism for feedback and evaluation.

    “As evidenced from the projects that we have so far completed and embarked upon, this administration is process driven, result-oriented, and excellence-inclined.

    “Indeed, we are poised to advance the state into an era that will accelerate the realization of its full potentials through the M.O.R.E agenda.

    “Towards this end, the Commissioners are expected to sign a Performance Bond at the end of this retreat.

    “This is not meant to scare anybody. It is to serve as a motivation to stay focused on the deliverables that have been established,” he said.

    “As I stated in my inauguration speech, the M.O.R.E agenda is designed to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth and private sector job creation.

    ”Also to strengthen the human capital, build an enabling infrastructure, bolster public financial management, and improve governance and accountability systems for improved service delivery.

    “The issues before us are simple – they are about improving the quality of life of our people, about building bridges of social cohesion, about giving our people hope of a better tomorrow, and about accelerated development.

    “To effectively achieve this target, it demands thought and action from me and all those who have the privilege to serve as elected officials, political appointees, or civil servants,” he said.

    Earlier, the Delta Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, thanked the governor for organizing the retreat, adding that it would give participants insight into the philosophy and clear vision of the Agenda.

    Onyeme said that there was a new Sheriff in town whose agenda was geared towards reshaping the tools of governance for greater efficiency as encapsulated his M.O.R.E agenda.

    He urged participants to do things differently.

  • Obaseki remains my friend in spite of our political differences says Oshiomole

    Obaseki remains my friend in spite of our political differences says Oshiomole

    Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District and former Governor of Edo, says the incumbent governor of the state, Mr Godwin Obaseki, remains his friend in spite of their political and party differences.

    Oshiomhole spoke while giving his goodwill message at the ongoing 2023 Alaghodaro Summit in Benin.

    The summit has as its theme, “The Edo Story: Creating Shared Opportunities into the Future.”

    The Alaghodaro summit is held yearly by the Edo Government, in partnership with the private sector, to mark the anniversary of Obaseki in office.

    The state government usually avail itself of the opportunity to showcase the progress being recorded in transforming the state into an investment haven.

    Oshiomhole, who thanked Obaseki for hosting the Alaghodaro summit and inviting him, noted that the world should know that he and Obaseki were friends not enemies.

    According to him, being friends doesn’t mean we can’t disagree or have different opinions; but we must treat ourselves with love and care.

    “Regardless of what people say, we should not give the impression that different options translate to war.

    “People don’t need the tears of leaders joining them to lament but taking bold steps to solve the problem facing the people.

    “Having the privilege as a governor, I have high regard for the Office of the Governor and for the governor himself.

    “To have all the civilian governors elected in the state present here today speaks volumes.

    “We definitely belong to different political parties but the sum total of those parties is not equal to Edo State.

    “What this means to me is that we can politic differently but never have doubt about the shared commitment to the citizens of the state that should be the greatest in Nigeria.

    “The language of leaders matters to followers. What defines democracy is that of ideology, even if we share the same destination but the route to get there may differ, it should not be a matter of war.

    “I thought the world should know that Godwin is my friend. It doesn’t matter; being friends does not mean we cannot debate or disagree but being friends means we treat ourselves with love and care and bring our followers together.

    “I am happy that with all the challenges in Nigeria, Nigeria is greater than the challenges,” he said.

    Earlier, Obaseki said his government had, in the past seven years, reengineered Edo for growth and development, and consciously laid a solid foundation for the state’s future.

    The governor noted that the government focused on six thematic pillars, including institutional reforms, economic revolution, social welfare, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability and arts and culture.

    Obaseki noted that the bold reforms had positively impacted the lives of millions of Edo people, placing the state on the path of sustainable and accelerated growth and development.

    Former governors of the state, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Chief Lucky Igbinedion, were also present at the event.

    Though they spoke at different times during the programme, both former governors commended Obaseki’s  lofty achievements and visionary leadership.

     

     

  • Edo Assembly denies having rift with Gov Obaseki

    Edo Assembly denies having rift with Gov Obaseki

    The Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has said that there is no rift between Gov. Godwin Obaseki and lawmakers contrary to speculations in some quarters.

    Agbebaku said this shortly after inspecting the ongoing renovation work at the Legislative Quarters in Benin.

    Flanked by other lawmakers, he said: “I want to let you know that we are all working in harmony with the governor.

    “The house has no problem with the governor. He is doing well,” he said.

    Assessing the renovation of the legislative quarters, Agbebaku said that he was satisfied at the pace of work.

    He said that the governor had just paid the second tranche of the contract to the contractor handling the project.

