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  • Obaseki’s victory shows egocentric politicking can be defeated – Ex-APC chair Oyegun

    Obaseki’s victory shows egocentric politicking can be defeated – Ex-APC chair Oyegun

    A former National chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has congratulated Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on his re-election.

    Oyegun, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that egocentric politicking could be overcome.

    “Please accept my deepest congratulations, Mr. Governor on your re-election as Governor of our great Edo State.

    “You and your exemplary Deputy have shown that with good work and principled leadership, the ills of overbearing and egocentric politicking in our nation can be overcome.”

    He noted: “Your very significant victory marks a watershed in Edo and indeed Nigerian politics and so places additional responsibilities on your shoulders.

    “I wish you and your Deputy four more years of inspired and productive leadership of our people who have reposed so much confidence in you,” Odigie-Oyegun added.

  • Oba of Benin finally breaks silence on Obaseki’s re-election

    Oba of Benin finally breaks silence on Obaseki’s re-election

    The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, on Tuesday solicited the support of all Edo sons and daughters as well as other residents for the re-elected Gov. Godwin Obaseki in order for him to succeed.

    The monarch made the call in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr Frank Irabor.

    Oba Ewuare II congratulated the re-elected governor, saying, “the voice of the people is the voice of God.”

    It would be recalled that Obaseki was on Sunday afternoon announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the Governorship election held in the state on Saturday.

    Obaseki, of the PDP polled a total of 307,955 votes, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu, got 223,619 votes.

    According to the statement, the monarch commended President Mohammadu Buhari for ensuring free, fair and credible poll.

    Oba Ewuare II particularly commended the National Peace Committee led by former military Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, for initiating the signing of the peace accord by the governorship candidates of the political parties.

    According to the statement, “on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, the Benin Traditional Council wishes to congratulate Gov. Godwin Obaseki on his re-election for a second term in office.

    “As His Royal Majesty said on numerous occasions, the Benin Throne is non-partisan and that on election day let the people speak because the voice of the people is the voice of God.

    “The Oba thanked President Mohammad Buhari for ensuring that the election was free, fair and violent-free.

    “He also thanked all the candidates for adhering to the advice for a violent-free election given to them during the peace meeting in the Oba’s palace before the election which have been widely-acclaimed to have doused the tension that was building up before the election.”

    He also thanked INEC for the peaceful and successful election as well as the security agencies for a job well done.

  • Fight is over now, Obaseki tells Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu

    Fight is over now, Obaseki tells Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu

    The reelected governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday extended a hand of fellowship to the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its former chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    Obaseki said this after receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with his Deputy, Phillip Shaibu.

    Obaseki said; “on a special note, I want to use this occasion to call on the former chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, that, the fight is over.”

    He specifically asked Oshiomhole to “come and join in building the house, where he was part of laying the foundation.”

    According to him; “We have no malice. The only thing we disagree on is on the approach in moving Edo forward.”

    Similarly, Obaseki also called on his strongest opponent in the election, Pastor Ize-Iyamu of the APC, saying; “we are one family in the pursuit to provide services and public vote for our citizens.”

    He added, “I want to put it on record that the election of September 19, 2020 has been adjudged as one of the best conducted election in terms of it being free and fair.

    “Our citizens have decided that for now, they trust us more with the affair of leadership. It does not mean that they did not have a role to play. It does not mean that they are not part of a family.

    “So I am using this opportunity to extend a hand of fellowship to my brother, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his other colleagues in the APC to join us and work with us so that we can move Edo State forward.”

  • How Oshiomhole’s sheer administrative incompetence, gross leadership malady led to our loss in Edo – APC chieftain

    How Oshiomhole’s sheer administrative incompetence, gross leadership malady led to our loss in Edo – APC chieftain

    …begs Obaseki to forgive Oshiomhole and return to APC

    …Urges Ize-Iyamu to Demand Refund of Campaign Expenses from Oshiomhole

    The loss of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just-concluded governorship election in Edo State has continued to generate reactions.

    A chieftain of the ruling party at the central government, Mr Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, blamed a former national chairman of the APC, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, for the woeful performance at the poll.

    Candidate of the PDP, Governor Godwin Obaseki, was declared as winner of the exercise after polling 307,955 votes to defeat his APC opponent, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who raked 223,619 votes.

    Mr Obaseki became Governor of the state in 2016 under the APC platform but was denied ticket of the party in 2020 after a misunderstanding with his predecessor, Mr Oshiomhole. This forced him to approach the PDP for a ticket to seek a second term in office.

