TheNewsGuru

Tag: Obaseki

  • #EdoDecides2020: I have never lost election before, victory is certain for us, Obaseki’s deputy, Shaibu speaks

    #EdoDecides2020: I have never lost election before, victory is certain for us, Obaseki’s deputy, Shaibu speaks

    The Edo state deputy governor Philip Shaibu, has expressed confidence that Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP, will come out victorious in the governorship election.

    Shaibu stated this Saturday morning while speaking with journalists after casting his vote at ward 11, unit 5, Jattu, Etsako West local government area.

    “I am optimistic that we will win the election. You know I am a man of the people and we have a technocrat as a governor.

    “People who ordinarily would not have come out to vote are all here, so I am expecting bigger victory for us.”

    Shaibu who expressed satisfaction with the turn out of voters, however said that it would have been more if not for the intial tension that followed the electioneering campaign.

    “I have never lost election before. I am a grassroot politician and a man of the people. The crowd would have been more than this, but I think as times goes on, people will turn up for the election.

    “Don’t forget this is my community and whether there is gunshots or not, they must stand by me.”

    The Deputy governor confirmed the peaceful conduct of the election.

    “You know at this time of election, things are usually peaceful, things get worse during collation of result.

    “I heard that in some stronghold of the governor, card readers are not working well, but I am yet to confirm that,” he said

  • #EdoDecides2020: Obaseki expresses disappointment after casting vote

    #EdoDecides2020: Obaseki expresses disappointment after casting vote

    Edo State Governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Godwin Obaseki, has expressed displeasure over the conduct of the ongoing governorship election in the state.

    He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should have prepared better for the election.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Obaseki spoke after casting his vote at Polling Unit 19, Ward 4, Oredo Local Government Area.

    The governor lamented that he stayed for over one and a half hours in the queue.

    Obaseki said he was delayed because the card reader was slow.

    He said, “I expected that INEC would have prepared better for this election. I waited for one and half hour on the queue before exercising my franchise, it’s a bit disappointing.

    “Giving that this is a sole day election, I expected better planning for this election. Card readers were very slow and that’s the situation everywhere.”

    Earlier, the Special Adviser to Edo State Governor, Crusoe Osagie, alleged that there was manipulation in areas where Obaseki is popular.

    He said, “Suddenly card readers are not working in areas where Governor Godwin Obaseki is very popular.

    “Voters are being disenfranchised and we are constrained to say that this is sabotage.

    “Specifically, in Oredo Ward 1, Unit 20 and other places where the Governor is clearly popular, the card readers are not working.

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should prove to Edo voters that it can conduct a credible election in Edo State.”

  • #EdoDecides2020: [Video] Moment thugs attempted to disrupt electoral process at Obaseki’s polling unit

    #EdoDecides2020: [Video] Moment thugs attempted to disrupt electoral process at Obaseki’s polling unit

    Suspected hoodlums on Saturday disrupted the electoral process at the polling unit 19, ward 04, Oredo local government area of Edo of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Acording to reports, the suspected thugs broke attempted to disrupt the voting process as soon as the Governor entered the unit.

    In the video, party supporters were seen in the video attacking one another.

    Watch the video:

  • #EdoDecides2020: Mayhem in Obaseki’s polling unit

    #EdoDecides2020: Mayhem in Obaseki’s polling unit

    Indications of possibly what to expect as the Edo governorship election took off across the state have started showing their ugly faces.

    The first of these was noticed at the polling unit of Governor Godwin Obaseki. Palpable tension and mayhem briefly enveloped his polling unit 19, ward 04, Oredo local government area of Edo of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Trouble started when a young man attempted to disrupt the voting process as soon as Governor Obaseki entered the unit to cast his vote.

    Party enthusiasts and people suspected to be thugs were seen attacking one another there y throwing the unit into commotion.

     

    Details later….

     

  • #EdoDecides2020: Meet 12 other candidates aside Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu contesting in today’s poll

    #EdoDecides2020: Meet 12 other candidates aside Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu contesting in today’s poll

    Truth be told, Saturday (today’s) governorship poll in Edo State is between two gladiators; incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Godwin Obaseki and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    However, aside these two, some other candidates have also deployed resources to take a shot at being elected the governor of the state.

