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Tag: Gov. Obaseki

  • Edo Guber Race: Gov. Obaseki tips Asue Ighodalo to win election

    Edo Guber Race: Gov. Obaseki tips Asue Ighodalo to win election

    On Saturday, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State announced that Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the upcoming September governorship election, is expected to win and succeed him.

     

    Obaseki expressed confidence that Ighodalo would outperform him as governor, highlighting his intellect, integrity, and discipline as key attributes. The governor made these remarks during a meeting with PDP leaders from all wards across the state’s 18 local government areas in Benin City. The meeting focused on strategizing for the September 21 governorship election.

     

    Obaseki praised the primary election that selected Ighodalo as the party’s candidate, calling it the best ever in the nation. He thanked the delegates and party members for electing Ighodalo, whom he has known for about four decades, to carry the PDP’s flag in the election. Obaseki expressed confidence that with the collective efforts of party members, Ighodalo would become the governor of Edo State on September 21, 2024, asserting that the PDP is the only dominant party in the state and predicting a victory in the election.

  • Edo: Gov. Obaseki behind my attack – Philip Shaibu

    Edo: Gov. Obaseki behind my attack – Philip Shaibu

    The reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of orchestrating an attack against him and Monday Okpebholo, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the state. Shaibu claims that Obaseki had previously threatened to “destroy” him.

     

    Shaibu reported receiving intelligence that Obaseki instructed his men to prevent him from entering the state. This alleged directive resulted in a shootout in Benin City when Shaibu returned after the Abuja Federal High Court reinstated him as deputy governor. The clash led to the death of Okpebholo’s police aide.

     

    In an interview on Channels Television, Shaibu said, “I got intel that the governor told his men not to allow me into town. I’m a free-born citizen of Edo State; nobody can prevent me from entering the state. The Constitution does not permit anyone to bar me from the state, whether I am a deputy governor or an ordinary citizen.”

     

    Shaibu also recalled Obaseki’s threat to destroy him, adding, “I didn’t know he would arm them that much. Reviewing it further, I remembered the governor saying, ‘I will destroy you.’ It was an attempt to actualize that threat. However, I believe only God can destroy a man. That’s why I decided to fight for the sanity and sanctity of the deputy governor’s office, even after my impeachment.”

  • Edo assembly has no rift with Obaseki – Speaker

    Edo assembly has no rift with Obaseki – Speaker

    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.

  • Gov. Obaseki promises safety in Saturday’s LG polls

    Gov. Obaseki promises safety in Saturday’s LG polls

    The Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, has assured of safe passage and heightened security for citizens during the upcoming Local Government Area (LGA) election scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2023.

    This announcement was made during a press briefing held after a state Security Council meeting convened at the Government House in Benin City on Thursday.

    Governor Obaseki also reiterated that there will be no restriction of movement and people would be able to move freely within and through the state during the electoral process.

    “The local government election will be held on Saturday, and one unique thing about the election is that movement is not restricted.

    “People will be allowed to go about their normal activities after voting. Movement within the state and commuters going through the state will not be restricted,” Governor Obaseki stated.

    The Governor urged voters to participate en masse in choosing their preferred candidates, while expressing confidence in the readiness and preparedness of all security agencies involved in ensuring a secure electoral process.

    “Enough preparation has been made to secure the people so that they can go to the polling unit, vote, and go home. If they need to come back and wait for the votes to be counted and the election declared, they can also do so, but it must be peaceful,” Governor Obaseki urged.

    The state Commissioner of Police Muhammad Dankwara, also assured the public that security agencies were fully prepared and ready for the local government election.

    Dankwara said that all security agencies were aligned in their commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral exercise.

    “We are prepared for the election, and we are all on the same page with our sister security agencies, and surely the election will be very peaceful,” Dankwara affirmed.

    He added that only eligible voters with proper identification will be allowed at polling units, and agents approved by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission will oversee the voting process.

    The Police Commissioner reassured the public of the police’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and thoroughness in executing their duties before, during, and after the exercise.

    Dankwara also issued a stern warning against the use of dangerous weapons during the local government elections, stressing that no weapons of any kind would be permitted at the voting arena.

    Additionally, individuals or party representatives would not be allowed at polling units with political party logos or any form of political party identification. These measures are intended to maintain order and prevent violence during the election.

