Retrace Your Steps, Tow the Path of Peace - BSM Advises Ijaw Youths

By The9jaTrend

The Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) Worldwide has condemned the unprovoked attack initiated on the Benin indigenes of Obazuwa Community by Ijaw youths who are settlers in the neighboring Ikoro Community.

In a statement issued and signed by its President, Comrade Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, and made available to newsmen in Benin City, said  the Benins are peace lovers, accommodating and generous people.

He said, “We take exception to the way some of these Ijaw youths from the neighbouring Ikoro Community, said to be heavily armed with different types of arms and ammunitions, molest and even kill our brothers in their own soil without any provocation; To the extent the Benin indigenes of Obazuwa Community now live in perpetual fear of the unknown.

“These Ijaw youths residing in Ikoro Community have reportedly maimed, destroyed properties and livelihood of the Benins in Obazuwa Community on different occasions. And since this incident has been happening we have not heard of any word of caution coming from the leaders/elders of Ikoro to their rampaging youths. A clear indication that the action of the destructive youths have the backing of their leaders.

The Benin Solidarity Movement BSM Worldwide want to seize this opportunity to warn the Ikoro youths and their sponsors to retrace their steps and tow the path of peace immediately or else they will face the wrath of the sons of the soil.

They should be told that the gentle strides of a Leopard does not mean that it is scared. It is only strategizing and doing reconnaissance on the most effective method to adopt in caging the enemy.

Another issue that is on the front burner in recent times is the agitation for a Biafra Republic as being championed by the Igbos under the control of the self acclaimed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by the enfant terrible Nnamdi Kanu.

The Benin Solidarity Movement BSM Worldwide concern as regards the agitation is the knack by the arrowhead of the IPOB to always describe Edo State as a part of Biafra; There is nothing farther from the truth.

The people of Edo State, most especially the Benins, are never and will never be from Biafra. The enfant terrible and his group of ‘hero’ worshippers should get that into their brain now as failure to heed this warning will be the beginning of the end of their Biafra Republic dream. 

My Track Record Will Gives Me Victory As NULGE President - Adorolor

By The9jaTrend

.          Comrade Lazarus Adorolor

        NULGE Presidential Candidate

One of the top most presidential candidate in the forthcoming NULGA National Delegates Conference, Comrade Lazarus Adorolor is very confident that his track record will gives him victory as NULGE President.

Comrade Adorolor, President, Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, (NULGE), an Etsako indigene is expected to fly Edo State flag at the NULGE National Delegates Conference, slated for January 5 - 6, 2021, in Lagos. 

   

Other top contestants in the NULGE Presidential race ready to slug it out with Adorolor are NULGE chapters  in Imo, Cross River, Ogun and Delta state respectively.  

A former two-term chairman of the NULGE Branch of Etsako West local government, Adorolor is highly tipped for the coveted position based on his reach, achievements and  track record while in office. 

In a chat with The9jaTrend, an unassuming Adorolor, who described his candidature as "God's project", rated his chances of clinching the President po during the delegates conference of the Union as bright, stressing it is time to fix "a broken and divided body" and make it relevant to the changing needs of a contemporary workforce.

He noted, however, that his candidacy will afford the Union an opportunity to right some wrongs which had plagued it since inception, one of which is the inability of  South-South Zone  to produce the President of the Union. 

He stated, "Other zones have had their own fair share of producing the president of the Union except the South-South zone.

This is the right time to allow the South-South zone produce the next president of the Union so as to promote equity and justice".

Adorolor who boasted to have been in the centre of confidence and capacity building in the Union, a role he said exposed him to its inner workings, noted he is best equipped to lead the Union having served as part of the team whose mandate was to restore peace and order, on two separate occasions, in July 2005 and in 2009, as a result of the protracted crisis that rocked the Union and threatened its core existence.

According to Adorolor, whose first tenure as Edo State chapter president of the Union is still running, the major achivements of his administration which was al campaign promise is  the  break of the jinx surrounding the non promotion of Edo State local government workers for a period  six years which was achieved within a year and 4 months of his tenure  as state president.

He submitted that his decision to run for the highest office in the Union is not a happenstance, noting  he will ensure that the benefits of the Union accrues to all and sundry.

Benin Agog As Aziegbemin Fete Party Faithful

...Encourages All To Place Edo First

By The9jaTrend

    Dr. Tony Aziegbemin, Edo PDP Chairman                with Hon. Henry Tenebe

Dr. Tony Aziegbemin, Chairman, Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on party faithful

to join hands with the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to achieve his campaign promises during his electioneering campaign.

Dr. Aiziegbemin made this call when he  hosted party faithful to dinner at his residence in Benin City.

While appreciating party members for their collective support so far, the Edo State PDP Boss through his Deputy, Mr. Harrison Umagbon, said, "Edo people decided and PDP won overwhelmingly during the September 19 gubernatorial election in the state.

"Edo State is now a PDP State, election have come and gone,  it's time we have to unite to support our amiable Governor, so that the campaign promises will be effectively delivered to specification."

Dr. Tony Aziegbemin admonished members to place the State first and every other things will naturally follow saying, "he is very proud that, we have a Governor who considers Edo State first as his priority.

