Ezekiel Isesele Was an Easy Going Fellow - Osakue

By The9jaTrend

The chairman of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Sir Roland Osakue  has expressed shock over the sudden death of its member, Mr. Ezekiel Isesele, who until  his demise last Saturday, 27 March was the Edo State Bureau Chief of Champion Newspapers.

Speaking during NUJ condolence visit to the family of late Ezekiel Isesele, Comrade Osakue said the union has lost an easy going member who was always making members to laugh it out whenever he is around the Press Centre premises.

"When l drove into NUJ compound, the news was going round and l have no option than to organize members and quickly rushed down to Itua Hospital along Agho Street all to meet Ezekiel lifeless on the bed. Very painful death for a man who was around on Thursday, the next thing we heard, was Ezekiel is no more. May his soul rest in peace," he said.

Sir Osakue encouraged the wife to take solace in the fact that Ezekiel is resting in the bosom of God Almighty.

"Please feel free to reach the leadership of Edo NUJ whenever the burial arrangement is announced" he pleaded with the Uncle.

Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Solomon Isesele appreciated the leadership of  NUJ for the condolences visit and admonished members to continue the character they exhibited at the hospital.

"What l saw that faithful day at the Itua hospital was a demonstration of love. I felt so bad for our junior brother demise, we never expected the sad news. 

"Whenever we are together, he always mention his cordial relationship with Osakue, Alenkhe, Ebalu, Isibor, Secretary and many others. We have started making the necessary arrangements for his burial.

"We already have the mind to come down to NUJ to know the role the council will play during the burial. When the burial arrangement is out, we will not hesitate to communicate to you  NUJ members," he emphasized.

Rescue Nigeria From Bandits - LP Urges President Buhari

By The9jaTrend

Labour Party of Nigeria (LP) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to rescue Nigeria from bandits.

The party made the call as part of the resolutions it adopted at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Monday, March 29th 2021 at Bishop Kelly Pastoral Center, Airport Road , in Benin City.

While reviewing the insecurity in the country which manifests itself in the form of Boko Haram insurgency, kidnappings, murder, farmers and herders clashes and some other similar crimes and criminalities, Labour Party urged the government to employ modern technology and change its strategies by evolving a new approached to fight crimes.

"The government must employ modern technology and change its strategies by evolving a new approach to fight crimes.

“Government must strive to avoid a situation where it will be perceived as taking side with criminal elements overtly or covertly."

Speaking on the reform in the electoral process, the LP called among others for “an amendment that will legitimise the use of technology in the electoral system to wit; voters are electronically accredited which will confirm, authenticate and verify a voter; polling unit election results are published and electronically transmitted to INEC website and other platforms and made accessible to members of the public; empower INEC with the power to adopt electronic voting and electronic collation and transmission of election results.” 

On the issue of incessant hike in the prices of petrol and petroleum products, the party  noted that the current policy of allowing market forces, the international price of crude oil to determine the price of petrol and petroleum products should be jettisoned since it is making life more difficult for Nigerians.

Highlight of the meeting was the election of Barr. Julius Abure as the National Chairman party while Alhaji Ibrahim Farouk was elected as the National Secretary.

Your Action is Commendable, But Constitute State Executive Council - EDUOW Urges Obaseki

By The9jaTrend

The Edo Dynasty United Organization Worldwide (EDUOW) has commended the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for the impartial action recently  taken with the demolition  of some illegally acquired properties in Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Benin City  even when he was one of the beneficiaries of the properties given as parting gift to loyalist by the past government of Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomole.

President and Founder of the organization, Comrade Brown Ehigie Osemwengie  gave the commendation in a telephone chat with  The9jaTrend.

Comrade Brown Ehigie Osemwengie

                 President and Founder 

       Edo Dynasty United Organization                              Worldwide (EDUOW)

According to Comrade Osemwengie, "I want to commend the governor of Edo State Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his impartial action recently in the state in which he revoked the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of some land illegally given out as parting gift to loyalists on the eve of Adams Oshiomole handing over to Mr. Godwin Obaseki. His action is highly commendable and applaudable considering the fact that he also revoked the plot of land allotted to him by the immediate past government of Oshiomhole", he applauded.

"The governor's action speaks volume of his dedication to the goodwill and future of the state and will serve as deterant to future  leaders of the state to desist from the act of using state properties to compensate political loyalists. You cannot give what you don't have. State properties should only be used for the benefit of the citizens and not the other way round", he added.

Going further,  Comrade Brown Osemwengie  call on Governor Obaseki to constitute the State Executive Council without delay.

I also want to used this medium to call on the Governor to constitute the executive arm of Edo State government without delay considering that he was sworn in for a second tenure over three months ago. This is a worrisome development considering the massive trust and support the entire state conferred on the governor during the last election in the state. The fact that he is yet to appoint commissioners and other key government officials is a bane in the state development and a cause for rhetorics both among his supporters and those in opposition who are looking for ways to discredit his leadership style.