    Amongst these 14 candidates, the electorates in 2,627 polling booths would be just one as their governor to lead them for the next four years.

    All political parties have concluded their campaigns while most of the state’s 2,210,534 resident of the State who have picked up their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs would be deploying the small, but mighty civic instrument to decide the fate of the gladiators.

    Nearly 500,000 voters have failed to pick up their PVC from INEC office.

    The election will be conducted in 193 wards in 18 Local Government Areas of the State.

    14 political parties and their candidates made up of 12 males and 2 females are jostling for the Edo State apex job.

    Meet the candidates and their political parties

    Godwin Obaseki: He is from Benin City and the incumbent governor. He is an experienced stockbroker and economist. Although Obaseki came to office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he lost the battle for the party ticket in his second term voyage.

    He has since defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to crystalise the ambition. He is standing as PDP candidate in the election.

    Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu: He is the governor’s main challenger and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the election. He was Chief of Staff to former Governor Lucky Igbinedion and once campaign Director General for the reelection of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    Isaiah Osifo Uhun-Ekpenma: The former Chief of Staff to erstwhile Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor is the standard bearer for Labour Party LP. Although not favoured to win the race, he is strong enough to pose a threat to the front runners.

    Obhafuoso Paul will fly the flag of Action Alliance, AA.

    Akhigbe Ehiabhi will stand for the African Democratic Congress ADP in the election.

    Ibio Emmanuel is the candidate for Action Democratic Party ADP

    Lucky Idehen is candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.

    Igbineweka Osamuede for Allied Peoples Movement APM

    Amos Osalumese Areloegbe for All Peoples Party APP

    Agolebun Tracy, one of the two ladies in the race will stand in for the Nigerian People’s Party, NPP,

    Stevie Ozono is for National Rescue Movement (NRM);

    Felix Obayagbon will contest on the platform of Social Democratic Party, SDP;

    Jones Osagiobare will run on the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP)

    Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) would field Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena.

  • Edo 2020: May God let me lose my reelection bid tomorrow if… – Obaseki

    Edo 2020: May God let me lose my reelection bid tomorrow if… – Obaseki

    Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has prayed to God to abort his second term aspiration “if it will cost the blood of anybody.”

    Obaseki, the incumbent governor of the state said his ambition and that of anyone is not worth spilling the blood of anyone.

    The governor reassured that the Saturday’s governorship election in the state would be peaceful and violence-free.

    A statement quoted him as speaking after a one-day prayer and fasting session for a peaceful election, organised by the Edo Christian Community for all the governorship candidates ahead of the election.

    The statement was titled, ‘My reelection not worth spilling of blood – Obaseki’, and sent by Obaseki’s Special Assistant on Media, Crusoe Osagie.

    Obaseki urged eligible voters to come out en masse without fear of intimidation or harassment.

    The governor noted that there was no need for any form of violence during the electioneering process.

    He said, “Ordinarily, an election is supposed to be a contest where people go to sell their ideal, and citizens in their own free will go and vote for those ideals they believe in; it shouldn’t be one where people will do anything to get power.

    “Election should not be one in which we shed blood because the election will always come. If you die in an election, you will not be there in the next one to vote. So, there is no need for violence.

    “It’s unfortunate that where we are today we are all afraid that there will be trouble, that there will be crisis and violence but by the grace of God, we will all come out and vote and there won’t be any bloodshed.

    “There is no need for any violence and if anybody decides to act in a violent manner just walk away because our lives are very precious. I have a covenant with God; if it will cost the blood of anybody for me to get into power, he should not let me have power.”

    On his part, the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Reverend Felix Omobude, prayed that God would make peace reign before, during, and after the election.

    “God! commit Edo into your hands and by this covenant, we proclaim peace over Edo; peace before, during, and after the election. The church speaks with one voice, that those that have sold themselves to work against the destiny of Edo shall be overwhelmed by their own problems.

    “In this election, rigging and evil will not have their way. We knock the engine of their operation; Edo people shall go out and vote their consciences and the will of God will be done,” the clergy prayed.

  • [Edo Poll] Obaseki Vs Ize-Iyamu: Who carries the day as Edolites file out to elect a new gov?