Amongst those who graced the occasion are, Hon. Pascal Ugbomhe, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, Dr. Wilson Imogan, Mr. Nosa Ogieva Okunbor, Hon. Friday Ogieriakhi, Barr. Nosa Adams, LGA Party Chairmen, Council Bosses and host of others.

Ize-Iyamu, Oshiomhole, Imuse, Others Should Own Up Like Mayaki Has Done - Nehikhare

By The9jaTrend

The Edo State Chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; ex-National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and former factional State Chairman of the party, Col. David Imuse (rtd) to own up to the lies they spread during the last governorship election just as the spokesperson of the APC's campaign council, John Mayaki has done.

In a press statement issued and signed by Chris Nehikhare, the State Publicity Secretary said, "the apology by Mayaki is an open admission of the obvious fact that APC ran its campaign on fake news, lies, alternative truth and other variants of fabrication to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public to buy into their ominous quest to mortgage the collective patrimony of Edo people. These lies and fabrications they have carried over to the law courts to also hoodwink the honourable courts and gain unmerited public sympathy. 

"Since Mayaki has owned up to the antics of the APC during the governorship election, it is only proper for his paymasters, including Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu, Imuse and others, to take responsibility for prodding Mayaki and his ilk to take on such ignominious role of advancing the interest of APC through such schemes.

"After a careful appraisal of the apology by the spokesperson of the APC campaign council in the last governorship election, John Mayaki, to Governor Godwin Obaseki; former Edo APC State Chairman, Barr. Anselm Ojezua and Resident Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini, it is manifestly apparent that fabrication and outright lies were the fuel of the communication campaign of the APC in the last election in the absence of a coherent and viable message for Edo people given their unabashed quest for power.

"Upon chancing on the statement, I drew the attention of the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who was the target of attacks by the APC in the election, to the statement and its submissions. The Governor in his usual good nature as a person who does not bear grudges against people, accepted the apology and said he has forgiven John Mayaki."

Mr. Nehikhare added, "Though the Governor has taken his stand on the matter, Edo people who are lovers of truth and honour, demand that the puppet masters behind Mayaki and his ilk admit to the fact that they had in that election elected to take Edo people for a ride in trying to hoodwink them with fables and fabrications to advance their personal and collective interest.

"With the admission of Mayaki, it is obvious that Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu, Imuse and others are hiding behind needle if they still claim that they weren’t actively invested in spinning and propagating fake news against the Governor and the state government to boost their chances in the election."

He specifically call on Comrade Oshiomhole, Pastor Ize-Iyamuu, Col. Imuse (Rtd) and others to show respect to Edo people and toe the path of hon our and have the decency of admitting to the fact that the spread urs and concocted fake stories to sell their mandate.

"So, I hereby specifically call on Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Col David Imuse (rtd) and all their hirlings to show respect to Edo people, toe the path of honour and have the decency of admitting to the fact that they spread lies and concocted fake stories to sell their mandate. It is the most honourable thing to do; it is the most noble step to take.   

"That Mayaki has owned up to the tactic and ignoble schemes of the APC and their candidate does not absolve all others of the defilement of the public space that was their stock in trade during the elections. Each and every one of them must own up to their role, tender well-intentioned apologies and commit to be of good character. 

"In the spirit of the season, the leadership of Edo APC should seek penance so they may be given absolution.," he advised.

Aguele Visits Late Inspector David's Family

By The9jaTrend

Executive  Chairman of Esan South-East Local Government Council, Hon. Peter Aguele has paid condolences to the family of his orderly, Inspector David Osasona Adebayo at Ubiaja the administrative headquarter of the local government.

On the entourage of Hon. Aguele were his Vice Chairman, Hon. Kingsley O'Toole, Council officials, representatives of the Nigerian Police Force led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), amongst others. 

In his condolences, he described the late cop as a gallant officer who was devoted to his official assignment, noting within the last five months, Inspector David who served as his orderly has left an indelible mark in the sands of time bearing in mind "the greatness of a man is not a measure of how long he lived but the positive impact he has made."

The council Boss who was very emotional, admonished the widow to always remember that death is an inevitable end and a price everyone must pay some day. Therefore, no amount of weeping can bring back the death, but assured the window that the government of Mr. Godwin Obaseki has a deliberate policy of wiping away the tears of people and hers will not be an exception. 

Hon Aguele promised to do everything humanly possible towards insuring the wife of his late orderly is gainfully employed by the present government of Edo State.

He urges every kind hearted individual to remember the Inspector's family in their daily devotion, noting  the Almighty God is the husband to the widows and father to the fatherless because with Him everything is possible.

The late Inspector left behind his wife (university graduate) and three lovely children including a three months old baby.

 

Rescind Your Decision On Primary Six Or We Meet In Court - Eholor Warns Obaseki

By The9jaTrend

Chief Patrick Eholor, President, One Love Foundation and a Benin-based human rights activist,  has threatened to sue Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo state if he refuses to reserve his earlier decision on the compulsory Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination.

This was based on an undisclosed reasons  that the compulsory 2020 Primary school Leaving Certificate Examinations in Edo State, had been cancelled.

Eholor made the allegation while addressing newsmen in Benin City, where he called on Governor Godwin Obaseki to rescind the decision.

He explained that his decision to seek redress in court, is to discourage mediocrity in the education sector and for the sake of posterity.