"As a listening government, we are confident that he will harken to our prayers and compose the executive council without much delay. As partners in progress of Edo State, we are duty bound to support and advice the governor when necessary and we do this with all sinecerity of purpose and passion" he emphasized.

Edo Dynasty United Worldwide is a conglomerate of Edo People all over the world with the aim of building a greater and prosperous state for the benefit of all. Some of it's projects include: the Covid 19 awareness campaign, Edo street lighting campaign and the Easter reach out to orphanage homes and the less privileged. More pro people projects are in the pipeline.

Gbajamiala Deserves Applaud, But Wase Must Apologize - EDUOW Founder

By The9jaTrend

Edo Dynasty United Organization Worldwide (EDUOW) has appreciated the honourable speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for standing side by side with Nigerians home and abroad on equal representation by rejecting the discrimination from the deputy speaker, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase but called for his resignation as honourable member.

The Diaspora Association of the Nigeria people in America's petition is against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, seeking the expeditious return all the internal displayed team people across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States, their ancestral land.

Hon. Wase who presided over the sitting while the speaker was away refused to entertain hearing of the petition brought to the House by Hon. Mark Terseer Gbillah member from Benue State.  

President and Founder of the Organisation, Comrade Brown Ehigie Osemwengie said, Speaker Gbajamiala deserves commendation for his maturity while asking Hon. Mark Terseer Gbillah member from Benue State to represent the petition.

      Comrade Brown Ehigie Osemwengie

                 President and Founder 

       Edo Dynasty United Organization                              Worldwide (EDUOW)

Representing the petition before the House, Hon. Mark Terseer Gbillah member from Benue State said, "Speaker, the petition from the mutual union of the team in America, the Diaspora Association of the Nigeria people in America. 

"The petition is against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, seeking the expeditious return all the internal displayed team people across Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States, their ancestral land. They are seeking that the people who constitute indigenous team people in certain part of this country should be given the opportunity to be relocated back to their ancestral land, that the Federal Government should make provisions for their rehabilitation and resettlement and other prayers they have listed here.

"Mr. Speaker, with the candid of this House, I will like to lay the petition before this Honourable House," he concluded.

In his response,  the Honourable speaker of the Nigeria Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajamiala opined, “this has drawn so much attention in the last week. Let me just say that it has being a lot of misunderstanding in that petition. The said petition was signed by the petitioners, so I believed.

“The House of Representatives does not discriminate Nigerians wherever they may be, whatever part of the world they may be, they remain Nigerians, I think the misunderstanding came from the issue of signatures, and I must say that also, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Wase has been one of the champion for Diaspora voting and he was also involved in the creation of the Diaspora Committee in this House some years back. So, I think having clear that misunderstanding, Hon. Wase should please go ahead and lay your petition. It will be given and proper due attention."

Comrade Brown Ehigie Osemwengie appeal to Speaker Femi Gbajamiala to treat the petition with fairness and justice should be serve.

"Mr. Speaker, we appeal to you to use your good offices by ensuring that the petition is treated with fairness and justice should be serve. 

"The petition has generated a lot of attention and Nigerian Diaspora are paying close attention to it. The deputy speaker Ahmed Idris Wase who demonstrated unpatriotic behaviour to Nigerians must apologise or resign his position. We are all Nigerians and should not be discriminated against," he opined.

Three Prominent Esan Sons Bags Various Degree Of Awards

By The9jaTrend

       Dr. Ehizokhalw presenting Award to            Representative of Chief Leemon Ikpea

Three eminent Esan indigenes who has distinguished themselves in the spirit of determination, hard work and humility and also took these virtues to new heights were honoured at the Special Edition of Esan Magazine Anniversary/Award ceremony to commemorate the 36 Years of existence of the Magazine. The ceremony took place on 25th March, 2021 at the Conference Hall of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council. 

The awardees were  Deacon (Dr.) Vincent Agenmonmen, the Odalo of Uromi Kingdom and Chairman, Freedom Group of Company, Chief (Dr.) Lemon Ikpea, the Adolor of Ewatto and CEO Lee Group of Companies and Chief Engr. Patrick Anegbe, the Ehizogie of Uromi and CEO, Intercontinental Distiller Limited.

     Sir. Roland Osakue presenting Award

                to one of the Recipient

In his welcome address, the publisher of Esan Magazine, Mr. Peter Iwelomen said,  "It is true that Esanland is suffused with an incredible plethora of illustrious men and women who can hold their own anywhere in the world. 

"That is the land that produced giants like Chief Anthony Enahoro, Prof.  Ambrose Alli, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, Chief Tony Anenih, Chief Tom Ikhimi to name just a few.

"We in Esan Magazine believe that men and women deserving of honour should be honoured in their lifetime, for we consider posthumous awards as apologetic and belated.

"The men we have requested to stand out for honour today are not the only men deserving of honour in our land but we are happy that they are setting the pace for others to follow in the following years," he concluded.

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council, Sir Roland Osakue and Dr. Ehizokhale were among those that presented the award to the recipients.

