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Tag: Obaseki

  • APC calls for Obaseki’s resignation over worsening security situation in Edo

    APC calls for Obaseki’s resignation over worsening security situation in Edo

    The state caretaker chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Edo State, Col David Imuse Rtd. has called on Gov Godwin Obaseki to immediately resign from office over security challenges in the state.

    In a statement, Col Imuse alleged that Obaseki had run out of ideas on how to govern the state.

    According to him, the call has become necessary because the Governor is failing in his duty of protecting the lives of Edo people, he has shown gross disregard for the rule of law and his personal interest is clashing with his official interest.

    ‘He has failed in duty to uphold his oath of office to protect the lives and properties of Edo citizens, his penchant for disobeying court orders and his decision to plunge Edo state into more indebtedness with his recent clandestine borrowing of N25 billion from the capital market as the reasons for his call’

    ‘No one is safe in Edo. The state is under siege. We have a governor who has lost focus. Fear and insecurity have become the order of the day, yet the Governor takes N700 million monthly as security vote. And so far he has not been able to deploy this huge amount to mobilise the security agencies in the state to fight criminality”.

    On the recent ruling by Benin high court, Col Imuse noted that the governor does not have an iota of respect for the judicial and legislative arms of government or the rule of law but regularly runs to the courts on the most frivolous of excuses.

    ‘A court recently ruled that the duly elected chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council who was illegally removed from office should go back to his seat. But the Governor, in disobedience of the Court, mobilised thugs to seal up the entrance of the Council Secretariat at Agenebode, denying the Chairman access’

    ‘Because Edo state is designed to be governed by relevant laws”, Col Imuse said, “Edo APC is ready to take the bull by the horns, as it can no longer condone a governor who has no regard for the rule of law”.

    The Edo APC Chairman who also blamed Governor Obaseki for making Edo the third most indebted state in the country wondered why he would clandestinely resort to borrowing the sum of N25 billion from the capital market without telling Edo people.

    ‘This loan is unacceptable to Edo people and Governor Obaseki must urgently return it or cancel it outrightly because it is to be repaid by Edo taxpayers and to make matters worse, his own company, Afrinvest is the stockbroker for the facility. This action of the governor is not only illegal, there is a clash of interest he added.

  • Obaseki’s APC faction resigns from party, joins PDP

    Obaseki’s APC faction resigns from party, joins PDP

    Members of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), loyal to Governor Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday announced their resignation from the party and formally joined the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Recall the the party was divided into two factions, in the twilight of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s first term in office, with Anslem Ojezua leading the faction loyal to the Governor, while Col. David Imuse (rtd), leading the faction loyal to former national chairman of party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    But, following the dissolution of all state chapters of the party by its national caretaker committee, the Imuse’s faction was recognized and appointed into the state chapter’s committee.

    Led by former factional chairman Anselm Ojezua, the ‘Obaseki’s APC’ members cited loss of confidence in the national leadership of the party, alleging disobedience to the party constitution.

    Ojezua who further announced their intention to join the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the state, said the resolution was reached at an enlarged meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) of APC Committee members and the chairmen of all the local government area chapters and all leaders of the party in the state.

    The resolution which was signed by 22 executive members of the of the party, led by Mr. Ojezua and chairmen of the party across the 18 LGAs, said over 150, 000 their members and supporters have concluded plans to defect with them.

    READ ALSO APC, Adeboye salute ‘birthday boy’ Gov. Abiodun

    “Having reviewed the said activities, particularly the romance between the National Caretaker Committee and leaders of a parallel group called the Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), who have been parading themselves as members of the All Progressives Congress in the state, in spite of their suspension from the party.

    “It is hereby further resolved that “all our members should join other leaders and members who have earlier relocated to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with His Excellency Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu.

    “Consequently, we encourage our teeming members and leaders at all levels of the party numbering over one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) to also renounce their membership of the All Progressives Congress”, the resolution said.

  • Court adjourns Obaseki’s certificate forgery case indefinitely

    Court adjourns Obaseki’s certificate forgery case indefinitely

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned indefinitely proceedings in the suit by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a member, Edobor Williams, praying for the sack of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    The plaintiffs are querying Obaseki’s academic qualification and want the court to disqualify him.

    Justice Ahmed Mohammed yesterday granted a request by Obaseki’s lawyer, Ken Mozia, for an indefinite adjournment to enable the Court of Appeal determine an application to stay pending appeal.

    Justice Mohammed, who said he was not ready to put his court on a collision course with the Court of Appeal, said he would prefer to await the appellate court’s decision on the application for stay of further proceedings.

