EDO 2020: Obaseki’s Ward-to-Ward Campaign Train Hits Edo Central

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo State Governor and candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, kicked off his ward-to-ward reelection campaign in Edo Central Senatorial District, with a visit to the traditional rulers of Illushi and Ifeku Communities Island, His Royal Highnesses, Sunny Eye and Anuka Peter respectively, to seek for their royal blessings ahead of the September 19 gubernatorial election in the state.

The governor, who was accompanied by his deputy and running mate, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and members of the Edo PDP campaign team, assured the people of Illushi and Ifeku communities that his administration will address the security challenge facing the people of the area.

Obaseki said the people of Ward 9, which is made up of Illushi and Ifeku communities are dear to his heart as his administration is concerned about the security challenge facing the area and determined to resolve it.

“I want to secure the lives and property of the people here. My administration has decided to build a Marine Police Post to secure the area. We have also purchased gun boats which will be given to the police to secure the people.

“We have noticed that there are no internal roads and the area is ravaged by erosion; we will address the issues. We will also improve agriculture in the area and empower the youths.

“The Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme is reforming the educational system; Illushi and Ifeku communities will also benefit from the programme. We will ensure that youths of this area have the right skills to be independent and contribute efficiently to the state’s development.

“We have a lot to do for our people here; we care for our people. Before we leave office, we would develop a 30-year development plan for the area which will serve as a guide for successive governments.”

INEC Presents Register of Voters To Political Parties

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented copies of register of voters for Edo gubernatorial election to representative of political parties that are participating in the September 19 election. 

Before presentation, the National Commissioner supervising Edo, Bayelsa and Rivers states, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu said the presentation is in accordance with the relevant section of the Electoral Act that mandated the Commission to publish the register thirty days before any election, noting the Edo election will conducted with strict adherence to Covid 19 Regulations of the NCDC.

Mrs. Mbu disclosed that a total number of Two Million Five Hundred and Thirty Four Thousand people are expected to vote according to the register with 50 per cent of the number being youths.  She therefore advised political parties to submit names of their Agents to the Commission latest first of September.

Paul Anyaeze, Deputy Director Voters Registry who enlightened the politicians on new innovations put in place by the Commission said, they are using the 2019 Register for the Edo Election since the Covid 19 took its toll on the usual activities of the Commission.

Security operatives such the DSS, Army and the Police were represented at the occasion.

EDO 2020: Obaseki's Achievements Worthy of Continuity - Tenebe

By DADA AYOKHAI 

A prominent Edo North PDP stalwart, Hon Henry Duke Tenebe, believes the good deeds and achievements of the incumbent governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, strongly recommends him  as a worthy candidate who deserves a second term to enable him continue his good works for Edo people.

Hon Tenebe gave the advice during the PDP ward -to -ward rally that took place in Ayogwiri  Etsako West council area.

 According to Tenebe who likened the superlative performance of the Obaseki administration to a student who excelled in his exams and brought pride and honour to the parents, noted their continued  support for the Obaseki/Shuaibu ticket will help the duo consolidate the gains already made in the areas of deliverables to the people.

He went on to list the ongoing reforms in the education sector, prompt payment of the salaries and emoluments of civil servants, clearance of the backlog of pension arrears, expansion of the state's road network and so on.

The PDP in ward 12 expectedly banks on Hon Tenebe's popularity and clout to swing the ward votes in favour of Gov Obaseki in the September 19th guber poll.

Hon Tenebe is, however, expected to draw support from his Ikabigbo kinsmen who did not only attended the ward rally in their numbers, but also took some pragmatic steps to mobilise others, including encouraging those of the opposition to defect to the PDP.

Highpoint of the rally was the presence of the wife of the deputy governor of the state, Mrs Mariam Shuaibu. Also a PDP member of the ward, her active participation in the ward rally is politically significant in the sense that her charisma will boost the PDP's acceptance among the  women and youths in the locality.

EDO 2020: Obaseki Will Record Massive Votes in Owan Zone - Omololu

By Simeon OSAJIE

A leader of Owan West Local Government Area and Member of the Edo State Publicity Committee of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Omololu Ojehomon, has assured Edo State Governor and the PDP candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, Mr. Godwin Obaseki total support from the good people of Owan West local government area.

In an interview with journalists in Benin City, Omololu Ojehomon said, "I will tell you that, Governor Godwin Obaseki has brought in  humanness to his administration. This is what has drawn my attention to him. I and many others are grateful that he removed the politics from his administration and focused on developing the state. 

"Aside from the Era of Samuel Ogbemudia and Ambrose Alli, his work impacts the lives of the grassroot making it possible to earn a living and sustain. He provides them with primary healthcare in their localities which is affordable and will save many lives in the process. He increased our agricultural output, created professional jobs and skilled opportunities for the youth. Trained our teachers to improve educational delivery, brought schools up to standard and gave the children an environment that encourages learning.