The Award of Excellence was presented to Deacon Chief (Dr.) Vincent Agenmomen as the Philanthropist/Role Model and Great Soldier of Christ 2021, Award of Excellence was presented to Chief (Dr.) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea as the Human Capital Builder, Giant Player in the Old Industry and Great Contributor to the Economy 2021while Award of Excellence was presented to Chief (Engr) Patrick Inegbenigie Anegbe as the Great Philanthropist, Major Employer of Labour and Supporter of Educational Development 2021.

The Man of the Year 2021 Award was presented to Chief (Engr) Patrick Inegbenihie Anegbe as the Outstanding MD/CEO of the Year, Man of the Award Award goes to Deacon Esebanmen Agenmonmen as the Distinguished Icon of all Time 2021 while Man of the Year Award was presented to Chief (Dr.) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea as the Most Innovative Business Personality of the Year 2021.

Evbovbioba Community Land Dispute: An Attempt to Distort Facts, says Osamede

By The9jaTrend

.                  Chief Osamede Adun 

          The Aiyobahan of Benin Kingdom

The Aiyobahan of Benin Kingdom, Chief Osamede Adun popularly known as 'Bob Izua' has described the allegation against him by some members  of Evbovbioba Community indigenes in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State over plots of land in their community as a calculated attempt to distort facts of the true owner of the said land. 

Chief Adun debunked this allegation in a chat with newsmen in Benin City.

The Aiyobahan of Benin Kingdom who was bitter about the allegation said, "I don’t have right to go to any community to drag for land that does not belong to me.  

"I bought the said land from one Dr. Omofuoma, he gave me all the documents as regard to my purchase of the land, I surveyed the land by myself after the purchase in 1977. All the papers related to my purchased of the land is in my possession. 

"When I bought the land from Dr. Omofuoma, he took me to the Odionwere then 'Odusaye', I met the Odionwere who told me that Dr. Omofuoma is the owner of the land. When I wanted to survey the land, the present Enogie now came out and said I can’t survey the land. I told him that his father sold the land to Dr. Omofuoma who in turn sold the land to me. Dr. Omofuoma.

"This resulted to some arguments that led to the destruction of my car in 1988.  In the same 1988, the agreement for settlement made is here with me. 

"Since the said agreement we reached, I have being planting and harvesting my crops there, nobody has challenged me over the ownership of the said land, Dr. Omofuoma even erected building inside the land before I bought the land from him."

Going further, Chief Adun said, "I have a palm tree factory in the land, when you visit the land, you will see for yourself. Almost 36 years back, I have being doing business there, my cow and other crops are there for Investigation. This same people claiming ownership of the land went to remove about 30 of my cows in the night, tied my Fulani taken care of my cows down and went with my cows.

"I did't bother to make any trouble with anybody, I just decided to let go, but I reported the matter to the police as at that time.

"I was surprised about six months ago, information came to me  that some persons are erecting building inside my land, that they are also erecting fence around the building, I went there.  Thank God my elder brother who went with me to purchase  the land from Dr. Omofuoma is here with me. 

"I am surprised that their children are coming to lay claim of the land.  Even the Enogie requested for assistance from me; that he has no car to go around the community. Because of whom l am, l decided to buy him Benz 90. The Benz was purchase through Odokor.

"I am surprised that the Enogie:s son came and start laying ownership of the land. The said Enogie is alive, despite he cannot see but he can hear whatever question put before him. 

"The Enogie son came and said he want to take a portion of the land I bought from his father, and I stood my ground that,  that will not be possible.

"I did not fight anybody, neither did I injured anybody, they just went to forged that allegation against me,” he concluded.

When asked about some of the old men in the community denying knowing him, he  said, “I don’t want to know them, I went to their committee when they invited me and tendered my documents to buttress my ownership of the land; they were surprised to see the land documents from my hand, the agreement with his father, the former Enogie and the present Enogie who sold the land to Dr. Omofuoma. They requested to have the paper which l refused to hand over to them,  l said to them,  “Go to your father’s records to check if I am lying against you. If you are able to lay your hand on the documents, bring it out then we  compel. 

“One of the men said we measured the land, and after the measurement, they said there was where my land stopped, I told them, no way, if you can go through the survey, from the Government Reserved to the River end belong to me.

If l am not the owner of the land, why will I have people working for me in the land, they are still there as we speak, how come they never asked for the ownership of the land. The land is mine, I bought it from the right source.

“I thank God they said they accompanied me to measured the land.  If truly I don’t have land there, will they accompany me to measure the land. This is the question that need an answer.

Case of Conspiracy, Kidnapping, Murder Against Atselege and 7 Others Adjourns to 21st April, 2021

By Simeon OSAJIE

Case of The State Versus Chief Johnson Atselege, the Iyasere of Warri and

7 Others in the alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaoghele of Kolokolo Community in Ologbo Dukedom, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State  has been reserved for ruling to 21st of April, 2021.

When the matter came up today, 24th March, 2021 before His Lordship, Justice Mary Ituseli for hearing, Counsel to the 1st Defendant Edosa Imadugbelo brought a Motion for Preliminary Objection seeking to squash the suit against the 1st Defendant.