    “Before we came on board, the governor had awarded the contract.

    “This legislative quarters is housing almost 30 blocks of housing units.

    “It was awarded to four contractors and the job is going on smoothly.

    “Before the end of November, members will move into their apartments,” the speaker said.

    He further disclosed that 14 of the cars ordered by the governor for the lawmakers have so far arrived at the Government House.

    “The governor is doing well and he is trying to ensure even distribution of the scarce state resources.

    “The assembly is not the only sector that needs the attention of the governor, there are other areas seeking attention,” Agbebaku said.

    He said that the house commended the governor’s developmental stride in the state.

    He said that the governor was making sure that all the adjoining roads were fixed to decongest the major roads.

    He said that the house had set up an ad hoc committee to monitor all government projects, adding that the lawmakers were satisfied with what they saw on ground.

    “So we are working in harmony with the state government and we can tell you that the governor is doing very well and will finish strongly,” the speaker said.

  • How my successor will emerge – Gov Obaseki

    How my successor will emerge – Gov Obaseki

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has said the process of seeking his successor ahead of the 2024 governorship election in the State will reflect fairness, equity, and a sense of inclusion.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Obaseki said this while speaking with newsmen in the capital city of Benin on Friday.

    The Edo State Governor, however, stressed that he was not in the position at the moment to determine, appoint or anoint his successor.

    “All I know is that in the process of seeking my successor, there must be fairness, equity, and a sense of inclusion because our goal is to keep Edo as one.

    “The important thing for us as an administration is for us to finish strong and complete everything we told Edo people we would do for them during our campaigns,” Obaseki said.

    Speaking on his relationship with his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, he said: “I have nothing personal against the deputy governor and never had. For me, the issues are very straightforward”.

    Recall relationship between Obaseki and Shaibu had gone frosty in recent times as the duo threw brickbats at themselves until Shaibu apologised to the governor on Sept. 21.

    Obaseki accepted Shaibu’s apology saying “to err is human, while to forgive is divine”.

    The governor was, however, silent on whether he would allow Shaibu to return to his office in Government House.

    “I have noted the public apology made by the Deputy Governor of Edo, His Excellency, Comrade Philip Shaibu. The apology followed an aberrant behaviour that contradicts what the people of Edo stand for.

    “To name a few, the deputy governor needlessly filed unfounded petitions in courts, restraining me, the House of Assembly and security agencies from a non-existent impeachment process.

    “This followed repeated breaches of protocol; unwarranted and unprovoked attacks in the media on my person and on the state government.

    “Although, these unwarranted provocations caused me severe personal discomfort, as a person of faith, I am under obligation to accept this apology, because as they say, to err is human, to forgive is divine.

    “In good faith, I trust that the public apology as expressed by the deputy governor is genuine, and followed by contrite steps to improve his conflict-resolution skills.

    “I also enjoin the deputy governor to guide his proxies to act in accordance with his piety.

    “It is my sincere hope that this rhetoric will be put to an end to enable this administration to finish strong, over these final 12 months,” Obaseki had said.

    On Sept. 21, Shaibu pleaded with Obaseki to forgive him, saying he was sorry, adding that he was really missing the Edo governor.

    He also stated that he did not move into his newly-allocated office outside Government House because the recently-renovated office was not yet policed, and it lacked a conference room, among other needs.

  • JUST IN: Gov Obaseki writes Shaibu, accepts public apology (photo)

    JUST IN: Gov Obaseki writes Shaibu, accepts public apology (photo)

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has finally accepted the apology of his deputy, Philip Shaibu, over what he has described as an unwarranted provocation, which he said caused him severe personal discomfort.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Obaseki to have said he was under obligation to accept Shaibu’s apology, which the Deputy Governor tendered publicly, as a person of faith.

    In a letter titled, “Re: Public Apology By The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu,” Obaseki said in good faith, he trusts that the public apology as expressed by Shaibu is genuine and followed by contrite steps to improve his conflict resolution skills.

    The letter reads: “I have noted the public apology made by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu. This apology followed an aberrant behaviour that contradicts what the people of Edo State stand for.

    “To name a few, the Deputy Governor needlessly filed unfounded petitions in the Nigerian courts restraining me, the State House of Assembly and Security agencies from a non-existent impeachment process, followed by repeated breaches of protocol; unwarranted and unprovoked attacks in the media on my person and the State Government.

    “The media frenzy as a result of the above and more provided an impression of crises that have been precarious and distasteful to Edo people in the State and across the world.

    “Although these unwarranted provocations caused me severe personal discomfort, as a person of faith, I am under obligation to accept this apology because as they say, “to err is human, to forgive is divine.”