    Reacting to the APC loss at the poll held over the weekend, Mr Eze said the leadership style of the former labour leader cost the party the opportunity to retain Edo State.

    He said it was unfortunate that Edo State has been added to the league of states like Zamafara, Rivers, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Sokoto, Adamawa, and Oyo States where “sheer administrative incompetence and gross leadership malady occasioned by the self-styled and kooky steering model of Adams Oshiomole scuttled the electoral chances of the APC and deprived the majority from having their way.”

    According to him, the outcome of the Edo gubernatorial election confirmed that “Oshiomhole’s membership of the APC is a curse which has brought brutal misfortune and severe affliction on the party.”

    He said the gains and achievements recorded by the party under the “sterling leadership of Mr John Odigie-Oyegun as national chairman have been swept away by the dangerous flood of an unending catastrophe which has overwhelmed the party as a result of Oshiomhole’s disastrous and poor approach to leadership and party politics, stressing that the former labour leader must formally apologise to President Mohammadu Buhari and members of the APC for the serial embarrassments and heavy damages occasioned by his hinky and very quirky carriage.”

    While congratulating Mr Obaseki for striving to extinguish godfatherism in Edo State, he urged the Governor to “forgive Oshiomhole and all those who helped him cause havoc in the APC,” asking him to “begin the process of taking back his position in the progressives family which he described as his natural habitat considering his numerous sacrifices and contributions in the formation of the party, assuring that his place in the APC is still very much reserved and intact.”

    Also, the APC stalwart counselled Mr Ize-Iyamu to prevail on Mr Oshiomhole to offset all his electoral expenses, emphasising that it was the former Governor’s damaging campaign against him as well as his poor leadership mannerisms that caused him and the APC the election.

    He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for displaying a high degree of competence and professionalism which translated into a peaceful and very successful electoral outing.

    Mr Eze called on Nigerians to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for allowing a transparent process, describing him as a true statesman and democrat, saying the President “equalled the democratic feat of Dr Goodluck Jonathan, who allowed the votes of Edo people to count in 2012 when Adams Oshiomhole was reelected as Edo Governor against all odds.”

  • #EdoDecides2020: APC makes U-Turn, concedes defeat, congratulates Obaseki, PDP

    #EdoDecides2020: APC makes U-Turn, concedes defeat, congratulates Obaseki, PDP

    Mai Mala Buni, Chairman All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caretaker Committee, has said that the peaceful conduct of the just concluded Edo governorship election and its outcome represents a victory for Nigeria’s democracy.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that this is coming after the Edo State chapter of the party, rejected the outcome of the poll on Sunday saying its members were arbitrarily arrested and the results were fabricated.

    However, Buni in a statement issued in Damaturu, Yobe, on Monday, adding that the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari remained committed to free and fair elections.

    This, he said, was critical to strengthening the foundation of the country’s political and moral authority.

    Buni, who is also the governor of Yobe, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and all political parties that contested the election for the successful conduct of the exercise.

    He also commended the APC candidate at the election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu for his tenacity and leadership qualities.

    Buni also appreciated the efforts of the immediate past national chairman of the APC, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, and other members for demonstrating unwavering support for the party and its candidate in the election.

    Gov. Buni added that with the election over, it was time to unite to move the country’s democracy forward and put an end to the era when the electoral contest became warfare.

    “We appeal to our members to be strengthened by the outcome of the election and unite in order to correct the problems that worked against our party and our candidate in the election.

    “As progressives and democrats, we are confident that all leaders and members of the party will celebrate the outcome of the election as free and fair as acknowledge by our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Let us unite to move our democracy forward.

    “We must put an end to the era when electoral contest become warfare.

    “We urge our candidate and all our members to join us in congratulating Mr Godwin Obaseki and the PDP as winner of the election.

    “Our attention must now shift to Ondo State and ensure that we win the Oct. 10, 2020 election.

    “Sept. 19, 2020 Edo election should present a new watershed,” Buni stressed.

    Read Buni’s full speech on outcome of Edo election below:

    Edo State Governorship Election: Victory for Democracy

    The September 19, 2020 Edo State Governorship election is over, the winner has been declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the person of the Mr. Godwin Obaseki, candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP). We hereby congratulate the winner of the election, the people of Edo State and all Nigerians.

