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Tag: Monday Okpebholo

  • Gov Okpebholo suspends market unions in Edo State

    Gov Okpebholo suspends market unions in Edo State

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended all Market Unions and Associations in the state over alleged price fixing and extortion.

    The Governor directed the Police and other security agencies in the state to arrest defaulting leaders of the suspended unions and associations.

    The dissolution was contained in a statement by Mr Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Wednesday in Benin.

    According to the statement, the decision is informed by the “disturbing activities” of market unions and associations in the state.

    The statement read: “The attention of the State Government has been drawn to the disturbing activities of Market Unions in the State.

    “Reports abound that the Executives of these Unions either out rightly prevent farmers from disposing off their wares directly to consumers at the markets or arbitrarily fix prices of these staple foods at the detriment of the low income earners and generally, the citizens of the State.

    “Their actions have ultimately led to an astronomical rise in the prices of staple foods in the State, thereby making life unbearable for the common Edo man.

    “Edo State Government views this action with serious concern and considers it extortionist in nature which should not be allowed to thrive.

    “While Edo State Government appreciates the role of market traders and their contribution to the economy of our dear State, it will not however serve as justification to allow a few individuals under the guise of Market Unions Executives and for their selfish reasons, continue to hold the entire State to ransom through their selfish and extortionist activities.

    “Following from the foregoing, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension of the activities of all Market Unions in Edo State with immediate effect.”

  • Gov Okpebholo launches construction of first flyover in Edo State

    Gov Okpebholo launches construction of first flyover in Edo State

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has launched the construction of first flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin, as part of immediate efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the city.

    Performing the ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday, Okpebholo said his administration would also construct two more flyover bridges at Dawson Road Junction and Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction, also in Benin.

    According to him, the completion of the Ramat Park flyover in Benin will transform the economic and social fortunes of the city.

    He stated that Ramat Park is a gateway to Benin and other parts of the country, noting that the bridge would reduce the hardship faced by motorists and commuters on the Benin-Auchi and Benin-Asaba expressways.

    He said “I warmly welcome you to the groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of the Ramat Park flyover here in Benin City.

    “We have gathered to witness the beginning of a very important project that will transform the economic and social fortunes of our capital city and indeed Edo State.

    “During our campaigns a few months ago, I specifically promised to construct flyovers to ease transportation and reduce the traffic gridlock in our city.”

    The governor added that “today, one week into my administration, we are here to fulfill that promise and deliver the dividends of democracy.

    “This is the first flyover we are constructing, and we are going to construct more.”

    Okpebholo urged the contractor handling the construction — CCECC Nigeria Limited, to work day and night to meet the 18-month completion period.

    The governor assured the people of Edo that in the execution of the project, his administration would abide by all relevant laws and appealed to motorists to make sacrifices by being patient with the contractors in the next 18 months.

  • Gov Okpebholo gets approval to make 20 appointments

    Gov Okpebholo gets approval to make 20 appointments

    The Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday approved the request for the appointment of 20 Special Advisers by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    Okpebholo in the letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor, stated that the appointment was for the smooth running of his administration.

    The motion to approve the request was moved during plenary by the Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Eric Okaka.

    Aiguobarueghian said that Section 196 (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, empowered the governor to appointment special advisers.

    In a unanimous decision, the lawmakers approved the appointment of 20 Special Advisers in the state.

    The lawmakers also received another letter from the governor for the confirmation of Mr Emmanuel Okoebor as Commissioner for Finance.

  • Edo: Gov Okpebholo signs revised appropriation bill into law

    Edo: Gov Okpebholo signs revised appropriation bill into law

    Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Monday in Benin, signed the revised appropriation bill of N485.63 billion into law to ensure rapid implementation of developmental projects.

    Okpebholo had on November 13 in a letter requested the House to consider and pass the Revised Supplementary Budget for the continuous development of the state.

    Edo House of Assembly on Monday approved the Revised Supplementary Budget of N485.6 billion for 2024.

    The budget, as approved by the Edo State House of Assembly, has N202.65 billion for recurrent expenditures and N282.99 billion for capital projects.