                  Chief Patrick Eholor

        President, One Love Foundation 

He wondered why some perfidious individuals in the Government who duly earn their Leaving School Certificates on merit, failed to advised the Governor the consequences of promoting pupils who did not sit for the Examinations.

“My reasons are simple and clear - Godwin Obaseki is a good man who has passion for Edo people, e is a man that is very civilized and civil, but those surrounded him are his messengers who are suppose to tells him on the consequences. Sadly enough, we can no longer trust their message.

                  Chief Patrick Eholor

        President, One Love Foundation 

“I am going to challenge his decision in court that nobody should be promoted without Examinations.

“What I am saying is that, our Children must write their Examinations before they are promoted. You cannot carry people forward without Examinations, that is wrong. It will amount to setting a wrong precedent for the State.

“Obaseki must reverse that decision and the children must do their Primary School Leaving Certificate Examinations before they are promoted to the next level.

                    Chief Patrick Eholor

        President, One Love Foundation 

“First of all, if Governor Obaseki reply me within 24 hours, I will save his cost of spending tax-payers money in court. But, if he doesn’t respond, I will engage the best lawyer sue him.

“I have never lost one case… I represented myself 37 times in court, while in Canada. In all, I represented myself 35 times while my lawyer only represented me twice and I won all the cases”, he boasted.

He added, “When Governor Godwin Obaseki said in his own words that we are going to give a Leaving School Certificates to non-performance and to non-Education... he said it was because of Covid-19 and that the State doesn’t have the resources to policed the Examinations. You cannot promote people without pass. We have suffered enough,” he lamented.

Prof. Salami Faces Backlash For Breach Of Protocol At Oba Palace

By The9jaTrend

.                   Prof. Lilian Salami

               Vice Chancellor, UNIBEN

Prof. Lilian Salami, Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin,  had a backslash for breaking protocol when she led the management team of the institution to pay homage to the Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N' Oba N' Edo, Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin during the Igue-Ewere (Ugie) cultural festival at the Oba palace in Benin.

All appear to be well until the daughter of Benin kingdom knelt down, raised up her hands over her shoulders and tilted the upper part of her body as she robbed her two palms together in obeisance before the King.

She was however reprimanded for missing the point while His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II who was adorned in a complete Ceremonial regalia and a dark pair of goggle, held his Ancient Divining Staff with his left hand without making any comment.

But some of his Chiefs, frowned at the ‘disrespectful exchange between the VC and the Benin throne as other guests and the palace functionaries who were present at the event, giggle at her behaviour.

The palace however sent an emissary (Ukoh) in Edo Language, to Prof. Salami, requesting her to bear full responsibility for her action before the end of the session.

Igue festival which was meant to renew his magical powers, decree blessing on the land and his subject, began during the reign of Oba Ewuare during the Celebration of a bountiful harvest for families — Benin Royals and the Benin nation at large several years ago

Imbibe Spirit of Love, Patience in the Yuletide Season - Aguele Admonishes Christians

By The9jaTrend

.                    Hon. Peter Aguele

Executive Chairman, Esan South-East LGC.

The Executive Chairman, Esan South-East Local Government Council, Hon. Peter Aguele has felicitated with the Christian faithfuls both at home and the Diaspora for witnessing this year's Christmas celebration.

Hon. Aguele enjoined Christians to imbibe the spirit of love, patience and perseverance which are the virtues of Jesus Christ, adding that, doing so would guarantee peace and security in Esan South-East in particular, Edo state in general and Nigeria at large. 

He enjoined Christians at this moment, to abhor violence, lawlessness, wantonness, daylight robbery and kidnapping as witnessed across the country most recently, stressing that Nigeria is a great country in Africa. 

While calling for a stop to all divisive tendencies across the country, the council Boss urged all Nigerians and the youths in particular, to embrace peaceful co-existence in the country.

The Executive Chairman, who described the youth as the hope and future of the nation advised them further to deepen democracy and not dampen it. 

"For me, it is with more democracy that we can overcome our challenges. The challenges of nationhood that we face, are surmountable if we work through the democratic process, Aguele advised.

Tenebe Urges Edo Indigenes To Join Obaseki, Shaibu To Succeed

By The9jaTrend

As Christians all over the world marked the birthday of Jesus Christ, Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe, a chieftain of the ruling party in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has call on Edo indigenes for continuous support to  Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Hon Philip Shaibu, as the duo strives to transform the state into a major economic hub in the shortest possible time. 

While reaffirming his believe in the capability of the duo to deliver on their electoral promises, Hon. Tenebe encouraged Edo indigenes for maximum support which he said will represents the surest way to accomplish the set objectives and programmes of the government.

This was part of Hon. Tenebe's Season's Greetings to the people of the state, in which he eulogised the governor and his deputy for their clear-cut vision on how to harness the state's resources for the betterment of all. 

According to Hon. Tenebe, also a member of the State Transition Committee, Edo State is tremendously blessed with the fortune of having a visionary and  experienced technocrat at the helm of affairs, pointing out that the state would soon begin to reap the dividends of democracy.

"I am very optimistic that Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu would surpass their first term achievements during which every strata of governance in the state was not only revamped but refocused to deliver the dividends of jobs creation, educational reforms and inclusive growth to the people. 