    [Edo Poll] Obaseki Vs Ize-Iyamu: Who carries the day as Edolites file out to elect a new gov?

    …Their standing and likely upsets
    …polls results too early to call as it’s going to be titanic
    … will the peace accord signed by both gladiators hold sway?
    By Emman Ovuakporie
    Barely 24hours from now Edolites will decide who runs the state’s affairs for the next four years.
    The drumbeats of war which engulfed the heartbeat of the nation will come to a temporary standstill by tomorrow as the two-man race between Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress, APC will be decided.
    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG in this analysis will x-ray how both contenders will slug it out on Saturday.
    But before the election there have been reported cases of violence perpetuated by both major parties in the state.
    The Oba of Benin had to step in inviting all the political gladiators and their followers to the palace.
    The Oba did not mince words he simply told the two main characters that power was transient and this was the worst election in the political history of the state.
    Last Tuesday former military head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar led the peace Committee to Edo State where Obaseki and his major contender, Ize-Iyamu signed a peace accord.
    But will this accord hold sway as both men are desperate to grab power come September 19 which is barely 24hours from now.
    PERMUTATIONS:
    There are 2,210,534 registered voters in the state scattered across the three Senatorial Districts of the State with Edo South Senatorial District with the highest.
    There are eigteen local government areas.
    The spreadsheet of voters in the three zones:
    Edo North:564,122
    Edo: Central: 365,989
    Edo South 1,281,414
    Looking at above voters spread sheet one does need a soothsayer to know that the battle ground definitely will be the South.
    Incidentally, both gladiators are from the South making it a matching ground for their foot soldiers.
    They both went on a ward to ward campaign meaning the grassroots were adequately covered.
    In Edo North where the former APC Chairman Adams Oshiomhole hails from is going to be battle royale since he and his godson deputy Governor of the state, Phillip Shaibu tore agreement papers.
    It’s Shaibu Vs Oshiomhole in the north because both men have enough foot soldiers to deliver the votes. They may both share the votes in the north.
    Shaibu has maintained a policy since he ventured into politics to deal directly with the people.
    He remembers them when it matters most during all festivities by extending a hand of support.
    On the other hand, his godfather had remained relevant to his people for good eight years and this may just be what may work in his favor on Saturday.
    Both men are equally matched in the north.
    Edo South: It’s going to be the battle ground for all. Obaseki may need to dig deeper because Ize-Iyamu is very much on ground. It’s his turf and he understands it well.
    Obaseki may heavily rely on the incumbency factor to turn around things in Edo South.
    While Ize-Iyamu with the backing of Abuja could also turn the table in his favor as Edo is a political signal for 2023 and the only foothold of APC in the Niger Delta Region.
    Edo Central better described as small but mighty may be the rallying point for Obaseki’s emergence if the Esans come out enmasse to vote for him.
    The Edo Central simply believe it’s pay time to settle final scores with Oshiomhole who made them third class citizens in a zone that parades the highest number of professors in the state.
    Oshiomhole for eight years made Edo Central invisible in the map of the heartbeat of the nation.
    This is a big minus to innocent Ize-Iyamu who if by Saturday he fails to win may quit politics and face his pastoral work.
    But there’s one positive thing about the Pastor, he is truly a fighter who believes the battle continues.
    The Beginning of Crisis
    Godwin Obaseki the incumbent had a raw deal with the former APC Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and he had to navigate his ship to the PDP to ensure he contests.
    Seen by many as a technocrat turned politician, Obaseki’s navigation into PDP clearly indicates that Edo can never be Lagos where APC national leader single handely removed a sitting governor last year.
    By June 16, Obaseki had left APC for good before his final disqualification and the party leaders of PDP made a vow that never again in history will another flag not bearing PDP will be hoisted in Denis Osadebey Government House in Benin City.
    Ize-Iyamu who ordinarily could have gotten to government house with ease had the overbearing presence of Oshiomhole, seen by many Edolites as a godfather who slaughtered godfather’s to become relevant only to become a godfather.
    They strongly believe that if you delete Oshiomhole’s image from Ize-Iyamu, Obaseki will be history.
    The RCCG Pastor has the best grassroots connection across the state based on his long term relationship with majority of those who matter most in Edo State politics.
    Election is all about figures, if the results become too close it may end up becoming an inconclusive election which may give Abuja the opportunity to rubbish PDP that has mobilised the entire South South to deliver Obaseki.
    Protests votes may not be ruled out because of the angst against Oshiomhole in Edo.
  • Edo Election: Tinubu cannot determine fate of Obaseki – Wike