Counsels to 2nd to 7th Defendants aligned with the 1st Defendant's counsel to squash the  said suit.

After much argument between The State Counsel and 1st - 8th Defendants, the presiding judge, Justice Mary Ituseli therefore asked the 1st Defendant's counsel to start afresh by representing the said motion which they have argued before the former presiding judge. Hon. Justice Ovbiagele and was reserved for ruling  by the said former presiding judge before he was transferred to Uromi/Ubiaja Judiciary Division.

The new presiding judge, Justice Mary Ituseli, took the motion and adjourned the case to 21st of April 2021 for ruling.

Speaking to newsmen after the sitting, Counsel to the family of late Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaoghele of Kolokolo Community, said the judge has taken the motion and she has reserved the ruling till the 21st of April, 2021.

Case Against Austin Olokor, Oluwa Esimijie Adjourns For Ruling

By The9jaTrend

Justice M. Itsueli, the Presiding Judge of Criminal Court 4, Sapele Road, Benin City, has reserved ruling the case of murder and conspiracy to murder of Genesis Orji and Okuoimoise Omorodion against Austin Olokor and Oluwa Esimijie to Wednesday, April 28th, 2021.

While adjourning the case to April 28, 2021, Justice M. itsueli ordered the police to investigate the case further by interrogating Oluwa Esimijie to determine his innocence or  involvement in the crime committed.

Speaking with reporters at the end of the court sitting counsel to the deceased  family, Barrister Emmanuel Idahosa said the fresh angle to the investigation had to be taken to ensure that justice is well served.

"In the case of Austin Olokor against the state, originally, there were two suspects in the charge sheet and one of them was in prison custody at the time trial investigation was going on. 

But the learned State Counsel has withdrawn from one of the defendants (Oluwa Esimijie) today, that the police have to obtain his statement so that they can bring him properly before the court. 

"A new charge has been filed against Austin Olokor and plea has been taken in that regard. When Esimijie's statement has been taken, then he can be brought back to join Austin Olokor in the prosecution of both of them.

"Their case has been adjourned to Wednesday,  April 28th, 2021, for hearing. Plea has been taken and the hearing will commence in earnest."

Austin Olokor and Oluwa Esimijie are standing trial for the alleged murder of Genesis Orji and Okuoimoise Omorodion.

Assassination Attempt On Gov. Ortom: BSM Spit Fire

By The9jaTrend

Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) worldwide has warned that if anything should happened to the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, the Movement will not spare the kith and kin of the perpetrators in Southern part of the country. 

The group in a statement reacting to the death attempt on the governor described as shocking and sad that a governor could be so marked down for elimination for standing up against killer terrorists group operating the state. 

President of BSM, Comrade Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, said Nigerians are solidly behind the Benue State governor from the self-acclaimed  Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM). 

“A few days ago, the airwaves was awash with the sad news that Fulani herdsmen almost killed the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom in an ambush on his way from his farmland.

“Shocking as the sad news was, the immediate response of one Umar Amir Shehu, who identified himself as a spokesperson for the self-acclaimed Fulani Nationality Movement(FUNAM), was even more shocking. 

“In his response the said Shehu admitted that the Fulanis actually carried out the attack against Ortom because he dare them. His use of language is to say the least very offensive and amounts to sedition. 

“In a decent society, where the rule of law is supreme, Shehu would not have the audacity to openly made such an offensive statement. And if he was bold enough to do such an unthinkable thing he would have since been arrested and kept under lock and keys.

“If such an offensive and seditious statement had been made by anybody from the southern part of the country military men would have been posted by the government to bomb and kill anybody in sight in the area. A country where cows are more valued than humans.

“Let the rascals who claimed credit for the attack on Governor Ortom know that the rest of us (Nigerians) are solidly behind him and that if anything should happen to him their kith and kins in our part of the country will not be lucky to tell the story of what happened to them.

“They should know that they do not have monopoly of sophisticated weapons or violence. They should also be reminded that they are not the manufacturers of those sophisticated weapons they brandish about nor are they the best snipers around."

We Have Equal Rights to Contribute, Participate in Nigeria's Affairs - EDUOW Emphasizes

By The9jaTrend

Edo Dynasty United Organization Worldwide (EDUOW) has emphasized that Nigerian Diaspora will not let go in fighting its right place in the administration of the Nigeria government, we have equal right to contribute and participate in the political affairs of our dear country as regard to their remittances to the government IGR every year.

The statement recently credited to the deputy speaker of the Nigeria Federal House of Representative, Ahmed Idris Wase who refused to entertain hearing of petition from Nigerian Diaspora brought to the House by Hon. Mark Terseer Gbillah from Benue State was disrupted by Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase in the introductory part while seeking for the House approval for further action on the presentation. 

     Comrade Brown Ehigie Osemwengie

                 President and Founder 

       Edo Dynasty United Organization                              Worldwide (EDUOW)

President and Founder of the Organisation, Comrade Brown Ehigie Osemwengie  who condemned  the act called on Nigerians  across the globe to rise up, hold their ground and say NO to Ahmed Idris Was dictatorship knowing fully well that Nigerian Diaspora who are equal stakeholders in the affairs/development of the country should not accept to silent and disrespect in such a manner by one frivolous Ahmed Idris Wase. 