"Edo State has never had it so good, Governor Obaseki and Philip Shaibu are  helping to realise the dreams of an average Edo indigene, whether at home or in diaspora. What is required of Edo people is to support him in this onerous task so that our dear state can  regain her lost glory", he asserted. 

Hon. Tenebe also commended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hierarchy in the state ably led by its indefatigable state chairman, Dr  Aziegbemin, for rendering support to the state government at a crucial moment like this, stressing all hands must be on deck in the struggle to  improve the living conditions of the  people of Edo State.

Use The Yuletide Celebrations To Rekindle Hope, Trust In God - PDP Urges Nigerians

By The9jaTrend

                Prince Uche Secondu

              PDP National PrSeconduj99illloo

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Nigerians to use the Christmas and Yuletide celebrations to rekindle hope and trust in God’s divine intervention in the affairs of our nation.

In a press statement issued and signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, National Publicity Secretary of PDP stressed that though the manifest failures of the current administration have led to an excruciating widespread economic hardship and worsened insecurity across the country, Christmas rekindles faith that all hope is not lost for our nation.

The PDP laments that under the prevailing circumstances, most families have nothing to celebrate with, many are in deep mourning over their losses from escalated insecurity due to the failure of those entrusted with the leadership of our nation.

"Nevertheless, we must keep hope alive and find strength in God’s unfailing intervention as demonstrated with the gift of salvation in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

"Indeed, Christmas offers us a great lesson as a nation that no matter how long darkness, characterized by violence, oppression, economic repression, hunger, abuse of rights, disregard to the need of the people, and widespread corruption, as we have witnessed in the last five years, may appear to dominate, salvation will surely come as exemplified in the birth of the saviour.

"Our party therefore urges Nigerians to use this period to intensify their bond of unity as well as comfort and reach out to one another in love so that the joy that Christmas brings would not be lost.

"The PDP restates our call on those leading our nation at this time to have some introspection, show remorse and review their anti-people policies that have brought anguish to the people."

 

The party prayed God for healing, stability and prosperity of our nation as well as blissful Christmas and yuletide celebrations.

Fulani Bandits Shots Dead Aguele's Driver, Police Orderly

By The9jaTrend

A driver and a Police Inspector attached to the executive chairman of Esan South-East local government council, Hon. Peter Aguele was shot dead by Fulani bandits while on official duty Tuesday, 22nd December, 2020 along Benin/Auchi express road in Edo state.

The attacked happen at Ehor village in Uhunwonde local government area of the state while on official assignment.

According to press statement issued and signed by Ehikioya Agboga, Special Assistant on Media to Hon. Peter Aguele said, "the bandits, dressed on military uniform flashed down the vehicle and As a police officer he therefore advised the driver to obey the instruction even though he was on his uniform.

Before they could recognized who truly the bandits were,, they started shooting sporadically and killed the driver and Inspector David Osasona on the spot and made away with their phones and the official AK47 rifle attached of  late Inspector.

Gov. Obaseki Has The Power To Appoints Aides - Dr. Aiziegbemin

By The 9jaTrend

Chairman, Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Tony Aziegbemin has emphadised that it is not the position of the party to appoint  personal Aides for the executive governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

Dr. Aiziegbemin said this while briefing journalists in Benin City on the success recorded since a well-organised state party congress that cumulatrd on March 14, 2020 with the election of the State Working Committee and State Executive Committee.

 He said that it is the prerogative of the governor to appoint who he feels that can join him to delivered the dividends of democracy to Edo people.

"It is his prerogative, it is a privilege, we know he did the right thing on the person he has appointed so far. You will agree with me that, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, the SSG is perhaps the best person for that office going by his antecedence and we should trust that the governor will bring the best people to kin position, so, we don't have any issue about that, that is not the point."

"Under my leadership, we are not interested in hearsay, we care about Edo people, we as a party are not after what comes into our pockets or not; Edo must move forward" he added.

The Edo PDP chairman  added that the decision by Governor Godwin Obaseki,  to slow down the appointment of cabinet members was a collective decision.

"We supported the idea as a party for Governor Godwin Obaseki to slow down the appointment, we want a situation whereby nor of Edo workers will loose their job, the governor's decision was in the right direction, we took part in that decision process. We are setting Edo for a better tomorrow, he added. 

On the securing situation in the state, Dr. Aiziegbemin says Mr. Godwin Obaseki is doing everything humanly possible to curb insecurity in the state.

He assured residents of the state that Governor Obaseki has put in place security mechanism that will guarantee peaceful celebrations in the Yuletide period.

The PDP chairman added that the state governor is having a sleepless night over the insecurity in the state, just as it is the duties of the Governor to secure the lives of Edo people.

“As for the insecurity we have in the land, I can assure the Edolites that the governor is not sleeping; he is on top of the situation, and as I said earlier, this year’s Christmas and New Year will be the best you have not had. You will be seeing some of the security measures on our road within the next two weeks,” he said.

While stating that the Governor is putting in place an industrial park that will generate over N10 billion naira to the state’s confers, Dr. Aiziegbemin added that the state civil service reformed which is in progress will be one of the best in the country after the the complete of the reformation.

“The civil service in the state will be the best in the country,  a  reformation programme is being put in place by our ever busy governor" he opined.

 

Rein In Your Bandits Now - PDP to APC

By The9jaTrend

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the All Progressives Congress (APC) to immediately rein in its ‘bandits’ as our nation can no longer cope with the daily marauding, kidnapping and wanton killings by these outlaws.