    Edo Election: Tinubu cannot determine fate of Obaseki – Wike

    Chairman of the Edo State governorship election National Campaign Council, Governor Nyesom Wike has said he disagrees with Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu over his comments about the Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, not being a democrat.

    Wike said despite his respect for the Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Tinubu cannot determine if Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki is a democrat or not.

    The Rivers State Governor said this in his final media interview ahead of the Edo State governorship election on Saturday.

    He said only Edo people can determine and decide if they want Governor Obaseki or not.

    Wike maintained that without the interference of the Federal government and its agencies, Governor Obaseki will win Saturday’s election squarely.

    “I will say it anywhere, Bola Tinubu is one of the politicians I respect highly.

    “Going by what happens in Lagos that one person determines everything, it can be allowed to happen in Edo. You cannot allow that.

    “And with all due respect if Bola Tinubu says Obaseki is not a democrat that is his own view. Many of us know that Obaseki is a democrat and it is left for Edo people to determine if Obaseki is a democrat or not.

  • Edo 2020: No need for violence during election – Obaseki

    Edo 2020: No need for violence during election – Obaseki

    The candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the Sept.19, gubernatorial election, Gov. Godwin Obaseki, has said that there is no need of any form of violence during the election.

    Obaseki stated this on Wednesday in Benin during a one-day prayer and fasting for a peaceful election organised for all the governorship candidates ahead of the election.

    “If government is doing as much as expected, Nigeria will be a heaven because I see what the church does with little resources they have.

    “When government fails, it is the church that carries the burden.

    “As a governor, how many people have I interfaced with today.

    “Many people have not been able to pay school fees and hospitals bill.

    “When people are not able to meet their daily obligations, they are not able to eat, they go to the pastor or the church.

    “But if government has done things it is supposed to do, it’s able to provide an enabling environment for people to do business, provide good education and provide quality primary healthcare.

    “Thank God for the church we have today; thank God for the men and women we have in church today; I am glad and blessed that these men and women are my pillar.

    “The church is the pillar on which we rest, and therefore, I have no fear whatsoever.

    “I take actions and people say you are very courageous, it’s not me but God. I have the church behind me; I have God behind me, so why should I be afraid.

    “Ordinarily an election is supposed to be a contest where people go to sell their ideas and citizens in their own free will go and vote for those ideas they believe in.

    “It shouldn’t be one where people will do anything to get power.

    “Election should not be the one we shed blood, because election will always come, if you die in an election, you will not be there in the next one to vote. So there is no need for violence.

    “It’s unfortunate that where we are today, we are all afraid that there will trouble, there will be crisis and violence.

    “But by the Grace of God, we will all come out and vote and there won’t be any bloodshed.

    “There is no need for any violence, if anybody decides to act in a violent manner, just walk away, because our life is very precious and I said I have a covenant with God.

    “If it will cause the blood of anybody for me to get into power, he should not let me have power,’’ he said.

    Rev. Felix Omobude, the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), while offering prayers for a peaceful election, prayed that God will makes peace reign before, during and after the election.

    “God will lift Edo onto your hands; by this covenant we proclaim peace over Edo, peace before, during and after the election.

    “The church speaks with one voice, that those that have sold themselves to work against the destiny of Edo, they shall be overwhelmed by their own problems.

    “In this election, rigging and evil will not have their way.

    “We knock the engine of their operation, the people shall go out and vote according to their consciences and the will of God will be done,’’ he said.

  • Edo poll: Again, Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu meet one-on-one, embrace warmly [Photo]

    Edo poll: Again, Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu meet one-on-one, embrace warmly [Photo]

    Top gladiators in the forthcoming Edo governorship, Godwin Obaseki (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) and Osagie Ize-Iyamu (All Progressives Congress, APC) met again on Tuesday to pledge their commitment to a peaceful election.