    The peaceful conduct of the election and its outcome represent victory for Nigeria’s democracy

    As a party, we join our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, to affirm our ‘commitment to free and fair elections’ in order to strengthen ‘the foundation for our political and moral authority’.

    We commend INEC, our security agencies and all political parties that contested the election for the successful conduct of the election.

    As a governing party, we will take every step necessary to support the Federal Government to consolidate all the gains achieved.

    We, in particular want to salute our candidate in the election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamuh for his tenacity and leadership.

    We similarly commend our Edo State leaders, especially our immediate past National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and all our members in Edo State for demonstrating unwavering support for our party and our candidate in the election.

    In the face of all the challenges, we collectively remained faithful and worked tirelessly during the campaigns.

    We appeal to all our members to be strengthened by the outcome of the election and unite in order to correct all the problems that worked against our party and our candidate in the just concluded election.

    Finally, we specially hereby celebrate our Edo State 2020 Governorship Campaign Council led by His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Governor of Kano State. We acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of all members of the Campaign Council.

    As progressives and democrats, we are confident that all leaders and members of the party will celebrate the outcome of the election as free and fair as acknowledge by our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Let us unite to move our democracy forward. We must put an end to the era when electoral contest become warfare. We urge our candidate and all our members to join us in congratulating Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the PDP, being the declared winner of the election.

    Our attention must now shift to Ondo State and ensure that we win the October 10, 2020 election.

    September 19, 2020 Edo election should present a new watershed.

    We will work hard to win the Ondo election. Having reaffirmed our commitment to free and fair elections, it is our expectation that all opposition parties in the country will also commit themselves to free and fair contests.

    We will therefore accordingly expect congratulatory message from all parties just as we similarly guarantee that once we are defeated in a fair contest, we will congratulate the winner.

    May God continue to bless our democracy, our nation and our people!

    His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni

    Chairman, APC Caretaker Extraordinary/Convention Planning Committee

  • We have finally caged Edo lions, tigers – Obaseki

    We have finally caged Edo lions, tigers – Obaseki

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has said that his re-election in the just concluded governorship election for another four years has finally sent the lions and tigers into the zoo to be caged permanently from Edo politics.

    Obaseki disclosed this on Monday in Benin while addressing a crowd of PDP supporters at the popular Kings square shortly after a victory match round the Benin Metropolis.

    The Governor was accompanied by his Deputy Gov. Philip Shaibu, Chairman Edo PDP Campaign Council, Dan Orbih, House of Rep. Member, Ogbeide Ihama, among others.

    According to him, the message of Saturday’s governorship election means I should go and work for Edo people. It is clear, the Edo people have spoken loud and clear.

    “You have helped me caged the lions and tigers in the State, you will never see them again in Edo because they are all in the zoo now where they belong.

    “Today, I promise you that we will work for Edo people because no one will hinder us from delivering the dividend of democracy to Edo people.

    “My Deputy, Philip Shaibu, and I will go back to the office and work for Edo people. I want to thank everyone residing in the state; you spoke and we have heard you and ready to ever work for you.

    “The next four years in the state will be the one that all citizens will live to remember as we will consolidate on our developmental achievements in the State. Thank you all,” he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Edo PDP Campaign Council, Mr Dan Orbih, said that the victory had shown that Edo people rejected godfatherism, money bag politics and given the mandate for development of the State.

    “With your support and votes you have started a new dawn in Edo Politics, Nigeria’s democracy and by extension that the State will never remain the same again as Obaseki’s re-election has ended godfatherism in the State.

    “Obaseki’s re-election has shown that Edo people are wiser, and the state is in the path of development as the people have spoken loudly and have finally silenced godfatherism in Edo Politics,” he said.

  • Edo speaker congratulates Obaseki, commends Buhari, INEC, others

    Edo speaker congratulates Obaseki, commends Buhari, INEC, others

    The Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Francis Okiye, on Monday congratulated Gov. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy Philip Shaibu, describing their re-election as a victory for democracy and Edo people.

    This is contained in statement signed by the Speaker and made available to newsmen in Benin.

    “On behalf of my family, Members and Staff of the Edo Assembly, I heartily congratulate Gov. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy Phillip Shaibu for their overwhelming victory.

    “Your re-election and triumph reflect the people’s appreciation of your sterling leadership qualities and developmental strides since you assumed office in 2016.

    “Declaring you as the winner did not come as a surprise, as it attests to your impressive and intimidating track record of the massive transformation in every sector of the state economy.”