"I want to use this opportunity to once again communicate to Nigerian Diaspora that, we, the Edo Dynasty United Organization World Wide are not going to allow the issue to be swept under the carpet. 

"In as much as we do not reside in Nigeria does not make us less Nigerians. We contribute to the Nigeria economy and the development.

"It is Nigerian Diaspora's money that is keeping Nigeria alive at the moment while Nigerian politicians are stealing all the money for their selfish gain.

"Going by available statistics in our disposal, Nigerian Diaspora's remittances to Nigeria in 2017 was $22 billion, 2018 - $25 billion while in 2019, 2020, Nigerians in Diaspora remittances was $17 billion and $96 billion respectively. 

The question to Ahmed Wase would be what is the total annul budget of Nigeria in those years? Perhaps he should answer in major newspapers, let’s see how credible he is. 

"We must rise up and make sure we protect this struggle for the betterment of Nigerians.

"We also want to make it clear that we Nigerian Diaspora have equal right to contribute and participate in the political affairs of our dear country, because any decision taken is going to affect all Nigerians within and outside the offshore of the country.

It would be recall that while the Speaker of the Nigeria Federal of Representatives was away, the deputy speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase who presided over the sitting vehemently refused to entertain hearing of petition from Nigerian Diaspora who are equal stakeholders in the affairs of the country.

While the green chamber was in session, Hon. Mark Terseer Gbillah from Benue State who was presenting a petition at the floor of the House was disrupted by Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase in the introductory part while seeking for the House approval for further action on the presentation.

The Deputy Speaker who severally interrupted  Hon. Gbillah did not allow for details of the petition on the  ground that Nigerians living abroad has no locus standi to interfere or contribute to the workings of the nation back home.

All effort by Hon. Gbillah to press on with the presentation was frustrated by the  deputy speaker who insisted that the matter cannot be entertained because it did not come from homeland.

Hon. Gbillah however pointed out that the House has a standing Committee on Diaspora affairs who ought to be allowed to look into the matter at the committee stage but the deputy speaker insisted that the purpose for such committee was to oversee issues affecting Nigerians living abroad and not for them to interfere on issues happening at home. 

This is unacceptable and Nigerian Diaspora must not stand for it. It was a deliberate attempt by Ahmed Idris Wase to intimidate Nigerian Daspora due to their selfish evil intentions.

Call Chief Adun To Order, Evbovbioba Community Appeals Relevant Authorities

By The9jaTrend

Evbovbioba Community indigenes in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State has called on His Excellency the executive governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, His Royal Majesty, Oba Eware II, Oba of Benin and concern authorities to save them from what they described as oppression from the hand of Chief Osamede Adun, the Aiyobahan of Benin Kingdom, popularly known as 'Bob-Izua' over plots of land in their community.

Elders of the community stated this during enlarge gathering on Sunday, 21st March, 2021 at the town hall meeting, alleged that, "Chief Adun now goes around harassing the people with thugs and arresting of some elder by security personnel. Oba of Benin kingdom please come and rescue us from the hand Bob Izua."

Comrade Matthew Iyoha, former Youth Chairman of the community appealed to Oba Ewuare II to call Chief Osemede Adun to order as the community is not ready to allow him take possession of their land.

"Chief Osemede Adun just want to stressed us, he took us all including the elders in the community, as old as they are from the beginning of the alleged land he claimed belong to him from  where he said the land started from, we took his paper, we started to count until it get to where his paper exhausted, that was where we peg, he then told us that the other paper where kept in his house that he was going back to bring the paper for verification. Till date, we are still waiting for him to present the paper he promised.

"So, such person is coming to our community to make us homeless, as old as our elders are, we will not accept that from him, our elders are no longer in our community. 

"We want to appeal to the relevant authorities including His Royal Majesty, our great Oba, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin Kingdom to come to our aids," he said.

According to Prince Kester Izevbokun, "There was a strange call to me that, Bob Izua came with thugs to the community and beat up some elders and also hand over them to the police, as am talking now we are currently hiding ourselves in the neighboring villages all for safety and we are calling on relevant authority to come to our aids."

Also collaborating Prince Izevbokun was Ede Ogbeide.  "Bob Izua is claiming half of the community land, from the major road to the river side, from the beginning of the community to the end point. As for me I don't no who Bob Izua is," he claimed.

Reacting to telephone interview by The9Trend, Chief Osamede Adun said "I don't want to say anything now, l travelled out of Benin. When l back l will call you."

Tenebe Appreciates Appeal Court Judgement

...says he have been vindicated

By The9Trend

A foremost PDP Leader in Edo North Senatorial District, Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe, said the recent Court of Appeal judgement in Abuja which dismissed the  Certificate Forgery against His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo State has vindicated his earlier statement that the forgery case was a deception.

