Gani Audu observes Eid Prayers at Aviele

By Dada AYOKHAI

The APC deputy governorship candidate in the September 19 guber poll, Hon. Gani Audu, observed his Eid prayers at Aviele praying ground in the company of his kinsmen, political associates and friends.

 This year's Eid prayers was considerably low keyed. Muslims across the country followed the  federal government guidelines on COVID-19 as well as directives by the Nigeria supreme  Council for lslamic Affairs, NSCIA, which is under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto.

Hon. Audu used the Eid prayers to hold consultations with his people, urging them to regard the COVID-19 pandemic as real, stressing there is need for them to see the NCDC as partners rather than interlopers.

 He also canvassed for the support of the people in the forthcoming election, stating he and his principal, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu, are committed towards improving the peoples lot.

 The kinsmen of Hon. Audu, whom they already refer to as "His Excellency", in return offered prayers for his success and that of his principal  assured him of their unflinching support .

We Are One Family & Remain United in SDP - Hon. Ozigbo

 

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo state chapter of Social Democratic  Party, (SDP) has reaffirmed it readiness to take over the Edo state Government House on Osadebey Avenue come September 19 gubernatorial election.

In a communiqué issued  at a stakeholders meeting held yesterday the 30th day of July, 2020 at the party secretariat along Omoruyi Street, Benin City, the leaders unanimously pass vote of confident on the party governorship candidate, Elder Felix Obayangbon and his running mate, Dr. (Mrs) Omonye Imohimi. 

The party stakeholders thereafter appoint Hon. Osaze Ozigbo as the Edo state  Acting Chairman since the former party chairman was elected as the governorship candidate of the party in line with the party extant procedure as provided for in Article 24. 3 of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). 

In his remark, the new Acting Chairman, Hon. Osaze Ozigbo thanked the leaders of the party for deeming it fit to accord him with such exotic position and promised not to disappoint in the discharge of his new assignment.

He thereafter added that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) remains united and promised to carry on members along in the course of discharge of his  assignment. 

The new Acting Chairman said: "SDP is a united, steong party in Edo State. We are one family. We shall remain focused in the discharge of our primary responsibilities.

"Those who wish to join the party should henceforth not hesitate to come on board. Our door is open. We shall overcome all our tribulations. Our target is to take over the governorship seat come September 19" he concluded. 

The 2020 election party candidate of the Party remains Elder Felix Obayangbon while Dr. (Mrs) Omonye Imohimi is his running mate, Mr Kasim Yakubu - Deputy Chairman, Mrs. Mathinda Eweka - State Woman Leader, Madam Tessy Eghedosa - Deputy Woman Leader and Ekinadoesa Omorodion -Assistant Secretary and Elder Peter  Imhansoloeva  (JP) - Party leader.

Hon. Peter Aguele's Goodwill Message To Muslim Brothers and Sisters

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Executive Chairman, Esan South-East Local Government Council, Hon. Peter Aguele has wished  all Muslim Brothers and Sisters in Edo state Happy Eid-kabir Celebration especially Esan South-East Local Government Muslim faithfuls  who contributed  to make the society a better place and commended Muslim for their support in fight against COVID-19 in the Local Government Area.

The council Boss said: "I celebrate the Muslims today for all their hardwork toward reducing the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) and the crusade for the re-election of Godwin Obaseki in the September gubernatorial election.

"I hailed the Muslims in Esan South-East Local Government  Area for their sacrifice, resilience and commitment in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They have shown rare courage and passion on the front lines of the local Government, the State  and Federal government’s efforts at managing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He said that though these are trying times for Nigeria in rspect of the dwindling economic fortunes caused by the pandemic, we remain resolute in our commitment to the welfare of the people in the local government area.

“As we boost up efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, we urge you to stay at home and comply with all safety measures  against this deadly virus. If you must go out, ensure you use facemask, avoid large gatherings of more than 20 persons, observe social distancing, wash your hands with soap under running water and use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Cover your mouth and nose properly when sneezing and/or coughing" he admonished.

Oba of Benin Condenms Attack At Palace Gate.

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Oba of Benin, Omo N' Oba N' Edo, Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Ewuare, has condenmed Saturday bloodly attack by suspected party thugs at the palace gate, saying the palace remain non partisan.

The clash was said to have occured at the palace gate soon after the state Governor Godwin Obaseki and some PDP governors who came for the former flag off of the governorship campaign left the palace.

In a press statement issued and signed by the Benin Traditional Council Secretary, Frank Irabor said the palace was surprised to hear later that there was an incident outside the palace directly in front of Oredo Local Government Council secretariat.

"The palace therefore wish to reinterate and emphasize once more that the Benin Throne is not partisan and uses this medium to advise all political party members not to turn Edo  state into a war zone because of governorship ambition.

"The palace also recalled the warm reception accorded the Oba by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state and Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state when the Oba paid a " Thank You" visit to those states and the visit ended well," Frank Irabor said.

I Am Not A Contractor And I Have Neither Bidded For Any - Senator Urhoghide

By Simeon OSAJIE

 

The senator representing Edo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator (Pharm.) Matthew Urhoghide has reacted to the publication in the THISDAY newspaper and other Nigerian newspapers of July 27, 2020 that he was awarded contracts for which he was paid undisclosed amount of money. 

Senator Urhoghide denie the allegations and the accompanying insinuations.

According to Senator Urhoghide, "I, Senator Matthew Urhoghide hereby deny all allegations made against me and its insinuation, In setting these spurious record straight, the said contracts alleged in the said publications and the status of these projects, to the best of my knowledge are as follows: 

"Etete Road Project: NDDC awarded this to a company 3 years ago, I am not privy to the company it was awarded to. However, the said company was not mobilized financially and therefore abandoned the project. 

"Nneka/Akpabo Street, Ugbor Project:

NDDC also awarded this project, but as characterized by the NDDC modus operandi, the contractor was not mobilized and the contractor also abandoned the project.

""Idusogie Eweka Road Project: This project was awarded to a company known as AC EGBE Construction Company. This company I am informed, has been doing business with NDDC since its inception. The project is presently on-going. The contractor returned to the site after 2 years of contract award because the company has not been paid any amount of money.

"The Street Light Project: These projects are on -going in Oredo , Ikpo-Okha, Orhionmwon and Egor Local Government Areas of Edo South Senatorial District. These contracts were awarded by NDDC to companies I do not know. The projects are presently on-going. I am told that the contractor have not been paid any amount of money"

Pharm. Urhoghide emphasized that, considering his position at the senate, he can not stand so low to turn a contractor and abandoned this process of delivery of the devidends of democracy to the doorsteps of his constituents.

Said he: "I am not a contractor and I have neither bidded for nor been awarded a contract by NDDC.