    The local government elections are scheduled to take place in 4,519 polling units across 192 wards in the 18 local government areas of Edo State.

  • No plan to impeach deputy governor, he’s planning to defect – Obaseki

    No plan to impeach deputy governor, he’s planning to defect – Obaseki

    The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has explained that there was no such plan to remove his deputy, Philip Shaibu from office.

    According to Obaseki, the move by Shaibu seeking a court order to stop his purported impeachment was preemptive ahead of his alleged plan to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over his governorship ambition.

    Obaseki made this known  while briefing journalists in Benin City during a visit by the Edo North leaders, alleged that the deputy governor had been actively engaging with senior actors both at the national and state level of the APC, negotiating his way into their party, adding that he was on the verge of finalising moves to defect to the APC.

    He said, “Let me put it on record that I am not aware of any plot or any scheme to impeach the Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu. I have also checked and there was no such plan.

    “So, the court action taken, for me, is a thing of shock and disappointment. I am trying to reflect on the move made by somebody that I have given a broad latitude to do his work as deputy governor. So, for him to take this kind of action is shocking.”

    The Edo governor explained that Shaibu never discussed his governorship ambition with him.

    “The last time we spoke of my successor after the House of Assembly election, I did say that we should be patient and that our task is to try and finish well and conclude all our projects we started. It’s only when we do this right that we will have the support of the people for my successor.

    “I believe that this action by him is a preemptive move to get a court order, keep his ticket and move to another party. I think it’s unfair for our party. We don’t need this sort of crisis. I have been getting calls all over the world and it’s rather sad that somebody who is part of an administration will do this to the administration because of his personal ambition.”

    Obaseki said he was not angry “but naturally I should be disappointed.”

    It was gathered that the state Assembly made no mention  of the alleged impeachment move against the deputy govenor of the state.

    The Edo state Assembly  adjourned the plenary till next Monday, August 14.

     

  • Good Friday: Obaseki tasks Christians on love, tolerance

    Good Friday: Obaseki tasks Christians on love, tolerance

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, on Friday in Benin, enjoined Christians to emulate the virtues of tolerance, love and selflessness as shown by Jesus Christ on Good Friday.

    Obaseki gave the charge in a message to mark Good Friday, a Christian holiday in preparation for the Easter celebration.

    He urged Christians to use the celebration of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for mankind on Calvary, to reflect on the significance of the day by imbibing the virtues of love, tolerance and selflessness.

    “It is only when we are able to tolerate and accommodate others; love one another irrespective of religious, political, ethnic, or ideological differences, and live selflessly as Jesus Christ did by sacrificing his life on the cross, that we will be able to tackle the many challenges facing us as a country and people.” he said.

    Obaseki urge all to be their brother’s keeper, uphold the spirit of togetherness and remain resolute on their love for God and our nation.

  • Gov. Obaseki releases N1. 5bn for arrears of LG pensioners

    Gov. Obaseki releases N1. 5bn for arrears of LG pensioners

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has released the sum of N1.5billion for payment of arrears of local government pensioners in the state.

    Mr Jimoh Ijegbai, the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs made the disclosure on Friday, while addressing members of the Local Government Pensioners’ Association (LGPA) in Benin.

    Ijegbai said the N1. 5 billion would cover eight month’s arrears of 4, 340 local government pensioners in the state.

    “You will recall that on May Day, the governor made a promise to release N1. 5 billion to clear part of the state local government pensioners’ arrears.

    “I am glad to announce to you that the money has been released for immediate payment.

    “You recall, after the announcement on May Day, the governor held a meeting with the pensioners, urging them to proceed for immediate screening to ascertain their actual number,’’ Ijegbai said.

    According to him, the screening has been completed and the state government is now ready to pay the pensioners.

    The commissioner said the governor’s gesture was unprecedented in the history of the state as huge sum of money like that had never been released to pay pension arrears before.

    He said the present administration had not defaulted in payment of pensioners in the state since Obaseki assumed office as the governor.

    “As at today, we are paying N264 million monthly to our pensioners in the state and we will continue to pay until we clear the outstanding arrears,” he said.

    Responding, the LGPA President Mr Frank Akinido thanked the government for the gesture.

    Akinido reiterated that members of the association were peace and abiding citizens.

    NAN