In a press state mm went issued and signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, National Publicity Secretary invites Nigerians to note how the APC has become deflated and dumbstruck since its connections to the escalation of acts of terrorism and banditry, including the gruesome killings and kidnapping of innocent Nigerians for ransom in the last five years, were exposed.

"APC has further betrayed its complicity by always evading demands by Nigerians to explain the whereabouts of the bandits it imported as political mercenaries to unleash violence and help it muscle the 2019 general election.

"APC had always dodged demands by our party and other patriotic Nigerians asking it to come clean on reports in the public space that many of the bandits ravaging parts of our nation, killing and kidnapping innocent Nigerians are APC political mercenaries which it failed to settle after the 2019 elections.

"Moreover, the APC had further betrayed its links through its manifest show of sympathy to terrorists and bandits, failure to promptly and forcefully condemn their activities as well as its attack on anybody, who condemn acts of terrorism or demand for the release of abductees."

Kola Ologbondiyan emphasized, "now that President Muhammadu Buhari has admitted his administration’s failure to rout the bandits, the onus lies on the APC, as a party, to help Mr. President by immediately reining in their bandits and ending their affliction on our nation.

"Is it not a national shame that whereas the Chadian President Idris Deby personally led his troops to rout out insurgents and even freed Nigerian territories and soldiers held captive by terrorists in northern part of Borno state, our President, who promised to lead the fight against insurgency from the fronts, has receded to the comfort of the Presidential villa, from where he is leading from the rear and blaming his service chiefs?

"If President Buhari does not see that it is time for him to let go and allow more competent hands to take charge of the security of our nation, the least expected of the APC is for it to appeal to Buhari to heed the calls of patriotic Nigerians. 

Going forward, the PDP National Publicity  Secretary said, "in any case,  it is imperative to reiterate that the APC cannot exonerate itself from this badge of shame and infamy by attempting to single out President Buhari for blame for their collective failures.

"After all, the APC was responsible for the importation of bandits as their political mercenaries in 2019.

"To worsen the situation, APC leaders, in their greed, corruption, nepotism and acute partisanship have continued to ravage our nation while failing to produce any governance strategy for the Buhari administration apart from reneging on all its promises to Nigerians. 

"Nevertheless, Nigerians are already aware that the APC and its leaders have nothing good to offer our nation but only want to keep beguiling the people and use their merchants of violence, which they have been protecting, to attempt to perpetuate themselves in power come 2023; a scheme that has already failed," he opined.

Your Party Requires Intelligence, Tact, Not Childish Tantrums - PDP Blasts APC

By The9jaTrend

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has berated the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State for making spurious claims that betray the bitterness, delusion and angst they have been forced to endure since they suffered crushing defeat in the last governorship election in the state in the hands of Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP.

In a statement issued and signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chris Osa Nehikhare, said the APC has resorted to a wide goose chase to oust the governor even as they continue to run from pillar to post to undo the will of Edo people.

According to him, “The APC is clearly still reeling from the pains inflicted on them in their disgraceful outing in the last governorship election in Edo State. They are looking for all other avenues to overturn the will of Edo people, who rejected them outrightly at the polls and embraced the Governor and his policies by handing him a landslide victory and a second term mandate.”

Nehikhare emphasises that Col. David Imuse who parades himself as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in Edo, is still battling for legitimacy, adding that he is finding it difficult to settle into the rather awkward role of playing the opposition, which the APC has not played in the state for the past 12 years.

“Playing opposition politics requires some tact and intelligence, which Imuse is clearly lacking, as can be seen in the shallow and infantile reasoning in his statement. 

“That Imuse and the APC have the guts to raise the issue of insecurity in the puerile statement betrays their ignorance and an apparent worrying condition of selective amnesia.

“It must be noted that the Federal Government under the leadership of the APC is solely responsible and has full control of security across the country, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the army and all others. That Imuse and Edo APC would do an about turn and place the responsibility for security on the laps of Governor Obaseki alone show their mischief and crass ignorance,” he noted.

"Perhaps Imuse is not aware of the efforts of Governor Obaseki in arresting the post #ENDSARS security challenges in a state where hundreds of prisoners escaped from two prisons. Maybe he does not know that efforts are ongoing to rebuild burnt police stations in Edo State. Imuse should try to read about Governor Obaseki's charge to move from conventional policicing to community policing with the 877 police constables that were recently sent forth from the Police Training School," the Edo SPS added.

The PDP scribe continued: “Imuse and the APC need to be reminded that when Edo people on September 19 trooped out to elect the governor and PDP as against the APC, it was an overwhelming endorsement of the governor’s decisions and judgement on social, economic and policy issues, including opting for development financing to execute projects, which the people are clearly comfortable with and affirmed with the outcome of the polls."

"The N25 billion loan Imuse talked about was a developmental loan secured by the state government to develop and revitalize critical infrastructures. The Edo State House of Assembly, which represents the Edo people also approved the loan months ago. To Imuse and his ilk, a loan approved by a State House of Assembly was secretely secured. This is irresponsible and garrulous talk! 