"I have no relationship whatsoever with the contractors NDDC awarded the aforementioned contracts to.

"No amount of money was ever paid to me directly or indirectly in connection with these contracts.

"I have not in anyway benefitted monetarily for the award and execution of these contracts or any other contract for that matter. I challenge any contractor to come forward with any claim of financial inpropriety in the award and execution of these projects".

He therefore invited the public to carry out a search at the Corporate Affairs Commission to ascertain the ownership of these companies. 

"As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing the good people of Edo South Senatorial District of Edo State, I have the responsibility of attracting projects to my Senatorial District. This is part of my representation, and I am duty bound to attract projects to my constituency. 

"But for anyone to misrepresent that my dogged pursuit of a good representation of my Senatorial District by attracting projects to my constituency equates to being a beneficiary of a contract award or a flat out award of these contracts to me is a calculated attempt to cast aspersions on my good name.

"I state unequivocably that I never benefitted in the award or execution of these contracts. 

"It is very unfortunate, that these allegory are made by a one time Senator who knows that attracting projects to one’s Senatorial District is not contracts awarded to the personal benefit of such a Senator. 

"Senator Godswill Akpabio was a Senator of the 8th Senate and was a member of the NDDC committee of the Senate. It will be proper and a good thing to do, if Senator Akpabio can publish the numbers and cost of contracts awarded to him by NDDC during his tenure as a Senator.

"These projects go through procurement processes of the respective MDA’s, NDDC inclusive, who award, supervise and pay contractors directly for their contracts. 

"I therefore reject Senator Akpabio’s allegation in its entirety and call on him to set the record straight", he concluded. 

BROUGHT TO HIS KNEES: WHEN WILL OSHIOMOLE COME TO ESANLAND?

Francis Ilenloa Igberaese, Ph.D

When I first heard the saying that wonders shall never end, I was a child then and I reacted as if the statement was aimed at pacifying the poor. I have long come to the realization of the truism in the wonderful statement, even before the latest wonder in Edo State.   

Oshiomole, now extra slim and even smaller, no longer the mighty national chairman of APC, from where he could boast of how he would dislodge a sitting governor and fix another, went on his knees, begging for survival. I now realize how wrong I was, when I had argued with my friend of bini extraction, that Oshiomole has been able to use the binis and escaped. Then, as early as when he became the chairman about two years ago, my friend had told me that the bini people know how to bring their enemies back to their knees once they decide so to do. This was when Oshiomole who had thought that he was smart, had only just started campaigning for the September 2020 election in Edo State on his knees. Yes, the "2020 Campaign on his Knees", as opposed to the "2016  Campaign Dancing". And since it is that it is on his knees he will campaign this time around, it will be interesting to watch him campaigning in the run up to the 2020 election. He has started it and we pray to watch him campaign,  hopefully in vain, on his knees, for what a man sews, that he reaps and for that matter, bountifully!

At the death of the former Chief of Staff to the President, Oshiomole engaged in an "exercise of celebration" of the dead as was captured in a video clip that went viral. It was about the death of a man who had developed a template to rescue Obaseki from him, a man who had believed in what the renowned author, Chinua Achebe had admonished the birds in his classic novel, *Things Fall Apart* , that both the kite and the eagle should perch, without any saying no to the other. Unknown to him, the late Chief of Staff's template completed Achebe's admonition, having built into it how the wings of whichsoever tells the other not to perch would break. And unknown to the ever cunning and ever deceitful man, it was a template, which could be implemented by anybody other than he who fomulated and developed it. Perhaps, he was too ignorant to understand what a template is, for if he had known, he would have known that his rejoicing and jubilation that greeted the passing away of the man was unnecessary!

Could anyone ever have imagined that Oshiomole, the Governor General in 2016, would go down on his knees in 2020? I imagine how many "azonto" dance steps practice he would have reharsed in preparation for the 2020 campaign if he were still the national chairman. Would Ize-Iyamu have even needed the "lions and the tigers" of the eighteen local government areas of Edo State, to move from polling unit to polling unit, ward to ward and even across the local governments and do what the rich people cannot do? Of course, the rich people keep their children in the safe haven abroad, preparing them as "eagles and flying geese"; for leadership in the key sectors of the economy and then employ the children of others as the lions and tigers (thugs) to fight their battles for them, caring less, if at all, should they die in the process! 

The fall of Oshiomole is where I pity the APC and their campaigning on their knees. They had built their hope around the power of the national chairman. I guess if they had known that Oshiomhole would eventually fall from the high throne as national chairman, they wouldn't have bothered organising the EPM, now APC in Edo State. With the removal of Oshiomhole by the natural forces, since he had boasted that no man born of a woman could remove him as chairman of APC, the men that were behind the EPM may be losing steam! Yes, a man who played god by boasting that no man born of a woman could remove him as chairman not only reminded us of that which we read in Macbeth by Shakespeare, he conveniently forgot in his very little thinking that if his boast was indeed true that no man born of a woman could remove him as the chairman of the ruling party, then he would have to contend with higher and superior natural forces, against which he certainly could not prevail! And yes, when these forces came calling, he certainly could not prevail hence his calamitous fall from the "throne" 

With the  removal of Oshiomole from office as chairman, it may well be impossible for him to manipulate INEC and the police to the advantage of his party in the election. Nigerians are, however, watching these agencies as they conduct the election in Edo State. It is hoped that they know that they are on trial in the way and manner they conduct the election in the State, having seen how they conducted the election in Osun State! 

By now, we would have been watching the man who knows how to dance very well dancing himself out as he celebrates in advance the victory of his party and his anointed candidate in the yet-to-be-conducted election! Yes, he would by now,  have been celebrating  and telling the whole world how he would whip Obaseki (as he did to Ize-Iyamu in 2016) and how Obaseki (Ize-Iyamu in 2016) would cry like a baby on all the streets of Benin and in all courts in Nigeria without justice. However, it is either many of them in the EPM are not as forward-looking and realistic as their leader in the Movement or that they are more courageous than him to have still continued on to see how what they had started would eventually end. You never can tell.

Well, the new style is "Campaigning on the knees" since this could elicit sympathy, with the loss of the power of political terrorism and brigandage. As Oshiomole continues to campaign on his knees, our Esan supporters of his should not forget to include our Esan traditional rulers (those he had actually so well offended) in his kneeling down calendar of campaign. He should not forget that Uromi people are eagerly waiting to see him kneel down before the "Ojuromu of Uromi Kingdom", the Revered Royal Father he once suspended. He should remember that he hadn't apologized to him. 

But I know that Oshiomole would rather die than kneel before any Esan traditional ruler; a people he so passionately hates. For what and why, only Oshiomhole can explain. And only any of ours from Esanland who says otherwise can explain! We are waiting.