"I’m sure you’re also aware that the civil service and judiciary are on a complete revamp and overhaul. This is what Government is all about, creating an enabling environment so that business can strive.

"I have seen for myself what he is doing across the State. The people have a sense of belonging in what the Governor Obaseki led administration is doing.

"There are large projects such as the Ossiomo and Azura Power Plants, the Edo Modular refinery for which the Governor must complete this vision. We look forward to the construction of Ikpoba River dam, completion of the Emotan Garden Estate and so many others which he must see to fruition.

"Governor Godwin Obaseki is the man that has started this industrial revolution and must be allowed to conclude to a great degree in this next term. These are projects of continuity that will grow the state. Our debt has been greatly reduced and workers and pensioners are paid as at when due.

"I believe, we will see a reflection of this at the polls. The people are behind the Governor and we will do the needful to see him come back", she concluded.

EDO 2020: APC is Mass Producing PVC Ahead of Gubernatorial Election - PDP Alleges

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo State Chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that it's major rival in the forthcoming gubernatorial election is currently mass-producing the Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) which they intend to use for the election".

Briefing Journalists In Benin City, the State Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, said "the PDP has uncovered and formally reported to relevant authorities the various plans by the APC to compromise the forthcoming election through the duplication and mass-production of the Permernent Voter Cards (PVC) which they intended to give to their agents and thugs to vote with".

Nehikhare said "the PDP looks forward to seeing these security agencies act to the effect of arresting individuals involved in this act capable of affecting the true wish of the people".

On the ongoing campaign, the PDP SPS said "our ward to ward campaign strategy is yielding positive responses as only four wards of the entire Edo North is left to be covered".  

According to him, "the Governor Obaseki's ward to ward campaign has rattled the APC to the extent that they are left with no other option than to create tension in the polity".

Nehikhare said "the Edo People's Democratic Party (PDP) campaign train headed by Governor Godwin Obaseki will on Monday move to Edo Central, the traditional home of the PDP where the governor will reassure his people of Esan land of continued government patronage in infrastructure, health, job creation among others."

EDO 2020: APC is Mass Producing PVC Ahead of Gubernatorial Election - PDP Alleges

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo State Chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that it's major rival in the forthcoming gubernatorial election is currently mass-producing the Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) which they intend to use for the election".

Briefing Journalists In Benin City, the State Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, said "the PDP has uncovered and formally reported to relevant authorities the various plans by the APC to compromise the forthcoming election through the duplication and mass-production of the Permernent Voter Cards (PVC) which they intended to give to their agents and thugs to vote with".

Nehikhare said "the PDP looks forward to seeing these security agencies act to the effect of arresting individuals involved in this act capable of affecting the true wish of the people".

On the ongoing campaign, the PDP SPS said "our ward to ward campaign strategy is yielding positive responses as only four wards of the entire Edo North is left to be covered".  

According to him, "the Governor Obaseki's ward to ward campaign has rattled the APC to the extent that they are left with no other option than to create tension in the polity".

Nehikhare said "the Edo People's Democratic Party (PDP) campaign train headed by Governor Godwin Obaseki will on Monday move to Edo Central, the traditional home of the PDP where the governor will reassure his people of Esan land of continued government patronage in infrastructure, health, job creation among others."

Oba Ewuare II Congratulates Barr. Akpata

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Oba of Benin Kingdom, Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Ewuare II has congratulated the new elected President, Nigerian Bar Association, Barr. Olumide Akpata.

In a Press Release issued and signed by the Benin Traditional Council Secretary, Frank Irabor stated that it is great joy that the news was received in the palace of the Oba of Benin.  

Irabor said, "On behalf of His Majesty, Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Ewuare II Oba of Benin, the Benin Traditional Council wishes to congratulate Barr. Olumide Akpata on this great occasion of his emergence as incoming President of Nigerian Bar Association.

"Barr. Olumide Akpata, His Royal Majesty's prayer is that God Almighty and the great ancestors guide and grant you wisdom to pilot the affairs of Nigerian Bar Association", the statement concluded. 

Hon. Sergius Ogun Foundation Presents Free NECO SSCE Enrolment Fee To Constituents

By Simeon OSAJIE

It was all joy for students from Esan North-East and Esan South-East local government areas as Sergius Oseasochie Ogun Foundation (SOOF) held the presentation ceremony of the 8th edition of her annual free NECO/SSCE enrollment and undergraduate scholarship scheme under strict compliance with the Covid-19 regulations. 

During the colourful ceremony which held at Ogbidi Learning Centre SoUromi and Community Primary School Ubiaja respectively, 600 final year secondary school students received free NECO/SSCE enrollment fees from the foundation with each beneficiary walking away with N15,000. Similarly, 13 university undergraduates received scholarship grants with each scholar pocketing N100,000.