According to Tenebe through a press statement said, "he had always known  that the forgery case was a deception, insisting the Edo State chapter of the APC simply latched on to it as a last resort, having realised that the Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki was the People's  choice and destined to win the  September 19, 2020 Edo State Governor Election."

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja  struck out the certificate forgery case instituted against the governor by the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In so doing, the Court of Appeal relied heavily on an earlier judgement of a Federal High Court which had dismissed the case for lack of merit and also awarded costs against the APC.

Recall Hon. Tenebe had immediately after the Abuja High Court pronouncement advised the opposition party, APC  to desist from chasing shadows and accept that they were clearly defeated  in the September 19, 2020 governorship election. 

He said; "Even a non legal mind can see the hollowness and shallowness in the opposition party's pursuit. He was convinced that the case lacked merit and that only a drowning NGO  party like the APC would embark on such an impossible mission."

Hon. Tenebe,  seriously frowned at the "artificial" hurdles the APC wants to create, stressing the Governor Obaseki is focused and cannot be distracted in his mission to move  Edo State forward.

            Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe

He added, however, that he is also aware of APCs desperation in shopping for a favourable court order and advised them to stop forthwith, stating that they should turn their attention towards the next election rather than dissipate their energy on endless litigations that bring nothing but ill wind  and acrimony.

While congratulating the Governor and his deputy for a well deserved victory at the Appeal Court, Hon. Tenebe praised the judiciary for upholding the tenets of truth, justice and equity, and also admonished it to remain as the last bastion of hope for the masses.

AGUELE CONGRATULATES OBASEKI ON VICTORY AT THE APPEAL COURT

By Simeon OSAJIE

The immediate past Executive Chairman of Esan South-East Local Government council, Hon. Peter Iziogie Aguele has congratulated His Excellency, Governor Godwin Noghaghese Obaseki over his victory at the Appeal Court yesterday Thursday 18th. March 2021.

Speaking to Newsmen at his private residence in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) of  Benin City after the Appeal Court verdict, Hon. Aguele described the landmark judgement by the Appeal court affirming the earlier judgement by the Abuja High Court in favour of the Executive Governor as victory not only for the people's Governor but for  democracy and the good people of Edo state who gave their overwhelming support on the 19th 2020 gubernatorial election.

                   Hon. Peter Aguele

            Immediate Past Chairman

                Esan South-East LGC.

Hon. Peter Aguele salutes the gallantry of the Governor Godwin Obaseki as a pacesetter describing him as an Apostle of the rule of law, noting that generations yet unborn will leave to benefit from the sagacity of Governor Obaseki  while posterity will forever vindicate him as a colossus who has planted an indelible footprints in the sands of time.

Hon. Aguele prayed for continues wisdom and the Grace of God for the Governor in the discharge of his duties towards Making Edo State Great Again ( MEGA).

Osunde Congratulates Obaseki On Appeal Court Victory

By The9jaTrend

One of the topmost aspirant for the Chairmanship position of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council of Edo State,

Comrade Massydon Osaigbovo Osunde has congratulated His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State on his landmark victory at the Court of Appeal, Abuja on Thursday, 18th March, 2021.

Comrade Massydon Osunde, Edo State Bureau Chief of Galaxy Television said: "Your Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki's victory at the Court of Appeal, Abuja on Thursday 18th March, 2021 is divine intervention  from. Almighty God couple with his developmental strives in Edo State.

"With your string of achievements in laying a solid foundation for a new Edo State you have shown the good people of the state that you are a promise keeper.

"Needless to say that every step Your Excellency make is guided by the Almighty God such that your name will be written in gold wherever the history of the state is been mentioned.

"Your spirit of doing things in accordance with the laid down rules governing the country (the Constitution) is a sign of your belief in constitutionality."

Going forward, Osunde said: "Sir, you have all it takes to take the giant leap of aspiring for higher political office in the land and when the time comes and you look sideways be assured that I will be counted as one of those standing by you."

Trial of Chief Atselege and 11 Others: Case Adjourns to 24th March, 2021

By Simeon OSAJIE

Hearing  in the case of the State Versus Chief Johnson Atselege and 11 Others in the alleged murder of Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaoghele of Kolokolo Community in Ologbo Dukedom, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State  has been adjourned to 24th of March, 2021.

The case was adjourned because of Edo State Settlement Week for the Multi-Door Court across the State as pronounced by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Esther Edigin.

Speaking to newsmen after taken the adjournment date from the clerk of Criminal Court 4, Sapele Road, Benin City, head of the legal team to Sunny Etchie's family Barr. Matthew Edaghese, said the week is set aside for the Settlement Week for the Multidoor Court   in Edo State.

"This week is set aside for the Settlement Week for the Multi-Door Court across Edo State by the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Esther Edigin, so it is an exercise that is involving lawyers and the judiciary in the state. By Nature of this development, the court could not sit today, 18th day of March, 2021 and the case has consequently be adjourned to the 24th day of March, 2021 for further hearing. Hopefully, at the next adjournment date, we expect the court to sit and hearing shall continue in earnest."