Resigned EDSOGPADEC Board Members Are Not Edo State Cabinet Members – Osagie

by Simeon Osajie

The Special Assistant to  Edo state governor on Media, Communication and Stragety, Mr. Crusoe Osagie has reacted 

to the trending news in the social media that some of rhe  Edo state Commissioners has resigned their appointment.

In a statement signed by the SA said the resigned Board members of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) are not cabinet members of the state exco.

Mr. Osagie statement reads: "This is to clarify that the resigned Board members of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) are not members of the Edo State Cabinet.

"This clarification has become necessary, in order to correct the erroneous impression in the public domain that members of EDSOGPADEC (an agency of government) Board are civil commissioners of the Edo State Government. Media houses should take note of this clarification.

"Though these board members are sometimes referred to as commissioners, a title they share with their counterparts on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), they are however not civil commissioners of the Edo State Government that assist with the day-to-day running of the government," Crusoe said.

EDO 2020: Oshiomhole's Tricks Will Fail - Chris Nehikhare

By Simeon Osajie

The Edo State Chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has said efforts by the former APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to deceive Edo electorates ahead of the State Governorship Election for September 19 will fail insisting that the Edo people are now wiser.

Addressing journalists at the state secretariat of the part, the party  State Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare said Oshiomhole's campaign of calumny against Ize-Iyamu in 2016 is still fresh in the minds of the good people of Edo state.

The SPS added that the good people of Edo state cannot trust the APC and Oshiomhole because during the 2016 Edo governorship election, he (Oshiomhole) publicly campaigned against the APC candidate for the forthcoming September 19 Edo governorship poll.

Nehikhare who described Oshiomhole's as a man full of trick, said the former national chairman have again come out to beg Edo people for forgiveness, which according to him is another ploy to confuse the people.

According to Oshiomhole," I have made my honest mistakes. Only God is perfect. I am now 68 years old. I have come to apologize for the mistake of supporting Obaseki in 2016. I am in Edo to repair my mistakes."

The PDP SPS who wondered how the same Oshiomhole would now make U-turn thinking he would succeed in selling the same candidate he warned Edo people about cannot be trusted with the number one office in the state to wholeheartedly be supported to be governor after four years.

"We also notice that Oshiomhole who stood on a podium four years ago to condemn Osagie Ize-Iyamu candidacy is now begging the people to cast their vote for him come September 19 governorship election. The same man is telling us he made a mistake four years ago. Edo people should ask, can this man be trusted?  Edo people are not fools.

"In 2008, he talked about ending godfatherism but we all know it was a ruse; as his present day actions do not suggest what he said then and shouldn't be taken seriously.

"Edo people are wiser now, and we are determined to vote for someone that has performed. The Obaseki-led administration has  made reforms in all sectors of Edo state.  

"The judicial workers are satisfied; salaries and pensions are paid as and when due. These are what make a government." Nehikare said.

Edo 2020: Those Who Sow the Wind Will Reap The Whirlwind - Gov. Wike

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Chairman, PDP National Campaign Council on Edo Governorship Election and Rivers State Executive Governor, Governor Nyesom Wike, condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attack on PDP entourage, including state governors, at the Palace of Oba of Benin by thugs sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a press statement signed by Secretary, PDP National Campaign Council for Edo Governorship Election, Kola Ologbondiyan said: "Campaign Organization has commenced investigation into the roles played by certain individuals, including a businessman in the dastard and desecrating act.

"The campaign is also looking into the roles played by one Kabaka in the attack against our entourage.

"Furthermore, the candidate of the APC, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, also needs to understand clearly that there is a limit to intimidation and thuggery, particularly in this election.

"It is highly irresponsible for anybody to attempt to harass, intimidate or cause harm to an assemblage of governors and leaders of the PDP, let alone at the palace of the highly revered Oba of Benin.!

The statement further emphasized that the ancient seat of the Oba of Benin is respected and revered across the globe. 

"The ancient seat of the Oba of Benin is respected and revered across the globe.  As a mark of honor for the Oba of Benin, the governors and leaders of our party considered it imperative to pay a visit and honor the monarch.

"It is therefore reprehensible that any true Bini son or daughter will choose such an occasion to demean the monarch and his chiefs.

"While we leave this to the decision of the Oba and his council, we want to place on record that no motley group of political vagabonds will be allowed to embarrass us in this campaign.

"We counsel the said businessman, the APC gubernatorial candidate and the said Kabaka to desist from further plans to cause mayhem as those who sow a wind should be ready to reap the whirlwind," he said.

While PDP And APC Should Be Voted Out Of Power - Comrade Emmanuel Iboi

By Simeon Osajie

      Comrade Emmanuel Iboi

The Edo state chapter of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) vehemently condemned the fracas between the supporters of Peoples's Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) at the entrance of the  Oba of Benin, Omo N' Oba N' Edo, Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Ewuare II during the courtesy call visit of the PDP and call the experienced  as a show of shame and therefore call on the good people of Edo state to vote both PDP and APC out of power come September 19 governorship election.

In a press statement signed by the Edo 2020 Action Democratic Party (ADP) governorship candidate, Comrade Emmanuel Iboi advised the youths not to allowed themselves to be used by the power drunk politicians. 

Comrade Iboi said: "Youth should not be allowed to be carcass because the vulture feeds on carcass, the oppressors of democracy are vultures who has overtime makes the youth their carcass that's why they still feed on the youth they have made vulnerable, what a shame.

"Never in the political history of Edo State and Benin Kingdom has any group or individuals gather in front of the ancient Benin Kingdom Royal palace gates to harass, intimidate and unlawfully assault any group of persons scheduled as visitors of the highly respected Oba of Benin.

'This is politics taken too far and it will not be out of place for the Benin Traditional Council and His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, to invoke sanctions on the perpetrators. No Edo man or woman is greater than the ancient Crown of Benin Kingdom. 

"Your wealth and political influence does not extend to Oba's royal palace. The palace gates and walls remained sacred forever and no Edo man or woman is permitted to cause mayhem around the palace walls and Gates.

'Sponsoring supporters to obstruct Royal activities at the palace amounts to absolute disrespect for the crown and the legendary Benin Traditional Council.

"ADP is the choice of the people and we must vote both PDP and APC out of power come September 19," the statement concluded.

Exercising Regularly Lowers Person's Risk of Developing Some Diseases - Rotarian Oshiobugie

By Simeon Osajie

To live a healthy lifestyle, Nigerians have been urged to engage in daily exercise as it helps in weight loss and lowers risk of some diseases.