“As for the complaint about the situation in Etsako West Local Government Area, the state government is exercising its constitutional right for an appeal and has, along that line, filed for an appeal. It has also filed for a Stay of Execution on that judgement. Therefore, status quo remains and only the court can make a pronouncement on the matter and not the APC.”  

Edo State PDP  Publicity Secretaey  further advised Imuse and the APC to take their time and do some soul searching and also commit resources to studying about the requirements and demands of their new role as the opposition party in Edo State.

Stop Chasing Shadows - Edo APC Advises Ojezua

By The9jaTrend

The Edo State chapter of All Progressive Congress (APC) has condemned the claims by Barr. Anselm Ojezua that he is leaving the party with his 150,000 supporters, whom he claimed are drawn from the 18 local government area of Edo State and joining the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).

In a press statement issued and signed by the Party Assistant Publicity Secretary, Victor Ofure Osehobo said, "it is deliberate falsehood because Edo people know that this man has no such followership. Moreover he left the party long before now. What is sad is that instead of staying quietly in his new party, he has chosen to embarrass himself with these claims. 

"Here is a man who has lost political relevance, in all its ramifications but decided to lurk around by holding on to the APC State Party Secretariat like it is his personal property. The cassock do not make the monk!"

Ofure Osehobo added that, "the so-called 22 members of Ojezua's Executive are his personal stooges just like the 150,000 supporters which are only a figment of his imagination, because they do not exist. He just cooked up these figures so the PDP can consider his plight and give him a semblance of relevance."

The APC Assistance Publicity Secretary emphasized, "the APC is better for it, because Ojezua and his cohorts, were the enemies within: the moles, the liars, and backbiters who, ab initio were hired and paid by their ungrateful Master, to destroy a party that lifted him from the streets to a position of relevance.

"Edo APC right now is one family under the leadership of Col. David Imuse, the State Caretaker Committee Chairman. This is the man chosen by the wisdom of the National Leadership of the APC, to stay on the saddle and with others make Edo APC a more united party, ready to move the state forward. 

"Col Imuse who is committed to uniting the party at all costs, has inaugurated the membership of the State Caretaker Committee and has presided over a crucial Stakeholders meeting with leaders, elders and Representatives from all the 18 local government areas of Edo State. 

"Col Imuse has extended the Olive branch by asking those who went on political sabbatical or in search of political green pastures and are either stranded or worried, to come back home to join him with the party stakeholders, to unite, rebuild and re-engineer the party in Edo.

"We of the Edo APC however urges Ojezua to stop chasing shadows and rather find how to help his troubled party, which won the election but are not in power in Edo state to be relevant. He will do well to help them to get out of the mess they have found themselves by pocketing a scorpion," the statement opined.

Edo Policy Round Table Holds Its First Policy Dialogue With Speaker, Members of EDHA

By The9jaTrend

The Edo State Policy Round Table has held its first policy dialogue with the Speaker and Members of Edo State House of Assembly. The event which took place at the Conference Room, Centre for Excellence and Reproductive Health  Innovations was attended by residence  and citizens within and outside Edo State.

Before the commencement of the day's event, the Speaker, Edo House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun and his entourage were led on a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the host University of Benin, Prof. Lillian Salami, by Prof. Okonofua and the Founder and President of Edo Policy Round Table, Dr. Francis Ilenloa Igberaese.

At the dialogue, chaired by Prof. Okonofua, the President, Dr. Igberaese said that it was an innovation into governance and geared towards ensuring policies formulation and execution that are antidotes to both artificial and natural disadvantaged destinies of the state, as well as enthroning the "golden rule of accumulation" of doing for the next generation what we wish the past generation had done unto the present generation.

He stressed that the Edo Policy Round Table will make private bills in each of the three areas of the focus of the dialogue; Education, Health and the Economy that would ensure that incomes are transfered from the rich segments to the poor segments of the society.

"Our concern is to create an egalitarian society where there will be equal opportunity for all citizen, to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future", Dr. Igberaese said.

Participations was very high, with participants expressed thought provoking views on what they believe are the critical areas of attention.

Responding, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, Speaker Edo State House of Asembly said that he was thrilled that such a dialogue could happen. 

"I was particularly happy that this is coming from the scademics, which means the recommendations and outputs of researches will now be available to government," he said.

While eulogizing the organizers, the EDHA Speaker promised that the House would give a speedy attention to all outcomes of the technical committees of the Round Table.

Expect Less Crime.and Criminality During Yuletide Period - PUWOV Boss Assures

By The9jaTrend

Edo State residents and visitors  has been assured of adequate security of lives and properties during and after Christmas and News Year festivities.

This assurances was made by the State Coordinator of Public Works Volunteer Scheme (PUWOV) Mukhar Yusuf-Osagie during an exclusive interview with  The9jaTrend in Benin City,.

Comrade Yusuf-Osagie said, "the aftermath of the #Endsars protest have been so challenging to the government and relevant security agencies in the state which demanded the state government's going back to the drawing table for a redesigned security architecture which is now taking care of some of the criminal black spots in the state".

He added, "the state government is harnessing all available openings to bring as many people, groups and agencies to help grow and sustain the security situation of the State which informed the engagement of hands into the PUWOV scheme to ensure that the entire State is adequately covered".

On traffic control and ease of movement in the state, Comrade Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie said "there is an inter-agency working arrangement between PUWOV and the State Traffic Control Agency, EDSTMA, on how to control traffic within Benin metropolis and other parts of the State so as to give vehicle owners and commuters easy movement during the Yuletide pwriod."