    The judge said none of the parties drew his attention to any authority that allows a trial court to continue proceedings when an application for stay of proceedings and appeal against its decision were pending before the appellate court.

    He said he would await the Court of Appeal’s decision on the application for stay and was ready to proceed with the case should the appellate court so direct.

    Olujinmi said parties would be before the Court of Appeal today in respect of the application for stay of proceedings filed by Obaseki.

    Edo University, Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area, established by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, has been renamed through an executive bill.

    Ten of the 24 member-House of Assembly amended the law establishing the university. The lawmakers amended Section Four of the Edo State University Law, thereby replacing Iyamho with Uzairue, the generic name for Etsako clan.

    The lawmakers acted on the executive request, with the committee of the whole suspending Rule 20 of the Assembly to enable it consider the request and amend the university’s law, which was quickly done.

    Speaker Marcus Onobun directed that the bill be given an accelerated third reading for clean copies to be sent to Obaseki for assent.

  • Second Term: Oba of Benin sends critical message to Gov Obaseki

    Second Term: Oba of Benin sends critical message to Gov Obaseki

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has urged Gov. Godwin Obaseki to be selfless in service as he continues to steer the affairs of Edo.

    The Oba gave the advice in a statement issued by Mr Frank Irabo, the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) on Saturday in Benin.

    He congratulated the governor and his deputy on their inauguration for a second term in office and prayed to God to grant them wisdom to render selfless service to the people of the state.

    “May your tenure be peaceful to everyone and be a shining beacon to successive administrations yet to come,’’ the Oba said.

    The governor and his deputy took oath of office on Thursday for their second term.

  • Obaseki appoints Osarodion Ogie as SSG

    Obaseki appoints Osarodion Ogie as SSG

    Re-elected Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has approved the appointment of Osarodion Ogie Esq., as Secretary to the State Government.

    In a statement on Saturday, the governor said this was the only political appointment to be made for now.

    He added that all other appointments are deferred to the first week of February, 2021.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that Ogie held the same post during the first tenure of Obaseki.

    Obaseki was inaugurated for second term on Thursday after his victory at the polls in September.

    The Peoples Democratic Party candidate had defeated Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress in September 19 governorship election in the state.

  • VIDEO: Obaseki’s ADC, paramilitary officer collapse during inauguration

    VIDEO: Obaseki’s ADC, paramilitary officer collapse during inauguration

    The Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, in ceremonial police uniform, and a female para-military officer, also in uniform (names withheld), earlier Thursday collapsed at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, during the second-term inauguration of the governor and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, thereby causing commotion.

    The collapse of the ADC, a Superintendent of Police (SP), and the female officer happened around 12 noon.

    https://twitter.com/samueladeoyo/status/1326883599849828354?s=21

    The para-military officer first collapsed, but she was quickly revived, while the ADC slumped while Obaseki was midway into reading his seven-page inauguration speech.

    The Edo Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, and some operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) later revived the ADC.

  • Wike, Okowa, Tambuwal, others storm Edo for Obaseki’s second term swearing-in

    Wike, Okowa, Tambuwal, others storm Edo for Obaseki’s second term swearing-in

    Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu on Thursday took their Oath of Office for a second and final term in office.

    The Oath of Office was administered around 12 noon by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Esther Edigin.

    In attendance at the inauguration which took place on Thursday at the Tennis Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, were governors of the Peoples Democratic Party including Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, and Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State.

    PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, was also present at the event with some other party officials while Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo was represented by a government official.

    Obaseki had defected to the PDP from the All Progressives Congress after he was denied the ruling party’s ticket in the primary election due to intra-party wranglings.

    He later defeated the APC candidate in the September 19, 2020 governorship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to be re-elected governor of the state.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Obaseki promised to consolidate on his first-term achievements.

    He said, “We will also rapidly develop our critical energy, housing, digital and road Infrastructure, which provides a framework to drive inclusive growth as well as build the economy and drive industrialization, trade and investment, to solidify our state’s status as the choice investment destination in the country.

    “We will preserve the environment and public utilities, to make our state more functional and adapt to the challenges of climate change and rural-urban migration. Our major drive will be the clean and green Edo initiative and sustaining our campaign to plant trees and restore the forest.”

  • Second Term: Obaseki takes oath of office today, dissolves cabinet

    Second Term: Obaseki takes oath of office today, dissolves cabinet

    The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday dissolved the state executive council.

    The governor, who announced the dissolution at a valedictory executive council session at the Government House in Benin City, expressed appreciation to the outgoing council members for their selfless service to the state.