    Okpebholo, in his remarks, commended the lawmakers for their swift action in passing the bill, which he said would set the tone for transformative governance.

    “I want to thank you for your cooperation and the speedy passage of this bill. With this momentum, Edo State is set to experience remarkable development. I see a team of dedicated individuals ready to work for the betterment of our state.” he said.

    The Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, alongside other lawmakers, attended the signing ceremony held at the Executive Council Chamber in Government House.

    Agbebaku emphasised the legislature’s commitment to support the administration’s vision and ensured continuity in government.

    “The Eight assembly expedited the passage of this appropriation law to allow the new administration to commence its projects without delay. Government is a continuum, and we are committed to fostering development for the people of Edo State,” Agbebaku said.

  • Gov Okpebholo appoints Chief of Staff

    Gov Okpebholo appoints Chief of Staff

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has appointed Gani Audu as his Chief of Staff and the appointment takes immediate effect.

    A statement by Musa Ikhilor, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) said, Audu’s appointment would help Okpebholo in driving meaningful reforms in the state.

    “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly the good people of Edo State, that the governor has approved the appointment of Gani Audu as his Chief of Staff.

    “The appointment takes immediate effect,” the statement said.

    The statement added that Audu, born on Aug. 18, 1969, obtained an HND from Auchi Polytechnic in 1994.

    “A PGD in Business Administration from Benson Idahosa University in 2011 and an M.Sc. in Intelligence and Global Security from Baze University, Abuja in 2024.

    ”Audu was an elected Chairman of Etsako West Local Government from 2004 to 2010. He was elected member, Edo State House of Assembly, (Etsako West Constituency 1) from 2015 to 2023.

    According to the statement, Audu was the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2020 Edo Governorship election.

  • Gov Okpebholo freezes Edo accounts, orders reversal of ministry’s name

    Gov Okpebholo freezes Edo accounts, orders reversal of ministry’s name

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered immediate freezing of all the state bank accounts until further notice.

    Governor Okpebholo gave the directive in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Fred Itua, on Thursday in Benin.

    He warned that non-compliance by commercial banks as well as heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) would result in severe penalties.

    “All bank accounts in all commercial banks are now frozen. Commercial banks must ensure strict adherence and prevent any withdrawal from government accounts until further notice,” the statement said.

    Okpebholo stated that necessary investigations and financial reconciliations would determine subsequent actions.

    He also ordered the reversal of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to the old Ministry of Works with immediate effect.

    The governor cited what he called lack of completed bridges or significant road projects as a justification for changing the ministry of roads and bridges back to ministry of works.

    “It is ironic that despite its name, the ministry did not construct a single bridge, not even a pedestrian one,” he said.

    The Governor directed immediate implementation and reflection of the new name across official documents and platforms.

  • Gov Okpebholo reacts after swearing in SSG, Commissioner

    Gov Okpebholo reacts after swearing in SSG, Commissioner

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Wednesday swore-in the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, 24 hours after assuming office.

    The appointees are: Mr Musa Ikhilor (SSG), and Mr Samson Osagie (Attorney-General). Okpebholo charged them to help him achieve his vision for the state and ensure that the people’s interest comes first. He advised them to put in their best for the development of the state.

    “I was voted to work and everybody should be ready to work. I carefully selected these appointees. They have a proven track record and integrity. During my campaigns, I promised to work with the best and that is what we have done with these appointments,”he said.

    Speaking shortly after their swearing-in, the SSG and the Attorney-General of the state, promised to help the governor drive meaningful changes and development in the state.

  • Osagie confirmed as Attorney-General of Edo State

    Osagie confirmed as Attorney-General of Edo State

    The Edo State House of Assembly on Wednesday in Benin, confirmed the nomination of Dr Samson Osagie, as the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo had on Tuesday nominated Dr Osagie shortly after taking the oath of office as governor of the state.

    Okpebholo, in a letter addressed to the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, requested the House to confirm the nominee.

    The governor also requested the House to consider and pass the year 2024 supplementary budget to ensure the smooth running of the government.

    Confirming the nominee, Agbebaku informed the House that Osagie, having served as a two-time member of the Assembly from 1999 to 2007, would not be subjected to a rigorous screening exercise.