The President Rotary Club,  Benin, District 9141 Rotarian Hussein Oshiobugie gave the advice during a one-day health and fitness exercise programme in conjunction with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalist, NAWOJ Edo State, held in Benin City.

Commending the exercise NAWOJ chairperson, Mrs Adesuwa Ehimuan called on other social clubs to take a cue from Rotary club especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Mrs. Ehimuan noted that Exercising regularly lowers a person's risk of developing some diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

She emphasized that Exercise can also help keep the body at a healthy weight. 

Some members of NAWOJ who were present said that the exercise was apt, as they took advantage of the opportunity to participate since they were not engaging in exercise routine due to the nature of their jobs.

 

A fitness instructor, Coach okugbowa Sylvester who called on the young and old to cultivate the habit of routine exercise as it helps in ones life time also urged organizations to create exercising programs for their Staff.

Also present were members of the Red Cross led by Commandant Felix Okodolar.

APC Sponsor's Thugs Desecrated Our Palace Grounds - Chief Dan Orbih

By Simeon Osajie

The National Vice Chairman, South-South of People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman, Edo 2020 Campaign Council, Chief Dan Osi Orbih has accused the Edo state chapter of APC for sponsoring thugs and cultists  to desecrate the Palace grounds of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II and tagged the attacked "a political mutiny, an attempt by the APC to eliminate entire leadership of PDP and elected Governors".

Addressing jounalists at the Godwin Obaseki/Phillip Shaibu Campaign office, Chief Orbih said: "I want to place it on record that the visit was officially communicated to the Palace and the various security agencies as PDP leaders visit that included the party's National Chairman, members of the National Working Committee, Governors of Rivers, Sokoto, Delta, and of course, the host Governor Godwin Obaseki.

"I want to place it on record that there was no official APC event in the Palace or anywhere in Benin that was so communicated in accordance with INEC guidelines.

"There was no official communication to the security agencies and the palace that APC was also going to have event at the palace.

"The invasion of the Palace Gate by armed APC Youths was a well co-ordinated assault by the leadership and Sponsors of Edo APC to eliminate the National leadership of the PDP and all democratically elected Governors of PDP that were expected to be with the Governor.

This action, Chief Orbih said: was aimed at throwing the country into crisis. "The security breach must be investigated and all those connected with it must be arrested and tried in accordance with the laws."   

'The APC organised attack at the Palace is in our view a political mutiny, against constituted authority, capable of causing interstate conflict and war between Edo state and the affected states of the Governors that were marked down for elimination.

The South-South Vice Chairman of the PDP said: "there have been several videos in the cyberspace where these thugs have been instructed, directed and motivated to intimidate and cause chaos and mayhem in the state.

"The security agencies must swing into action to bring all those connected with the incident to book.

"Choosing the Palace to unleash their evil plans is an abomination and a total disrespect to our Royal majesty and highly respected traditional institution.

Chief Dan Orbih therefore condemn the attack and wanton destruction of PDP members vehicles and property in broad day light in the vicinity of the Palace of our revered Oba.

"I commend the leaders and members of EDO State PDP and supporters for their maturity yesterday. Who restrained themselves from retaliation in the face of unwarranted attacks and hostilities.

"I want to assure them that the party will not fold its hands and watch members attacked and killed because of their support for Governor Godwin Obaseki" Chief Dan Orbih concluded.

Allow The Rule Of Law And A Level Playing Ground - Obahiagbon Urges Obaseki

By Simeon Osajie

The  Vice-Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee, APC National Campaign Council, Rt. Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) the Police, and other relevant stakeholders to request Governor Godwin Obaseki to allow the rule of law and a level democratic playing field to hold supreme between now and the end of the Edo governorship elections. 

Briefing Journalists in Benin City, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon said "this request is not too much to asked of a sitting governor as it is no longer  news that state-sponsored elements, acting under the clear direction of the edo state government, destroyed the APC’s billboards and other physical infrastructure and paraphernalia of partisan campaign. 

Hon. Obahiagbon spoke on the recent  attacked by Obaseki's thugs at the entrance of the palace of the Oba of Benin were some APC supporters sustained various degree of injuries.

"Only yesterday, Saturday the 25th of July, the Governor’s army of thugs and cultists descended on protesters at the entrance of the Palace of our great King, the Oba of Benin, and other parts of the Benin metropolis, sending many to the hospital with gunshot wounds because they dared to express their rejection we were made to understand of the out-going governor who instead of fixing the humongous problems bedeviling the state such as the payment of owed salaries and fixing the states challenging ecological issues inter alia, rather chose to invite "tax-collectors" to the State to further feast on the State's treasury.

"We are shocked that after that palace incident, APC’s supporters and all our party members wearing Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu's caps and t-shirts were physically assaulted in the streets of Benin and we have those willing to testify to this brazen act of unprovoked street assault. This is unacceptable to us as a party. How long more can we persuade our teeming party loyalists to hold back?

"Worse still, information have also reached us from sources in Obaseki’s government who are but disillusioned with his nefarious acts, that the governor has plotted and perfected a criminally appalling initiative aimed at subverting the will of the people" the statement reads.

The Vice-Chairman said since Mr. Obaseki has saw the handwriting on the wall that the forthcoming September 19 election will not favour him, he choose to organised thugs to cause mayhem in the  state.

He said: Having pellucidly read the handwriting on the wall that he faces a monumental defeat and an electoral opprobrium on the 19th of September, Obaseki aims to illegally strike what he deems the head and important political leaders of our party with the hopes of subverting the election.

"Name prominent leaders of the APC have been compiled to be dealt with, intimidated, harassed, terrorized, physically assaulted, and lacerated by state-sponsored goons.

"He is also planning to continue his persecution of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole with trumped-up and inconsequential charges at the eleventh hour of electoral politics. Obaseki’s simple plan is to arraign Oshiomhole for a probe that has been revealed as nothing but a targeted political witch-hunt and then deny him bail on eve of election to paralyze the APC.

"We have also been reliably apprised of the fact that a top security aid of the governor has been frenziedly coordinating different meetings with thugs, cultists, and other agents of state like the discredited politically Wabazigan, a pseudo state police which he has weaponized as a tool of oppression, to devise various demonic plans to ransack the homes of our party members and leaders with the view of destroying their properties and planting incriminating items that would serve as a basis for unjust harassment and illegal detainment.

"These people, emboldened and funded by our state resources, are also plotting to set fire on the farm of Captain Hosa Okunbo because the Governor believes he is entitled to his support and will see to the destruction of his businesses and reputation if we won’t offer this support.

"These anomalies and acts of political desperadoism, are direct affronts on the country’s constitution and the rule of law" the statement concluded.