He however warned that "anyone who may wish to do anything against the norm would have himself or herself to blame as all the agencies, most especially, PUWOV would visit the full weight of the law on such a person".

The PUWOV boss  stressed that the mobile courts will be available to dispense justice as required by law, however wished law abiding citizens  Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year in advance.

Africans Top Global List of Dead Migrants in 2020 - UN Agency Reveals

For another year, more Africans have lost their lives to irregular migration in 2020 than any other people, data from a United Nations (UN) agency reveals just as the world commemorates the 2020 International Migrants Day on 18 December.

About 3,101 migrants died globally in 2020 while trying to reach different international destinations through irregular routes, 1,483 of them were Africans.

According to data from the Missing Migrant Project of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the deaths were recorded across six regions of the world between 1 January and 16 December 2020.

The data showed that Africans make up the highest number of dead irregular migrants at 1,483 followed by Americans at 580 with Asia, the Middle East and Europe accounting for the origin of 352, 147 and two dead migrants respectively. 

While 1,504 deaths were recorded on the Mediterranean sea, the minimal estimate data set further revealed that more migrants died in Africa more than other continents at 919. About 646 migrants died in the Americas while Asia, the Middle East and Europe accounted for the deaths of 291, 105 and 85 irregular migrants respectively.

“It is disturbing that despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, irregular migration and human trafficking continue to thrive resulting in the death of many Africans,” said Tayo Elegbede, Media Officer for The Migrant Project in a press statement.

According to him, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the push factors, risks and dangers of irregular migration across the world.

“Before the pandemic, Africa was prominent for irregular migration due to poverty and social inequality. With economic depression across the world, we are seeing rising numbers in both regular and irregular migration from Nigeria and other African countries.”

“Our advice to potential migrants is to avoid desperation without direction and seek information from verified sources in order not to be victims of irregular migration, human trafficking and migratory fraud.”

Elegbede noted that migration is not a crime if done the right way. He urged state and non-state institutions to advance socio-economic support for the teeming young African population whilst promoting safe and orderly migration.

 

Sergius Oseasochie Ogun Foundation Conducts Mock Examination For Students

By The9jaTrend

The 9th Edition of the Sergius Oseasochie Ogun Foundation (SOOF) mock examination for over two thousand final year secondary school students drawn from both public and private schools in Esan South-East/Esan North-East Local Government Areas of Edo State took place on the 12th December, 2020 at Uromi and  Ubiaja respectively.

The examination which held simultaneously at St. Francis College, Ubiaja and Ogbidi Learning Centre, Uromi was hitch-free and devoid of irregularities. 

The president of the Foundation and member of the green chambers of the National Assembly, Hon. (Barr) Sergius Ogun and his amiable wife, visited both centres to ensure proper supervision and strict adherence to the requisite standards for the conduct of external examination at the post-basic education level. 

Following the successful conduct of the examination, the best 600 (Six Hundred) final year students with the highest scores will receive free enrollment fees from the foundation to enable them put in for the 2020/2021 NECO/SSCE. 

Each beneficiary will be rewarded with N15,000  even as the overall best six candidates will be awarded automatic scholarship to any university of their choice at a later date to be announced by the Foundation.

Thousands of indigent final year students have benefitted from the Foundation's free NECO/SSCE enrollment scheme and undergraduate scholarship scheme over the years.

Speaking to journalists, the Founder of the Foundation Hon. Sergius Ogun promised to spread the Mock Examination to the five local government areas in Esan Central Senatorial District, of Edo State. 

Aguele Holds Emergency Security Meeting with Stakeholders

By The9jaTrend

The Executive Chairman of Esan South East Council, Hon. Peter Aguele has held an emergency security meeting with stakeholders within the local government area at the council's  headquarters, Ubiaja. 

The emergency security meeting which took place at the exco chambers of the council has in attendance all relevant stakeholders, drew from the security agencies and paramilitaries ably led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, vigilantees, Traditional Rulers amongst others. 

The council Boss who was furious with the ugly trend of insecurity in the council area, charged all stakeholders  of the urgent need to overhaul the security architectures within the local government area.

In his words, Hon. Aguele said, "My people have been forcefully evicted from their farms which serves as their only source of livelihood, they have been humiliated and abused, our wives cannot go to the markets outside our towns and villages any more for fear of been taken hostage in exchange  for ransoms by same hoodlums  who have taken over their only source of livelihood, rate of armed robberies has increased, this ugly situation is unacceptable and we cannot fold our arms and watch this happen to our people. 

"Enough is enough, we must immediately strategise here and now, put every needed paraphernalia and necessary mercenaries in place so that sanity can be immediately restored while our people will sleep with their eyes closed. 

"I want to use the occasion to appreciate the High Chief Odigie Oniha led vigilantee group for the gallantry they displayed in apprehending some armed robbers whose been terrorizing the council area and handed  to the Nigeria police for prosecution," he said.

The council boss vowed to put an end to the activities of hoodlums within the council area as he assured everyone present of Governor Godwin Obaseki/Comrade Philip Shaiubu led administration's preparedness towards the protection of lives and properties of citizens which according to the council Boss remains sacrosanct.