    He noted that the transformation had helped to shape and redefine the political landscape of the state.

    “This has undisputably redefined the electoral process and set pace for other states in the country to emulate.

    “As you strive to consolidate on your developmental work, be assured of our maximum legislative support.

    “May God continually protect and enable you to fulfill all your good dreams to reposition the state,” he said.

    According to him, to the people of Edo State, thank you for your massive support. You have proved to be models to other Nigerians through your stiff resistance to godfatherism.

    The Speaker, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for not interfering in the process and ensuring that votes counted.

    He also applauded security personnel and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for their display of professionalism during the election.

  • Edo election: Be magnanimous in victory to cool passions – Obasanjo urges Obaseki

    Edo election: Be magnanimous in victory to cool passions – Obasanjo urges Obaseki

    Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to be magnanimous in victory as it was charitable and would cool passions in the wider interest of the state and country.

    Obasanjo disclosed that the success recorded by the governor at last weekend governorship election in the state, was a proof that the people of the State valued his leadership and appreciated the efforts made thus far on their behalf.

    “I salute you and all those who worked for your re-election,” Obasanjo stated in a congratulatory letter, a copy which was made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Monday.

    The former President noted that “no doubt, that the outcome of the elections that have taken place so far broadly reflects the choice of the Nigerians who have, by their conduct, visibly demonstrated that they value our present democracy and will do their utmost to make it work.

    “I urge you, therefore, to reciprocate their trust by doing everything you can to strengthen their faith in democracy and in its ability to bring about improved material conditions and better service delivery. I also count on your support of well-meaning Nigerians like me in our quest for national peace, stability and economic development and trust that you will play an active and visible role in our pursuit of these noble and desirable objectives.

    “You have fought and won the elections and deserve to savour the victory despite all the odds and challenges posed by opposition. As you rejoice, however, I would urge that you should be magnanimous in victory and stretch a hand of fellowship to the other candidates who failed in their bid for the elected office.

    “Such a gesture is not only charitable but should also help at this time to cool passions in the wider interest of the nation and your State. You are now, as before, Governor of Edo State and not Governor of only those who voted for you in Edo State.

    “I felicitate with you, once again, on your renewed mandate and, as you prepare for another four years at the helm, I extend best wishes for your good health and the continued progress of Edo State under your able leadership.”

  • Photo: Obaseki leads Edo PDP victory rally procession in Benin

    Photo: Obaseki leads Edo PDP victory rally procession in Benin

    Hundreds of members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo State on Monday held a triumphant procession rally to celebrate the party’s victory at last Saturday’s governorship election.

    Leading the procession were the party’s candidate at the election and the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, the party’s national vice chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih and other leaders of the party in the state.

    The procession which took off at the Government House in GRA, went through Reservation Road, through Sapele road, to the city centre (Ring Road) and Airport road.

    While many members of the party were conveyed in both open roof vehicles and other vehicles, hundreds of others walk along the procession.

    The long queue of vehicles caused heavy vehicular traffic along the routes and other adjourning streets.

    One of the jubilant PDP members who gave his name as Osaro Igbineweka, said they are happy with the victory of Governor Obaseki at the polls.

    “The victory of the governor at the election deserves celebration because it is victory for the common people of Edo, it is victory from the shackles of the real political godfather.

    “We just have to celebrate because Edo has finally returned to its traditional political party, the PDP. We are happy that the votes of the people have finally counted.”

  • Obaseki’s victory indicates new political era – Oyebode

    Obaseki’s victory indicates new political era – Oyebode

    An International Law and Jurisprudence scholar, Prof. Akin Oyebode, says the victory of Mr Godwin Obaseki in the just-concluded Edo gubernatorial polls has wiped off god-father politics in Nigeria’s political culture.

    Oyebode made the statement while speaking in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Monday on the outcome of the Edo governorship election.

    According to him, the result of the election has opened a new and better era in the polity.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Obaseki of the PDP winner of the election, held on Sept. 19.

    Obaseki polled 307,955 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC, who polled 223,619 votes.

    According to Oyebode, the outcome of the election is not unexpected.

    “The nation’s political slate has been wiped clean.

    “This should wake up the APC from its illusion and slumber and make it not to take things for granted.

    “The party should become sensitive to the hopes, aspirations and interests of the suffering masses.”

    Oyebode also lauded INEC, the police and other security agencies for their exemplary conduct during the election.