Protect Your Votes - Wike Tells Edo Electorates

By Simeon Osajie

The Chairman of the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Campaign Council and Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has urged all Edo people to come out enmasse to cast their votes for Governor Godwin Obaseki and equally protect their votes to return the governor in office, to enable him continue his good work for the majority of the people.

Governor Wike, who spoke at the flag-off of Governor Obaseki’s campaign for re-election in the September 19, 2020 Governorship poll in Edo State, noted: "The All Progressives Congress (APC), for me, does not have any credible candidate. Also, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, according to the sacked National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is a thief.”

He thanked Obaseki for his interest in Edo people which made him fight godfatherism in the state to a standstill.

"Don't allow your votes to be rigged as APC believes in rigging. I want to assure you this time that this election will be difficult to rig. South-South is for PDP and Edo belongs to PDP. Edo people should not allow Edo to be rigged. I urge you to defend your votes and ensure Obaseki is returned for a second term to continue his good works in the state,” he added.

EDO 2020: Our Mission Is To Secure Edo's Future - SHAIBU

By Simeon Osajie

Deputy Governor of Edo State Comrade Philip Shaibu has said that the mission of Godwin Obaseki in seeking a second term in office, is to secure the future of the state against wastage and, having placed great faith in his capacity and ability by electing him in the first tenure, the campaign and election for the second term will serve to consolidate on the successes recorded so far.

In a statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Media Benjamin Atu, the Deputy Governor Said, "Edo State as at today needs a prudent personality like Obaseki, who has not looted and will not loot the resources of the State". 

"Obaseki has not failed the people of Edo State. He has served the State like a Church worker serving in the vineyard of God wholeheartedly. He has been consistent in his carriage as an elder statesman whose focused is on how to return the State that had drifted away back to the path of development and industrialization. Obaseki’s mission is to secure the future of Edo State and not to plunder the State resources," Shaibu declared.

According to the Deputy Governor, "PDP is the foremost political party in Nigeria and we are conscious of the responsibility we hold to the people of Edo State. Obaseki will not fail the Edo people and the PDP." 

"Governor Godwin Obaseki is a man of principle and moral absolutes, who has made a name for probity and integrity. Obaseki is an extraordinary Edo Citizen who can only be matched by few in terms of readiness to serve and he has subjected himself to the demands of public office and passed with distinction. He came to serve the state for the sake of noble service. Obaseki has come to serve the state and empty himself for selfless service as a service provider in his private life."

While canvassing support for the incumbent administration, Comrade Philip Shaibu said, there has been much pressure from the former Governor for Obaseki to divert the resources of the State and since Obaseki has refused to yield to such pressure, one politician has offered himself as a willing and ready stooge to be use to divert the resources of the State for the benefit of individuals,  rather than addressing developmental needs of the State. 

"Whoever wishes Edo State well should support Godwin Obaseki because he is not corrupt. Democracy must lead to development or it loses credibility. We must reject rampaging opportunists who are determined to hold the State hostage through their ill gotten wealth and influence. 

"Obaseki has brought out Edo State public service workers from the bondage of salary lamentation. We do not need a government that laments with the people. We are out of lamentations now and we can not afford to return to Egypt.

"Let us all come together and vote for Godwin Obaseki in the September 19th election. Say no to diversion of our public funds," Philip Shaibu urged.

Esan South-East L.G.C. Boss Donates Relieve Materials to Rainstorm Victims

By Simeon Osajie

The Executive Chairman of Esan South-East Local Government Council, Hon. Peter Iziojie Aguele has donated relieve materials to rainstorm victims at Okhuesan village in the local government area. 

The Special Assistant on Media to the local givernment chairman, Comrade Ehikioya Agboga said the council boss was moved with compassion promised to look into their plights with a view to help cushion the effects of their losses.

"My boss was touched when the news was broken to him on the  disaster during heavy downpour which has rendered the victims homeless having completely removed the roofs of their homes.

"I am here to represent my local government chairman, Hon. Peter Iziogbe Aguele to present these relieve materials to the victims with a view to help cushion the effects of their losses" he said.

Speaking on behalf of the victims, Mr. Matthew Owobu could not hide his joy while receiving the items, but thanked the council Chairman for his fatherly love and genuine determination to change the narratives in the entire local government area. 

"We pray to God's divine protection upon the Chairman, family, team and assured him of our total support  towards the re-election of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr.Godwin Obaseki come September 19 election" he assured.

Amongst the beneficiaries are Mr. Matthew Owobu,  Mrs. Paulina Aguanor and Mr. John Eimuan. 

Edo Govt. Not Indebted To Lecturers - Chris Nehikhare

By Simeon Osajie

The Edo State government under the leadership of Godwin Obaseki has declared that its not indebted to lecturers of the defunct state owned college of Education Ekiadolor who have been protesting in the last couple of days in Benin City.

The Edo State PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare said the lecturers were only wipping up sentiments to cover for their act of insubudination in carrying out lawful directives.

Mr. Nehikhare in a statement in Benin City explained that the staff of College of Education, Ekiadolor were asked to go and resume at Abudu with the closure of the institution but they rejected the offer even after earlier refusing to transfer their services to the state civil service. 

The state publicity secretary noted that as a political party,"we consider these protest very serious especially as the allegations of non payment of salary was adduced as the reason for the protest for a government that is not owing any sector salaries including pension arrears".

You will recall that the last APC administration led by Mr. Adams Oshiomhole established two new state universities same day. Tayo Akpata University of Education and Edo university of Science and Technology, Uzaiure, now known and referred to as Edo University  Iyamho. 

Adams Oshiomhole had no intention of fulfilling the establishment of Tayo Akpata University of Education while violating all budgetary, financial and accounting rules and regulations to complete his Iyamho project! It was obvious Adams Oshiomhole "sold a dummy" to Edo South people and leaders.

We wondered how a new University was built from scratch, got accreditation and started admitting students even as Tayo Akpata University of Education with existing infrastructure did not have even a toilet added to the existing structures talk less of admitting students in the Adams Oshiomhole administration.

The newly "established" Tayo Akpata University of Education was eventually shut down, as there was no new student admission while infrastructural improvement was been carried out. As the college of education was winding down, staff salaries were been paid. 

Since the staff are workers of the state government, they were redeployed to the state College of Education with three campuses. They disobeyed the directive even after refusing to be absorbed into the state civil service.

It would have been abnormal, irresponsible and financially reckless for the state government to pay workers that have been recalcitrant and disobeying lawful directives when their actions and decisions suggest they are no longer interested in working for the state government.

The affected staff are urged to comply with the directive of the state government and stop embarrassing themselves in the guise of  protesting.

My Life is Under Threat - Apostle Godstime Oshodin.