    Obaseki further noted, “In good faith, I trust that the public apology as expressed by the Deputy Governor is genuine and followed by contrite steps to improve his conflict resolution skills. I also enjoin the Deputy Governor to guide his proxies to act by his piety.”

    He added, “It is my sincere hope and that of my other colleagues in government and all well-meaning Edo people, that these rhetorics will be put to an end forthwith to enable this administration to finish strong and deliver the dividends of democracy to the greatest number of Edo people over this final twelve (12) months.”

    RE: PUBLIC APOLOGY BY THE EDO STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR, PHILIP SHAIBU

    I have noted the public apology made by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu. This apology followed an aberrant behaviour that contradicts what the people of Edo State stand for.

    To name a few, the Deputy Governor needlessly filed unfounded petitions in the Nigerian courts restraining me, the State House of Assembly and Security agencies from a non-existent impeachment process, followed by repeated breaches of protocol; unwarranted and unprovoked attacks in the media on my person and the State Government. The media frenzy as a result of the above and more provided an impression of crises that have been precarious and distasteful to Edo people in the State and across the world.

    Although these unwarranted provocations caused me severe personal discomfort, as a person of faith, I am under obligation to accept this apology because as they say, “to err is human, to forgive is divine.”

    In good faith, I trust that the public apology as expressed by the Deputy Governor is genuine and followed by contrite steps to improve his conflict resolution skills. I also enjoin the Deputy Governor to guide his proxies to act by his piety.

    It is my sincere hope and that of my other colleagues in government and all well-meaning Edo people, that these rhetorics will be put to an end forthwith to enable this administration to finish strong and deliver the dividends of democracy to the greatest number of Edo people over this final twelve (12) months.

    His Excellency,

    Godwin Obaseki,

    Governor, Edo State.

  • Edo deputy governor, Phillip Shaibu, locked out of govt house office (video)

    Edo deputy governor, Phillip Shaibu, locked out of govt house office (video)

    A video footage has emerged showing Edo State  deputy governor, Philip Shaibu  locked out of his old office at the Government House in Benin city, the state capital.

    In the video, he was seen making a call as he arrived at work at the Government House this morning and was shocked to see that the gate leading to his office was under lock and key. He said he is yet to get any letter of correspondence from the governor for him to relocate.

    While on a phone call to a yet-to-be-identified person, he was heard saying; “Up till now, I don’t have any official communication that I should relocate. The only people that have official communication are my civil servants. The civil servants have official communication but I don’t. As I am speaking to you now, I am standing by the gate,”.

    Last week, a letter said to be from the office of the Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, was reported to have been sent to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor directing Shuaibu to relocate to a new office situated at No 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, GRA, Benin City. However, sources close to Edo’s number two citizen claimed that the new office is abandoned and in dire need of rehabilitation.

    Obaseki and Shaibu fell out after the latter indicated interest in running for office of governor of the state when Obaseki had already indicated he had an anointed candidate.

    Obaseki had accused his deputy of plotting a coup against him. Shaibu has since denied this and stated that Obaseki is a brother and that he remains loyal to him despite their political differences.

    See video below:

  • CAF Confederation Cup: Obaseki to storm Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for Insurance vs RS Berkane

    CAF Confederation Cup: Obaseki to storm Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for Insurance vs RS Berkane

    Godwin Obaseki the Edo State governor, will on Saturday afternoon lead supporters of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin to Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to cheer them in their CAF Confederation Cup 2nd round preliminary first leg game against the Renaissance Sportive de Berkane Football Club of Morocco.

    Briefing Journalist at the media Centre of the  Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin, Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission Yusuf Alli , Olympian, and former Captain of Team Nigeria and the press Secretary to Edo State governor, Mr. Andrew Okungbowa, expressed confidence that Mr. Governor Godwin Obaseki will be at the forefront on Saturday to give massive supports to the Benin Arsenal, ensuring that it is nothing but total victory against the Moroccan side.

    “Let me on the behalf of the government of Edo State and our amiable governor Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, appreciate the people of Edo State, including the civil servants for the massive support given to Bendel Insurance FC against their opponents from Algeria ASO Chief FC in the first preliminary round game last month. The rhyme of that massive support still echoes. We are ready for the second round first leg again.

    “The State government is offering free ride for spectators coming to the Stadium the same way we did in the first round match. We have also thrown the gate open with free tickets. Our Governor has put all machinery in place to ensure victory for Bendel Insurance.”

    Insurance qualified to the second round of the competition after degfeating ASO Chlef of Algeria, who are the 2022/23 Algeria Cup winners.