The President of the Foundation and incumbent member representing Esan South-East/Esan North-East Federal Constituency Rt. Hon. (Barr) Sergius Ogun  got a pleasant gift of a portrait from a young graduate who was enlisted into the foundation's undergraduate scholarship scheme in 2013 and received the annual scholarship grant of N100,000 throughout the duration of his studies.

The ceremony was attended by the Enijie of Uromi, Uzea, Ugboha, Ubiaja, Ewatto, Ewohimi, Ohordua, Oria, Iyenlen, Emu and Orowa just as Senator (Elder) Odion Ugbesia, Hon. Giwa Agbonmerele, Bishop Anthony Okosun amongst others honoured the ceremony with their presence. The dignitaries took turns to present the enrollment fees and scholarship grants to the beneficiaries

EDO 2020: Edo PDP Storm Jattu

...holds mother of all Ward's rally  in Shuaibu's territory

By Dada AYOKHAI

The PDP ward- to- ward team berthed in ward 11, Jattu, the home base of the deputy governor, in a show of strength and to sensitise as well as mobilise the electorates ahead of the guber poll.

The compound of the popular Azama Primary School, Jattu, where the campaign team made its first stop, brimmed with party supporters and members, occupying every inch of the available space. was filled to capacity. 

The crowd spilled into the ever busy Auchi- Jattu road, with the security details on hand having a hectic time controlling both human and vehicular traffic.

 Owing to the massive turnout and the corresponding traffic congestion that had ensued, Gov Obaseki, Hon Shuaibu, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, a former deputy governor of the state and other party big wigs  were forced to mount the open roof campaign vehicles to acknowledge cheers from the excited crowd as well as dance to the melodious music on display

 Jattu is the most populated of the four wards that makes up Uzairue clan. Jattu Ward 11 where the deputy governor hails usually  determines the final outcome of any election in the area.

An interesting aspect of the September 19th election is that it will be the first in the political career of the state deputy governor that he will be seeking for an elective office without the looming image of Comrade Oshiomole, his estranged political godfather

 All eyes is on the multi election winning Jattu politician to see how he will cope in his new status. Hon Shuaibu  had previously served two terms as a member of the Edo state House of Assembly  before moving to the House of Representatives, from where he was picked to pair with Gov Obaseki for the 2016 governorship election.

Hon Shuaibu is seems determined to sweep the votes in his political backyard and prove that he has learned a bit of political tricks from some of the best in the land, including the late maverick politician, Arthur Nzeribe, who postulated that for any politician to be relevant, he must be able to control his backyard.

EDO 2020: Odibiado of Sobe endorses Obaseki, Honours Him with Chieftaincy Title

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Odibiado of Sobe, His Royal Highness Anthony Ero Aleburu 1, has endorsed the People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for the September 19, 2020 governorship election on the back of successes recorded by the administration across all sectors of the state.

The monarch also conferred the Aideloje of Sobe (You do not change the king) chieftaincy title on Governor Obaseki, noting: “You are already a king and no one can change the king.”

Receiving the governor and the PDP campaign team in his palace in Sobe, Owan-West Local Government Area of Edo State, the traditional ruler applauded the governor for ensuring his people benefited from the developmental strides of his administration.

The Odibiado of Sobe who prayed for the victory of Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu in the September 19, 2020 guber poll, said he has mobilised his people, both far and near, to cast their vote for Obaseki, noting that the governor has touched the lives of the Sobe people, ensuring that they enjoyed peace, unity and development.

Chief Barr. Dan Udugbezi, the Palace Adviser, who read the speech on behalf of the Odibiado of Sobe noted: “We want to assure you of our unalloyed support in the September 19 Governorship Election. In the 2016 election, we massively voted for you under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Now that you are contesting on the platform of the PDP, we have all moved with you to the PDP and we are ready to vote massively for you and your deputy because of the wonderful works your administration has accomplished in education, healthcare, job creation, infrastructural development and sports, among others.”

On his part, Governor Obaseki noted: “I have awarded the contract for the rehabilitation of the Sobe-Sabongidda-Ora road. We have gone into agreement to acquire farm lands along that road for the cultivation of cassava under a special programme with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The road is an economic road that must be constructed and by dry season, bulldozers will commence work.

"The Sobe Farm Settlement is a pride to us. Farmers have started cultivating; we have provided them with seeds, fertilizers and other extension services; we have also made arrangements to buy their products to enable them expand and bring development.

"We have built Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in your locality to improve the healthcare service and I will assign doctors to you soon. We will also improve the education system but we rely on you to help us protect it.

"Security is another issue we are focusing on, particularly the invasion of farm lands and homes by herdsmen. We will do our best to see how to strengthen our vigilante groups to secure our farms, homes and border towns.”