By Simeon Osajie

The Senior Pastor of Grace Chapel International, Benin City, Apostle Godstime Oshodin has raised alarm over threat to his life from one of the poltical parties contesting the 19 September Edo State governorship election. 

Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Apostle Godstime Oshodin said since the advise he gave to members of his church as their shepherd to vote for one particular candidate in the forthcoming Governorship election, his cell phone has been inaudated with series of threat text messages and has appealed to the Edo State government and the various security agencies for protection.

"I am here to air my views based on what is going on with me and my ministry. There is a video trending on air that I spoke against the Bini people that I told my members to vote a particular candidate and as a person, I was born here in Benin and whoever that has spent 10 years in a country, automatically is a citizen and if I should speak to a Bini person like that or insult them, automatically I am insulting myself", he said. 

He apologised to Benin residents if the statement he made which he said was an adage was misconstrued or interpreted as an insult.

"On that regard, if I made such a statement, it was only an adage and I never meant to insult anybody because I am a Bini man and if I insulted them I am equally insulting myself. I only told my members that these two people who are contesting are Bini men and that why must we be fighting ourselves and that is what I meant by what I said and I did not mean that they are fowls", he pleaded.

He however called on the various security agencies to come to his rescue noting that his life, family and church are at risk.

"And presently, a lot of threat have been going on and yesterday, some people from All Progressives Congress came to my church while my secretary was on duty to warn them that they have finally found the church where the pastor resides and a lot of threat messages have be coming into my phone and a lot of people have be calling my line to threaten my life and my family.

"My life is at stake here and that is why I am here to cry out to the public that the government should come to my aid. I need security, i need to be protected. They even told me that they will burn my church if care is not taken and that I should not hold service and that is why I am here to air my view.

"The threat started coming in since on Monday while the video started since on Sunday and up till now, the threat is still coming in.vI have not reported the matter to the police and the DSS", he said.

It will be recalled that Pastor Oshodi while preaching in one of his Sunday services urged members of his congregation not to vote for a particular candidate and party in the 19 September election and allegedly made some derogatory remarks about Benin residents.

  

In his entourage were Apostle Chris Ebhodaghe of Sovereign Grace Bible Church, Apostle Ehis Isaac of Fire House Assembly and Prophet Osazuwa of Grace Pentecostal Assembly.

EDO 2020: PDP Receives More Decampees From APC

By Simeon Osajie

Edo People's Democratic Party (PDP) has held more sensitization and strategic meetings has received and welcomed more decampees from the APC and other parties in many wards and local government areas across the state.

In Ekperi, wards 6, 7, and 8 of Etsako Central local government area over 1000 people attended the meeting. 

Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Edo North Senatorial Coordinator for Edo 2020 Campaign Council, Hon. Pascal Ugbome, spoke of the sterling qualities of Governor Godwin Obaseki. 

Hon. Ugbome spoke about the need to brainstorm on how to give governor Obaseki maximum support come September 19 governorship election and received very favorable responses and commitments from the attendees. They resolved that Ekperi was satisfied with Governor Obaseki and promised to deliver over 80% of registered voters to PDP. They disclosed that only a few APC was left in Ekperi.

In Iyoba, ward 3 of Orhionmwon local government area, the carnival like atmosphere was ignited as PDP led by the state Vice Chairman Edo South, Barr. Nosa Ogieva, received and welcomed APC members who have decided to join PDP to support Governor Obaseki's re-election.

The decampees said they were joining the PDP so as to give  maximum support to Governor Obaseki in appreciation of the excellent work he is doing. They spoke about the elimination of double taxation by thugs in the previous APC government and how the unwholesome practice was stopped by Godwin Obaseki's administration. 

They mentioned the impressive developmental stride the state was witnessing as well as the growth in economic indicators and Governor Obaseki's famed prudent management of resources. They condemned in strong words the way and manner he was treated in APC because he put Edo people First!

The new PDP family members rejected the return of the state to a hypothetical party immersed in corruption. They used the NDDC and EFCC allegations as cases in point!

Presents at both meetings were, party leaders, executives, Hon Paschal Ugbome, Hon Larry Ogieva amongst others.

Edo 2020: APC Inaugurates Campaign Council

By Simeon Osajie

The Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) inaugurated its Campaign Council for the September 19 Governorship Election in Benin City.

 

Colonel David Imuse (Rtd.), Chairman of the State Chapter of the party,  who inaugurated the Campaign team announced the appointment of General Cecil Esekhaigbe (Rtd) as the Director-General of the Campaign Council; Chief Lucky Imansuen as the Deputy Director-General and Hon Pally Iriase, as Secretary.

 

Colonel Imuse said the task of rescuing Edo State is a collective decision that must be embraced by all, while also charging all appointed members to give their all to the objective of delivering Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Hon. Mallam Gani Audu at the September 19 election.

 

The Campaign Council has 19 sub-committees which, according to the State party chairman, was carefully selected to eject incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki from the Edo State Government House for allegedly shutting down tertiary institutions in the state and abandoning infrastructural and human capital development projects while spending billions of naira to purchase a ticket in the opposition PDP.

 

In his acceptance speech, General Cecil Esekhaigbe (Rtd.)  the D.G. said their task is already halfway achieved because the party’s candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, possesses an impeccable record of achievement which distinguishes from the incumbent Governor who, according to him, has demonstrated gross incompetence in office.

 

He said they are well motivated to take the campaign to the grassroots to further acquaint the people of Edo State with the SIMPLE agenda manifesto of the candidate and the various plans he has to move the State forward.

On his part, the candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, expressed satisfaction as the composition of the Campaign Council and assured party members that the council parades the ‘first eleven team’ capable of defeating the opposition and securing the victory of the APC.

 

He urged other members who do not hold positions in the council not to feel neglected or unacknowledged because the council has the mandate to drive the Campaign using the strengths of all members of the party and residents of the State.

GOVERNOR GODWIN OBASEKI'S REPLY TO CAPT. HOSA OKUNBO ALLEGATION

My dear brother and friend, Hosa

It is my prayer and expectation that this letter meets you in excellent health.

My attention has just been drawn to a three-page advertorial sponsored and signed by you, in some Nigerian newspapers of Monday July 20, 2020, entitled: “An Open Letter to President Muhammadu Buhari and The Good People of Edo State: Please Urge Governor Obaseki to Leave me Alone.”

In your lengthy and convoluted missive, you accused me of being the mastermind of all your recent misfortunes, which range from the sublime to the ridiculous.

I sincerely empathise with you over these unfortunate and negative incidents but hereby state without equivocation, that I am innocent of all you have accused me of.

Those who have worked with me can attest to the fact that I do not have the propensity to inflict evil or pains, especially of the scale you alleged, on any man or woman. I couldn’t have been shopping for businesses abroad while at the same time destroying the ones owned by Edo sons and daughters like you. My background and record bear witness to the fact that all my working career have been devoted to creating, supporting and sustaining businesses and investments.