Hon. Aguele call on the general public to always volunteer useful informations to the law enforcement agencies and vigilantees noting that even the hoodlums do not live in isolation but among the people with the intention to carry out their nefarious activities, as security should not be left in hands of  law enforcement agencies alone, therefore security for all must be acknowledged as the responsibilities of everyone. 

He further promised to personally lead the joint security patrol team in the local government area as the protection of lives and properties of citizens remains the cardinal objective of his administration and must therefore be accorded every attention it deserves, he thanked everyone present for their magnanimity while everyone present took turns in making their oral contributions  on the way forward.

Your Action Is An Impeachable Offence - BSM Warns President Buhari

By The9jaTrend

Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) worldwide has condemned the recent act of insubordination exhibited by Nigeria President, President Muhammadu Buhari for his inability to honour the summons by members of the National Assembly, particularly the Federal House of Representatives.

BSM, a socio-political group that has special interest in the affairs of the Benin Kingdom and the well-being of the people of the kingdom and Nigerians at large.

The group in a statement issued and  signed by it’s President, Elder Comrade Curtis Eghosa Ugbo said,  "the summon of President Muhammadu Buhari by members of the green chambers of the National Assembly is quite in order and in accordance with the dictates of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which  he swore to uphold at all times and in all circumstances.

“It is worrisome for President Muhammadu Buhari to show open defiance to the summons of the legislators to come and tell Nigerians the steps he has been taking, thus far to address salient issues that threaten our continued existence as a nation."

The BSM President added ”the President came into office through the ballot, the same way as the lawmakers were given the mandate to represent and defend the interest of the people.

"Also quite absurd is the equally defiant posture of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, a man who by virtue of his position should be the person that could always be relied on to give the right interpretation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but who in the present circumstance has chosen to egg on his boss in this game of defiance of the Constitution.

According to him,   ” President Buhari and Abubakar Malami - have shown that they careless about adherence to the terms of the Constitution of country it behove on the lawmakers to commence the process of shoving them out of office in line with the Constitution.

“Buhari’s action is a slap on Nigerians, a constitutional breach that is equivalent to a coup det at against the people,” he concluded.

Sergius Ogun Inspects Roads as Setraco Returns to Site

By The9jaTrend

Hon. Sergius Ogun, a member of the National Assembly representing Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency has embarked on an on-the-spot inspection tour of federal roads in Uromi town, the administrative headquarters of Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The federal legislator who was accompanied by the chairman of Esan North-East Local Government Council, Hon. Augustine Okoibhole, staff of Setraco led by Hazem Najjar, Project Manager, Agbor-Ewu Road and officials of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing visited the Eko-Obaedo stretch of the Old Uromi-Irrua Road axis of the old Illushi road and Angle 90. 

The inspection team were later joined by the rector of the National Institute of Construction Technology and Management (NICTM) Uromi, Prof. Sunny Onohaebi

The reason of the inspection was to undertake assessment of the water erosion-prone sections of the roads  in order to proffer lasting solutions to the seasonal flood which had rendered previous rehabilitation work futile. 

While expressing satisfaction with the quality of remedial work done, Hon

 Serious Ogun appealed to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to fix all the deplorable federal roads in the constituency in order to ameliorate the pains of residents and commuters who have had to bear the blunt of the deplorable roads for many years.

In his response, the head of the officials from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Gyang Pwol assured that the FMWH would work round the clock to ensure that the honourable's concerns on the roads are taken care of and that Setraco would commence rehabilitation work at Angle 90 next week.

Gov. Obaseki Approves Recruitment of 500 Professionals into Civil Service

By The9jaTrend

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the recruitment of 500 professionals into the state’s civil service.

This follows projections by the Edo State Civil Service Commission that nine per cent of the state’s workforce will attain the age of 60 or 35 years in service within the next five years, while three per cent of the total workforce is currently at the directorate cadre.

Obaseki speaking shortly after receiving the 2019 Civil Service Commission Report at the Government House in Benin City reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reposition the civil service for optimal performance, while ensuring the welfare of workers in the state.

The governor noted: “I promised during my inauguration that one of the major assignments I was going to embark on was a total transformation of state’s civil and public service.

“I am not going to spare a kobo to make sure that we accomplish it. I want to solicit your support; the exercise we are going to embark on now is going to be total and comprehensive.

"Within the next twelve months, we are going to undertake a comprehensive restructuring of the civil service. We will no longer promote on the basis of just having been there.”

 "The fact of being in the civil service for a long time does not automatically qualify you for a promotion; your promotion has to be based on merit and performance,” he added.

On her part, Chairman of the Commission, Princess Ekiuwa Inneh, disclosed that a total of 289 civil servants retired from service in 2019, adding that state’s workforce comprises 1,852 males and 1,192 females, giving a total of 3,044 workers.

"Nine per cent of the workforce will attain the age of 60 or 35 years of service within the next five years, while three per cent of the total workforce is at the directorate cadre.

“The governor has therefore approved for the commission to recruit over five hundred professional staff into the state civil service.

“The governor made this promise during his campaign and is determined to transform the state civil service; he has since realised that there are vacancies that need to be filled.

"In 2018, he also gave approval and we recruited well over four hundred personnel into the state civil service. And right now, he has given approval to bring in over five hundred qualified personnel into the state civil service," she added.