When asked why the multiple adjournment of cases in Nigeria judicial system, Barr. Edaghese said, "The Settlement Week is part of the judicial process, (the Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR), it is furtherance to the Enhancement of Justice disposition in a seemless manner. It is not a clause on the will progress, it is a facilitating addition to the process."

The Defendants' offence contravened Sections 516, 327 and 316 (1) punishable under Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code Act , Cap C38, Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Section 2 (2) punishable under Section 3 of the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2013 of Edo State.

It would be recalled that, the lead suspects to the Murder  of the Okhaighele of Kolokolo Community, Ologbo Dukedom in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. Mr. Sunny Etchie identified as  Mr. Oritsemisan Kaka was said to have been on the run since June last year when the victim was killed and buried was arrested by men of the Edo State Police Anti-kidnapping and cyber crime unit in attempt to kidnapped someone at the Kolokolo Community recent.

He appeared at the State High Court, Criminal Court 1 presided over by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba on Tuesday, 16th day of March, 2021.

Eleven persons are currently standing trial over the murder case including the Iyasere of Warri, Chief Johnson Atseleghe.

 

           

Edo Police Arrests Lead Suspect To The Murder Of Sunny Etchie Of Kolokolo Community

By Simeon OSAJIE

.                Mr. Oritsemisan Kaka

                Lead Murder Suspect of

Late Sunny Etchie of Kolokolo Community 

The lead  suspects to the Murder  of the Okhaighele of Kolokolo Community, Ologbo Dukedom in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. Mr. Sunny Etchie on Tuesday. 16th day of March, 2021 appeared at the State High Court, Criminal Court 1 presided over by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba 

The suspect identified as  Mr. Oritsemisan Kaka was said to have been on the run since June last year when the victim was killed and buried.

                    

The presiding judge, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the State High Court had risen before the arrival of the prosecuting counsel.

The suspect Oritsemisan Kaka who was arrested by men of anti-kignapping and cyber crime unit of Edo State Police was present in the court.

Armed personnel was strategically located to prevent any escape.

The lawyers proceeded to the inner chambers where they took dates of adjournment of other pending cases which were not held.

In an interview with newsmen after the sitting,, counsel  to Sunny Etchie family, Barr.  Mathew Edeghase said they were in the court on an order to remand the suspect in correctional facilities pending the proper arraignment of the suspect. 

                    

According to DPP advise which earlier ordered the police to arrest the suspect Mr. Oritsemisan Kaka for his alleged enormous role in the death of the Okhaighele of kolokolo community Mr. Sunny Etchie who was kidnapped on the 7th of June 2020 killed, buried and his body later exhumed and dumped in to the river.

Nine persons are currently standing trial over the murder case including the Iyasere of Warri, Chief Johnson Atseleghe.

The case was adjourned to 13th of April 2021.

Establish Centre of Excellence For Ogoni Clean Up Process - ERA/FoEN Urges New HYPREP Governing Council

By Simeon OSAJIE

Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has advised the newly inaugurated Governing Council and Board of Trustees for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to urgently established Center of Excellence for the Ogoni Clean Up Process.

According to (ERA/FoEN), the demand become very important in view of the recent decision of the federal government to listening to genuine voices of the people and groups monitoring the cleanup process.

In a Press Statement by Barr. Mike Karikpo, Porgrammes Director, ERA/FoEN welcomes the announcement that the Federal Executive Council has approved over N6 billion to ensure the provision of clean portable water for Ogoni communities. This was one of the emergency measures recommended in the UNEP Ogoni Environmental Assessment report that we expected HYPREP to pursue aggressively at the launch of the project but which it regrettably refused to do despite ERA/FoEN’s consistent advocacy about the lasting impact this would have on other aspects of the project. 

"ERA/FoEN welcomes this decision of the federal government to listen to genuine voices of our people and groups monitoring the cleanup process. ERA/FoEN hopes that sufficient consultation was carried out before the new governing council and board of trustee members were appointed. 

"However, ERA expects that these members have the capacity and expertise to oversee a complex and multifaceted undertaking like the Ogoni cleanup process. The new board and the governing council should avoid any potential conflict of interests in the award of clean up contracts and procurement process that has been a major issue bisecting the clean up process."

According to Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), “the federal government environmental legacy project in the last four years has been a story of misplaced priorities, politicized clean up, personal interest of board members overriding the interest of delivering a world class cleanup process and the critical need to save the lives of our people affected by environmental devastation. The slow pace of the clean-up and faulty procurement process are key areas that the present crop of managers should urgently address.” 

Going further, Dr. Ojo stated that the new managers should also “ensure that the major pillar of the clean-up process which is the establishment of the Centre of Excellence to provide capacity building for HYPREP staff and the Ogonis, and document lessons learnt for the replication of the clean-up in the entire polluted Niger Delta is restored.” Recall that the establishment of the Centre of Excellence was sidelined in the past four years thereby shortchanging the Ogonis of the opportunity to build capacity and skills of the youths. 