Even beyond my personal policies, I am under oath as Governor to guarantee the security and safety of persons and property and ensuring the greatest level of happiness to the greatest number of Edo citizens.

In specific response to some of the allegations made in your publication, I wish to offer the following corrections:

i. As Chairman of the National Executive Council Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control, the records would indicate that the eventual report actually favoured you and your company, despite the strong complaints from the competition and some clients about the astronomical cost of the services offered by your company.

ii. As pertains to the Secure Anchorage Area Ltd (SAA) operations, your accusation against me in this regard is blatantly false and without foundation. The Honourable Minister of Transport, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi is alive today to bear witness to the extensive effort I made on your behalf to resolve your problems with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

iii. On the complaints regarding the non-commissioning of your farm project by Mr. President, it would appear that you are not aware that the President had a mere five-hour visit to Edo State and his itinerary was entirely put together by the Presidential Protocol Team and further vetted by the Department of State Services (DSS). They came to the conclusion that the commissioning of your farm project could not be included on the President’s visit. Neither I nor the Edo State Government had anything to do with that decision.

As your brother, I have been struggling to situate the probable source of your outlandish claims and wrong assessment of my character. Without a doubt, I am convinced that you must have been talking and consulting with the wrong people in your search for an honest assessment of my personality.

It is disappointing that despite our close family relationship, you could allow yourself to be convinced that I would do anything to hurt you or your business interests.

You will recall that over a year ago in my house (at the early stages when the intrigues of the godfather began to manifest), I had advised you to steer clear of the battle which was going to be an epic one to get rid of the choking influence of the godfather from our political life. I knew at that time that the godfather was desperately shopping for allies of Edo South extraction to assist him in his obsessive quest to continue his choking and unproductive dominance in the affairs of our state.

It is unfortunate that you fell prey to the recruitment drive of the godfather and you have now found yourself in the position where you are actively working against the interest of your own people.

As you are aware, I have had my fair share of attacks for undertaking to serve my people and help develop my state. I have been humiliated, undermined and my age-old business and family name ridiculed by the godfather and his agents, simply because I refused to do his bidding, and deprive millions of Edo people the good life that they rightfully deserve. This is what comes with the terrain when any person involves himself in politics and the consequences that follow.

In all of these I have no regrets whatsoever. I am certainly not paranoid about anybody. I remain committed and focused because the wellbeing and gratitude of the people, on whose side I have chosen to fight, namely; civil servants, pensioners, traders, the youths, farmers, drivers and the millions of other professionals and non-professionals in our state, are sufficient rewards.

I am saddened that you have made yourself the face of the forces that seek the continuous dominance of the godfather in Edo politics and have thereby exposed yourself to charlatans and opportunists who are now preying on your inner fears and insecurities to distort the real issues on ground.

I respect your right to make your political choices and to support any political interests you consider appropriate. I also acknowledge your freedom to freely associate with any political tendencies that you find acceptable. But you must recognise that the world of politics is not a tea party and the choices that we make in life always come at a cost and we should all have the courage to bear and accept the consequences associated with those choices we have freely made.

I wish you well.

Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki,

Governor, Edo State

The Outcome Between Buhari and Jonathan's Meeting

By Simeon Osajie

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has discussed with leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the crisis rocking Mali.

Former President Goidluck Jonathan was at the State House, Abuja, in the company of ECOWAS Commission President, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou.

President Buhari was said to have asked the President of Niger, the ECOWAS Chairman, to also brief member-states on the current situation.

The Nigerian leader thanked Jonathan for his comprehensive brief on the Mali situation.

He noted that Buhari had been abreast with the crisis since when he was the President.

Speaking, former Nigeria President Jonathan said ECOWAS can’t preside over the removal of an elected President.

“Not even the African Union (AU), or the United Nations (UN) can do it. Leaders must be elected and leave under constitutional processes, otherwise we would have Banana republics all over the place,” he added.

Jonathan thanked Buhari for providing a presidential jet for the mission, “thus making our trips convenient and comfortable”.

The people of Mali have been calling on President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to resign.

EDO 2020: We Are Government Responsible Agency - PUWOV Boss.

By Simeon Osajie

As the September 19, 2020 Edo State Governorship Election approaches, issues and counter issues have begun to evolve in the polity. Latest of the issues is the accusations by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Campaign Organization that the state government or it's agents destroyed it's billboards in Benin city. 

The Osagie Ize-Iyamu Campaign Organization had aledged that it's billboards in Benin metropolis were been vandalised by agents of government.

In his reaction, the Edo State Coordinator, Public Safety and Works Volunteers Scheme( PUWOV), Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie   said "the allegation is grossly misplaced as his members are better engaged in productive activities like creating conducive environment for citizens and motorists in and around Benin City and other major cities in Edo State". 

Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie, while interacting with journalists in Benin City said: "Governor Godwin Obaseki, upon resumption of office as governor identified the need to clean the state of miscreants and city nuisance which was synonymous with past government."

The PUWOV boss said "past government misdirected the energies of our your by turning then to political thugs, pocket pickers and societal ills which became a threat to decent live in the city."

"But with the establishment of this agency, sanity returned to the state capital and other major cities in Edo State as against what was obtainable before OBASEKI government."

Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie reiterated that "the era of 'go and die' has passed in Edo State and at no time will the state retrogress to that state of agbero again."

The PUWOV coordinator then "enjoined Edo State citizens to shun the propaganda and blackmail by detractors but continue to support as well as vote for Governor Godwin OBASEKI in the next election, so that he can continue to do his good work for the state."

Late Edo Ex-Speaker's Wife Regains Freedom

By Simeon Osajie

The wife of late former Edo Speaker, Mrs. Hassana Garuba who was abducted by some unknown gunmen has been released after she was kidnapped.

Mrs. Garuba was kidnapped along with her driver last Saturday evening at Kabba junction on the Abuja-Lokoja road, Kogi State on her way to Auchi, Edo State for the funeral of her husband who passed away earlier in the day at the National Hospital, Abuja.

A former member of the Edo State House of Assembly and World Wide President of Our Lady of Fatima, Auchi Old Boys College,  Association with (OLOFOBA), Mr. Pascal Ugbome broke the news of the release on the association WhatsApp chat group.

Details of how she was released were however sketchy but an elated  Ugbome wrote: "BREAKING NEWS.

The wife and driver of the late Rt. Hon. Zakawanu Garuba have just secured their freedom from the kidnappers who abducted them since Saturday. To God be the glory. Gratitude to all who showed concern especially Governors Godwin Obaseki and Yaya Bello, law enforcement agencies in both Edo and Kogi States and others too numerous to mention for now. The family will issue a detailed statement in due course."