    The Speaker noted that Osagie, also a former House of Representatives member, should be allowed to take a bow and be confirmed.

    Agbebaku explained that the bow-taking was in line with the tradition of the House, in recognition of the contributions of the former lawmaker at both the state and national levels.

    The House, thereafter, in a voice vote, unanimously confirmed Samson Osagie as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

    It would be recalled that Osagie is a private legal practitioner, having been called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995.

    He is also the current Vice President of the African Bar Association (West African Region).

    Born on November 11, 1967, Dr Osagie hails from Uhunmwode Local Government of Edo.

    He was a two-term member of the Edo State House of Assembly and also served in the House of Representatives, where he rose to the position of Minority Whip.

  • Edo: Gov Okpebholo springs into action, dissolves boards, orders contractors back to site

    Edo: Gov Okpebholo springs into action, dissolves boards, orders contractors back to site

    Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Wednesday announced the dissolution of the boards of all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the state with immediate effect.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, in Benin.

    The statement also said that all the permanent secretaries appointed from outside the public and civil service have been relieved of their appointments.

    It directed affected appointees to handover all the government property in their possession to the most senior public officers in their respective MDAs.

    Gov Okpebholo suspends revenue collections, orders arrest of defaulters

    Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of all revenue collections in the state especially in motor parks until further notice.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, on Wednesday in Benin.

    Okpebholo also ordered the State Commissioner of Police to arrest anyone who flouted the order.

    Itua stated that the governor would review the issues surrounding the collections soon and decide on the way forward.

    “The collection of revenues in the state has been suspended indefinitely. Anyone seen collecting revenues on behalf of the state government will be arrested.

    “The Commissioner of Police is hereby ordered to arrest anyone who flouts the order and collects any kind of revenue on behalf of the state government.

    “The Governor will soon address the issues and the concerns raised and will issue new directives.

    Bad roads: Gov Okpebholo orders contractors back to sites

    Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, on Wednesday, ordered contractors in the state to return to sites and immediately fix failed portions within the Benin metropolis.

    Okpebholo gave this directive during an inspection tour of the Upper Mission Extension Road by Aduwawa Junction and the Ramat Park axis in Benin.

    At Aduwawa Junction, Okpebholo said his administration, in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was committed to restoring the hope of the Edo people.

    Decrying the bad state of the roads, Okpebholo assured the people that work would commence immediately, adding that he was eager to bring the dividends of democracy to the people.

    He stressed that the Edo people deserve good and motorable roads.

    “During the campaigns, I promised that I was going to hit the ground running with road rehabilitation and construction.

    “Today, I have ordered contractors back to sites. We have no time to waste.

    “We promised our people that we would fix and construct the roads. There is only one dry season in a year. This is the time to immediately move to sites and fix the roads.

    “So, Edo people should expect good things to happen. We will fix our roads and ensure that our people enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.

    According to him, work is expected to commence immediately on the 7.5 km Temboga Road, Lucky Way Junction by Aduwawa, and Ramat Park.

    Others are Eyaen Road and Obadan Junction along the Benin – Auchi Expressway.

    The governor, during the road tour, inaugurated the Edo branch of Premium Trust Bank in Benin.

  • Tinubu reacts as Okpebholo assumes office as Edo Governor

    Tinubu reacts as Okpebholo assumes office as Edo Governor

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday congratulated Sen. Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the Governor of Edo.

    Tinubu, in a message, urged Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure.

    Mr Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman, made these known in a statement in Abuja.

    Okpebholo’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday followed his triumph in the Sept. 21 governorship election in the state, which has seen him succeeding former Governor. Godwin Obaseki.

    With his victory and inauguration, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken over governorship of Edo from the People’s Democratic Party.

    Reflecting on the transition, Tinubu noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State was rejoining the ranks of the APC.

    He emphasised the importance of Gov. Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state.

    The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving good governance.

    Expressing concerns, Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure.

    He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship Election.

    Tinubu encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, scheduled for Nov. 16.

    The President, according to the statement, celebrated the milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and rejoiced with the people of Edo for the momentous occasion.