    Obaseki said: “Since I became governor, I didn’t sack any commissioner, but rather they sacked me by resigning from my cabinet. What is important in government are the core values of truth, justice and fairness.”

    Obaseki urged former members of his cabinet to continue to work and support his administration.

    Meanwhile, Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, will be sworn into office for a second term on today (Thursday).

    This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, in Benin, on Wednesday.

    He said, “The inauguration/swearing-in ceremony of Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu will hold on Thursday, November 12, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium between 11am and 1pm prompt.

    Due to the prevailing realities of the coronavirus pandemic, we would be having only 750 invited guests at the venue.

     

  • Edo poll: Why we can’t investigate, disqualify Obaseki over certificate forgery saga – INEC

    Edo poll: Why we can’t investigate, disqualify Obaseki over certificate forgery saga – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that it does not have the power to investigate or disqualify candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo during the September 19 election of Governor Godwin Obaseki, over alleged forgery of the University of Ibadan’s (UI) certificate.

    It noted only a court order could disqualify a governorship candidate from participating in an election.

    INEC stated that it could not investigate the originality, authenticity, or otherwise of the disputed UI’s first-degree certificate presented to the commission by Edo Governor because it was beyond its responsibility.

    The electoral commission, as the first respondent in the petition filed by Action Democratic Party (ADP) and its governorship candidate, Iboi Emmanuel, at the Edo governorship election petitions tribunal in Benin, made the submissions in its reply, with a copy obtained on Sunday.

    The reply was signed by INEC’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

    The electoral commission said: “The information given by the third respondent (Obaseki) in the affidavit and documents submitted by him as a candidate at the election in INEC’s nomination form (Form C.F. 001) are presumed manifestly true or prima facie correct until and only if the contrary is proved and/or pronounced false by an order of the court.”

    PDP, last week, admitted there were noticeable errors in Obaseki’s UI’s certificate, which it claimed occurred while filling the forms for the election in 2016.

    It claimed the governorship candidate “mistakenly” wrote 1976 as his year of graduation, which ought to be his year of admission.

    The PDP said: “At the time Obaseki was completing his Form CF001 in 2016, he deposed to an affidavit, stating that he had misplaced the originals of all of his certificates, while changing offices, with the intention to apply for a re-issuance if his certificates.

    “The original certificate was issued in A5 size. In order for the photocopy of the certificate to be attached to Form CF001, the size was reduced to A4 and in the process, leaving out some information on the certificate.”

    Five petitions were filed at the tribunal chaired by Justice Abdulrazak Abdulkareem against INEC; PDP; Obaseki and his deputy/running mate, Philip Shaibu; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its standard-bearer, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

    Besides ADP and its governorship candidate, there were four other petitions from Action Peoples Party (APP) without joining its governorship candidate, Amos Areloegbe; Action Alliance (AA) and its governorship candidate, Ukonga Onaivi; Allied Peoples Movement (APM), excluding its governorship candidate, Igbineweka Osamuede, and Tracy Agol, without joining her political party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

    The petitioners prayed the tribunal to nullify the September 19 election over forgery, perjury, and massive rigging as well as ordering a fresh election with the exclusion of PDP and Obaseki.

  • New Edo Speaker, Onobun speaks on Obaseki’s role in his emergence

    New Edo Speaker, Onobun speaks on Obaseki’s role in his emergence

    Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Marcus Onobun, has debunked insinuations that the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, was instrumental to his emergence as Speaker of the House.
    Onobun who gave the clarification on Friday in Benin, said the mantle of leadership was bestowed on him by the collective decision of members of the House.
    He noted that although the Assembly is restructure to ensure that Obaseki succeed as governor, the House will however not hesitate to discharge its statutory functions of checkmating the executive in a non-confrontational manner
    He said: “Obaseki never masterminded my emergence. We are an arm of government and independent.
    “The support I got was from the overwhelming members of the House and you can attest to the fact that the way the House is run now, the governor tried as much as possible to allow the business run without interference.”
    Onobun said the change of leadership became necessary in order to strengthened the grounds to enable the Assembly function in maximum capacity towards discharging its constitutional responsibility.
    He added that the House has not only re-united but equally went further to commute the impeachment of the former Speaker to resignation.
    Commenting on the fate of the 14 APC lawmaker-elects who are yet to be inaugurated, the Speaker said their seats have since been declared vacant
    He called on INEC to as a matter of urgency, conduct election to fill the vacancies as the job of 24 lawmakers have become a herculean task on nine persons
    “We are looking forward to having a complete House and that is why I want to use this opportunity to call on INEC to quickly conduct elections to fill the vacancies and help the House to complete 24 and all the constituencies represented,” he said.