"It was not clear how much ransome money was eventually paid to the kidnappers who initially a princely N20 million, an amount which they slashed to N15 million before letting go of their quarries.

During the commando like operation, the aged mother of the deceased People's Democratic Party (PDP) former legislator who was a member of the Board of Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) was also abducted but was immediately released by the captors.

The remains of Garuba who died at 54 have since been laid to rest in his hometown of Auchi, Etsako West Local Governmrnt Area in strict observance of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) regulations on social distancing.

His corpse arrived Auchi last Saturday night and was  immediately buried in accordance with Islamic rites in a low key private ceremony.

PDP Is Focused On Resetting Edo For A Better And Brighter Tomorrow - Chris Nehikhare

By Simeon Osajie

Dr. Tony Aizuegbemin, Edo PDP Chairman

The Edo State Publicity Secretary of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to an allegation by the State Publicity Secretary of APC,  Mr. Chris Azebamwan in which he stated: "The Edo Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki is embarking on alleged massive recruitment of thugs and criminals officially into government in the guise of Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants to provide cover and funding in an elaborate plot to unleash violence in the state and rig the outcome of the election."

In a press statement signed by the Edo PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Osa Nehikhare asked, "when will APC stop making frivolous and unsubstantiated allegations against the PDP and the State Government? Today, it's about the Governor performing his duty of appointing his aides."

The Edo  PDP SPS added: "to reconcile APC thinking that Edo State Government is giving out appointments to thugs and cultists to disrupt the elections when Edo people now call and hail the governor as the Thug and Godfather Slayer, is an obvious display of its desperation to try to bully the good people of our State.  It is common knowledge that the APC is the party that is populated by known thugs and brigands in the many factions that exist within it.

"Governor Obaseki's fight from the day he took over power was the conscious demobilization of thugs, cultist and their sponsors. This led to the protracted battle of wits that birthed the sacking of their national chairman, fragmentation of the party into small bits and the Governor leaving the prostrate party to the comfort of The Umbrella.

"We understand the frustration involved in trying to put together a scattered broom but that is not an excuse to tell tall tales and fallacies!

"The lady said her husband is bad. She called him all sorts of names to deride him. He left her and married a new wife. She has now gone berserk, filled with rage, jealousy and envy" he stated.

EDO 2020: Mass Decamping Hits APC in Edo

By Simeon Osajie 

Thousands of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Edo State, has pledged their allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The leaders and members of the APC in Urhonigbe South, ward 8, dumped the party, endorsing the second term aspiration of the state governor, Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu.

Leader of the APC, Dr. Mrs. Nosakhare Aladeselu, and the President of Face2Face Campaign for Obaseki, Mr. Etinosa Odiase, who led the decamping APC members, said it became necessary to follow Governor Obaseki to the PDP owing to the fact that they want to continually be part of the governors’ achievements.

According to Mrs. Aladeselu: “We cannot leave Obaseki with what he has done for us as a community; just look at our rubber estate, he has revived it within his first three years in office. Commercial activities are gradually coming back to Urhonigbe; there is work for our teaming youth; no space for idleness anymore.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, Odiase said he decided to lead thousands of his supporters to the PDP to support the governor because of his developmental agenda for the larger Edo people.

“You can see what good governance can do for people.  I have led thousands of my supporters to join the governor in the PDP. We are not fighting for stomach infrastructure but the dividends of democracy that will lead to a better Edo State; anywhere Obaseki goes, we will go”, he added.

Earlier, the LGA party chairman, Prince Stanley Iduose, while presenting the umbrella to the decamping APC members, welcomed them to the new party, urging them not to relent in their quest for good governance.

Other decamping members include a former member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Barr. Friday Ogierhiakhi, former Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) commissioner, among others.

Edo Former Speaker Laid to Rest in Auchi ...wife yet to be released by kidnappers.

By DADA AYOKHAI

The remains of former Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon Zakawanu Garuba, was yesterday laid to rest in Auchi, Etsako West LGA, in strict observance of NCDC regulations on social distancing.

Rt Hon Garuba died after a brief illness at an Abuja hospital. His corpse arrived Auchi late night and he was  immediately buried in accordance with Muslim rites, in a private affair devoid of the usual funfare and protocol.  funfare.

Meanwhile, the wife, Hassana Garuba,  and the driver of the deceased former Speaker who were abducted by kidnappers on their way to Auchi from Abuja for the  burial rites are yet to be released. The kidnappers as yesterday were in dialogue  with the Garuba family about  the payment of  ransom.

He was a frontline PDP leader in Edo State and is survived by his wife, an aged mother and three children. His last public appearance was at the Edo PDP governorship primary won by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

His death, coming a few months after that of Alhaji Usman Shagadi, another astute politician, has sent shock waves in the political class in Auchi and environs, as their demise has created a leadership vacuum in the ancient community.

Though rumours are rife that the former Speaker's death was COVID-19 related,  the family has, however, denied the story, insisting their son  died of natural causes.

Count PDP and Edo Government Out....Ask APC to Look inwards - Chris Nehikhare

By Osajie Simeon

The attention of the Edo state chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn on the recent destruction or damage to billboard of Action Progressives Congress (APC) in some parts of Benin metropolis.

In a press release issue and signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Chris Nehikhare exenorated the PDP and Edo state government from the destruction or damage to APC billboard.

The PDP SPS said: "In a desperate attempt to change the narrative, the APC vuvuzelas have gone to town making frivolous and unsubstantiated allegations against the PDP and the State Government over the destruction or damages to their billboards. We condemn the act."

The SPS however advise APC to look inwards and said that it is common knowledge the APC as a party is seriously divided, populated by known thugs and brigands in the many factions that exist within the party.

"Edo people have not forgotten how they resorted to bombing each others residences as they battled for their gubernatorial ticket. Edo people have not forgotten the treachery, blackmail, threats and counter threats employed to arrive at their predetermined candidate.

"We are indeed surprised that a party made up of characters that throw bombs at each other at will, shoot at their party members while they are holding meetings, exported to other states to rig elections and is lagging behind in an independent opinion poll it conducted itself would contemplate that PDP or its Government would pay attention to its posters or billboards without messages and want them destroyed or damaged. On the contrary! The quality of the messaging on their billboards exposes APC as empty and having nothing to offer or motivate Edo people.

Chris Nehikhare emphasized that PDP and Edo State Government cannot bring itself so low and engaged the party loyalists to the destruction of billboard. 

"We will concentrate on our agenda of Resetting Edo for a better and brighter tomorrow and not loose sleep over the rantings of a political ant the APC has become" the statement concluded.