"ERA/FoEN is concerned that the goodwill of the people and a lot of time has already been lost by HYPREP. Clear milestones, workplans and key performance indicators have not been delivered by the agency, leaving their operations lacking transparency and accountability.

"ERA/FoEN calls on the federal government to ensure that the problems that bedeviled the agency in the last four years with the award of contracts for cleanup to unqualified companies, political hangers on and members of both the governing council and board of trustees of HYPREP does not reoccur.  

"ERA/FoEN calls on the Federal ministry of environment and HYPREP to make the contractual terms and costs for the over N6 billion water projects public so that local communities, civic groups and even the international community can monitor and evaluate the success of this very important and people-oriented aspect of the project adequately.  

Godwin Uyi Ojo calls for a more inconclusive and participatory project design and implementation process to ward against the short comings experienced in the last four years. 

"It is critical that there is community and civil society participation in drawing up a short-term and long-term Workplans, Key Performance Indicators and milestones for the next five years of the project. Any progress from the clean-up should be seen in the scope and quality of environmental remediation and recovery, improvement in the fishing and farming occupations and livelihoods of the Ogonis.

"ERA/FoEN calls on the federal government to urgently appoint a substantive Coordinator for HYPREP and immediately replace Prof Phillip Shokolo, the Shell nominee at the HYPREP coordination office who presently acts as interim coordinator in the absence of a substantive coordinator. “Shell is a major culprit in the ecocide that the Ogoni environment and society is experiencing. It is inconceivable that a Shell nominated staff that was part of the Shell operations responsible for the pollution of Ogoniland is presiding over HYPREP activities and the clean-up and remediation process,” added Dr. Ojo

Recall that the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria had surmised from majority of Ogonis and reports of its team of monitors around the project areas that HYPREP was not working with optimal capacity. The agency had almost completely derailed from the goals and objectives set out in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Ogoni environmental Assessment report of 2011 leading to unnecessary delays and poor remediation work due to some unqualified contractors. 

ERA/FoEN and its partners, Milieudefensie/Friends of the Earth Netherlands, Amnesty International and community groups in its groundbreaking report titled: “No Cleanup, No Justice”, issued in 2020 called for the complete overhaul of the HYPREP structure because of the lack of synergy between the operations of HYPREP and the UNEP report recommendations on the one hand as well as the needs of local communities in Ogoni on the other. 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, March 12, 2021 inaugurated a 13-member Governing Council and a 10-member Board of Trustees of the Ogoni Trust Fund on Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

The Minister of Environment, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, is the Chairman of the governing council while Mr Michael Nwileaghi is the Chairman of the board of trustees.

We've Accomplished Our Major Task Of Bringing PDP Back To Power, Says Dr. Aiziegbemi

By Simeon OSAJIE

Dr. Tony Aiziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said his executive major tasked after emerging victorious during last year Edo State Delegates Congress was to bring PDP back Osadebey Avenue which the executive has fulfilled.

Dr Aziegbemi, who made the remark while briefing newsmen in Benin City to mark one year anniversary of his led executive, however called on the national leadership of the party to zone  its presidential ticket to the South-South geo-political zone of the country.

While emphasizing that the party has eminent men and women from across the six zones of the country that can lead the party  to victory, he noted that the South-South zone was short changed when President Goodluck Jonathan was stopped from being elected for  a second term.

"Zoning of the presidential ticket to South-South zone would at least right the wrong that was inflicted on the zone.

"As 2023 approaches, I humbly submit that our party have eminent men and women from across the six zones of the country that can lead us to victory. Our zone south-south I believe was short changed when president Jonathan was stopped from getting a second term. 

"With that in mind, and with the quality of leaders from the zone, We demand that our party, PDP, must zone the Presidency to the south-south to at least right the wrong that was inflicted. 

"Our Zone, South-South is the most “PDPcentric” zone in the country with all the states being governed by PDP and all the Governors performing excellently well. We wish to place on record that we are very proud of all our Governors in the zone. 

"It is the most “Nigerianized” and contributes immensely to the federation purse. We have the buccaneering spirit, gritty resolve, give and take, a conviction that everyone is entitled to the same dignity, courtesy, and esteem.

"These values of integrity, impartiality and merit have proved timeless and are a decisive legacy of our founding fathers", he said.

Aziegbemi, who titled his first year anniversary speech"Resetting Edo" explained that the executive had in the past one year  been able to achieve its campaign promises to the party.

He reeled out some of the achievements to include returning the party to Edo State Government House having good eleven years in opposition, make the party secretariat functional, empowerment of party members.

He also listed the campaign promises to be achieved within the first four years of the executive to include building a permanent secretariat in Benin city.

Earlier, the Executive members of the Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) gathered at the Maria Goretti Catholic Church. Dumez Road, Benin City to appreciate Almighty God for its achievements in the last one year. 

The Mass which was presided over by the Parish Priest of Church, Rev. Fr. I. G. Palmer was attended by the who is who in Edo politics including the Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, National Vice Chairman South-South of the Party, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, Senator (Elder) Odion Ugbesia, party faithfuls and many more too numerous to mention.