    The duo and other contestants met a peace accord convened by the National Peace Committee (NPC).

    According to Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, the peace accord signed by both candidates in Saturday’s Edo State governorship election is a test of integrity.

    Gen. Abdulsalami, who is the Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), warned on the consequences of a violent poll in the Southsouth state.

    The former Head of State said the integrity of the governor and that of his major challenger would be on the line, should they or their supporters violate the peace accord.

    Noting that tension has engulfed Edo, he thanked Benin monarch Oba Ewuare II for the step he took to calm frayed nerves.

    Obaseki and Ize-Iyamu, who signed the accord, pledged total commitment to a violence-free election and promised to prevail on their supporters to show decorum.

    Apart from Obaseki and Ize-Iyamu, 12 other governorship candidates signed the accord at the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, Benin City, the state capital, along with their party chairmen

    In accordance with the accord, the candidates, their parties and supporters are expected to accept the results of a free and fair poll.

    Also at the venue were Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah; Oba Ewuare II, who was represented by Chief David Edebiri, and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.

    Gen. Abubakar lamented that elections have been characterised by varying degrees of violence since 1999.

    He said the tension and anxiety necessitated the setting up of NPC with the mandate to support peaceful election processes and cultivate a culture of peace.

    Abubakar stressed: “In 2014, the committee commenced efforts to support free, fair and credible elections and to ensure peaceful transition. The intervention of the committee contributed immensely to the success of the 2015 elections. The NPC has since 2015 successfully intervened in the general elections to ensure a peaceful outcome, right after the just past 2019 general elections.

    “The governorship election in Edo State is just a few days away and giving peace during and after the election is a priority and it must be done. We as a people should aspire to see Nigeria where people feel safe to come out of their homes to cast their votes without any fear.

    “The election cannot hold in the absence of a peaceful atmosphere, more importantly disharmony among political parties. All contesting parties need to adopt a code of conduct that will remove confrontation among them.

    “The NPC is in Edo State today (yesterday) to support this process, not just the signing of the peace accord by al candidates, but to also encourage you all to accept the outcome of the election, no matter the result.

    “By agreeing to sign this covenant of peace, all of you are committing yourselves to ensure an enduring peace in Nigeria and Edo State before, during and after the election and agreeing to look beyond short term political gains, sectoral interests or narrow party advantage and accepting nothing, but for the development of Edo State.

    “I urge all of us to use the process of election in Edo State as a test of future elections, as reiterated by President Muhammadu Buhari. Let every Nigerian be respected and be given an opportunity cast his or her vote, without intimidation or coercion and once that vote is cast, let us applaud that vote.

    “I ask all the stakeholders and key people here present to commit to the spirit of this accord, while also remembering that the violators of this accord are putting their integrity on line, because you are signing this as ladies and gentlemen who are to be taken for your words.”

    The former military leader urged the electorate to desist from selling their votes, which he said, would amount to selling their rights, freedom and conscience.

    Obaseki said: “Today (yesterday) is unique, as history is being made in Edo State, where we are having members of the NPC coming ahead of a major event, the election of September 19, to get all the contestants to sign a peace accord to ensure that there is violence-free election on that date

    “I want to say on behalf of myself, as a candidate of the party and my party, the PDP, that we are fully committed to ensuring that we have peaceful election. I have no choice, because in addition to being a candidate, I am also the governor and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the state. I want to commit publicly, once again, that I will live by the letter and spirit of the accord that has just been signed.

    “I want to appeal to the members of the national peace committee not to end their work with the signing of this accord, because there are other actors in the political space, who have influence and exercise influence in political space and also elections.

    “If you can reach out to them, if not to sign this accord, but to persuade them about the importance of an accord we have just signed, because the responsibility for peace should rest on everyone and particularly the candidates and also some non-direct political actors so that we can ensure that this exercise is total.”

    Ize-Iyamu said: “Let me, on behalf of the APC, thank the organisers of this event, for what they have just done and what has just been witnessed. We are particularly grateful to no less a person than Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, who came personally to supervise this event.

    “We are also appreciative of the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu and the other important personalities who have also come.”