2020 Alaghodaro: Obaseki, others pay tribute to late Ghanaian President, Rawlings

By The9jaTrend

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and other guests at the 2020 Alaghodaro Investment Summit, on Friday, observed a minute silence in honour of former Ghanaian President, Jerry John Rawlings, who died yesterday, 12th November, 2020 from suspected COVID-19 complications.

The governor eulogised the late leader, noting that, Rawlings will be greatly missed for his exemplary leadership across Africa.

The Investment Summit tagged, "Making Edo Great Again," is being held at the New Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City.

Present at the event are Chairman, Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Tony Aziegbemi; Chairman 2020 Alaghodaro, Mr. Asue Ighodaro; former Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and the President Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olumide Akpata.

Others are the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Marcus Onobun and the State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Anselm Ojezua, among others.

.              Late Jerry John Rawlings

              Former Ghanian President

According to Ighodaro, “The Edo Alaghodaro Summit will enable the public sector in Edo to engage with private sector leaders, civil society and traditional rulers on the best way in making the state an economic power.

“The summit provides an opportunity to expose the potentialities of our state and the vast resources we have made to the rest of the world.”

“The three previous editions of the summit have produced strong, articulated recommendations to support government in its development agenda. The Alaghodaro summit is now one of the best attended summits in Nigeria because of the impact of its implemented recommendation,” he added.

I'll Transform Uselu Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital to Meet International Standard - Dr. Agbonile

By The9jaTrend

             Dr. Imafidon O. Agbonile

 MD, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital,  

                  Uselu - Benin City

The newly appointed Medical Director of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital,  Uselu- Benin City; Dr. Imafidon O. Agbonile has emphasized his readiness to transform the fortunes of the hospital and bring it at par with its peers to meet international standard.

The  Federal Neuro - Psychiatric Hospital, is a renowned centre for the treatment of the mentally sick people in Benin, Edo State capital. 

Ironically, the newly appointed Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Agbonile's appointment took effect on the same day the country celebrated her 60th Independence.

Dr. Agbonile, a staff member of the hospital in the past 20 years, gave the assurance during his chat with The9jaTrend in his office in Benin City, Edo State. 

Agonile who said there are several challenges confronting The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital declared that challenges will be surmounted with the right attitude to work and staff motivation. 

"There were indeed huge obstacles on the path to recovery, but I was quick to note that the identified obstacles are surmountable with the  right attitude and work ethics.

"I intend to reinvigorate staff motivation so as to bring out the best in them as well as innovate with latest technology in the medical field. My primary concerns is to expand the frontiers of psychiatry research, training and management in the country.

"My management style would not antagonise the hospital staff but would rather seek for more effective techniques to bring out the best in them while repositioning the hospital for better health service delivery," he assured.

B.M.S. Congratulates Obaseki/Shaibu on second Tenure Inauguration

By The9jaTrend

A worldwide social-political group known as Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) has congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu on their second term inauguration in office.

In a congratulatory message signed, made available to newsmen, the BSM President,  Elder Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, stated that Governor Godwin Obaseki would be remembered by posterity for good as he “freed the people of the state from the stranglehold of forefathers who hitherto fed fat on our common patrimony.

“As the historic process of your swearing-in take centre stage in the state, based on your string of achievements in your first four years tenure,  we have no doubt that the good people of Edo State are in safe hands.

“Some of your milestone achievements that have served as template for assessing good governance include EdoBEST, EdoSTAR, rehabilitation of roads, construction of an ultra modern court building, rehabilitation of the state secretariat and the construction of the ultra-modern Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

“We are looking forward to another four years of bumper achievements coupled with growth in human development and endearing and open style of governance.

“From the foregoing it has never been in doubt that you’re a real technocrat that God and the ancestors bestowed on Edolites in this season of global economic meltdown occasioned by worldwide Covid-19 pandemic.

“Posterity will remember you for good most especially as you freed the people of the state from the stranglehold of forefathers who hitherto fed fat on our common patrimony," the statement concluded.

Court Adjourns Case of Kidnapping, Murder Against Chief Atseleghe, 11 Others to 18th, 19th Nov., 2020

By The9jaTrend

.     Chief Johnson Atseleghe on White

             Emerging from the Court 

A Benin High Court has adjourned a case between Edo State Government and Chief Johnson Atseleghe and 11 others on conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Sunny Etchie, the Okhaigele of Kolokolo Community to 18th and 19th November, 2020.

The case which came up in criminal Court 4, today, the 11th day of November, 2020 had one of the accused persons, Chief  Johnson Atseleghe present.

Atseleghe is the Iyatsere of Warri and leader of Itsekiri in oil-rich Ologbo Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

The 1st defendant, Chief  Johnson Atseleghe and 7 Others are being arraigned on a count charge bothering on conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Sunny Etchie, the Okhaigele of Kolokolo community.

The 7 other defendants are, Felicia Otikpere, female - 55; Oluwa Esimije - 38; Monday Iluwa - 58; Ayokotse Robinson - 54; Nosa Omoregie - 54; Mofe Samuel - 40; Magnanimous Omawumi - 40; Ayuwa More - 65, Amerete Ejiro - 25, Onyeburutan Jeffrey - 25 and Benjamin Erewa - 39.

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.

The presiding Judge, Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele adjourned the case to 18th and 19th respectively.

Speaking to newsmen after the sitting, Barrister Mathew Edaghese who led the applicants’ legal team said the judge has to adjourn the case due to the absent of some of the accused persons. 

According to Barr. Edaghese, "production warrant was issued to the prison authority to produce the other 7 accused persons in Correctional Centres so that the trial can commend in earnest, fortunately, the prison authority could not produce them, though, they promise to produce the accused persons in the next adjournment date.

 "On that bases, the court has to adjourn to 18th and 19th of November 2020 respectively for the first 7 defendants, while the 8th defendant, chief Johnson Atseleghe will be heard.

"The adjourned dates is for bail applications, while the State will also file their responses. The 19th of November is for the mail case to be taken through plea," he said.

Hold Shell Company Accountable for Human Rights Violations in Niger-Delta, ERA/FoEN Urges United Nations

... As (ERA/FoEN) Marks 25th Years After Ken Saro-Wiwa was Murder alongside 8 Others

By The9jaTrend

The  Environmental   Rights   Action/Friends   of   the   Earth   Nigeria   (ERA/FoEN) has urged the United Nations to hold Shell Oil Company, Nigeria Government and other Multinational Companies Accountable for Human Rights Violations in the Niger-Delta region as  their exploitations of oil is increasing extensive pollution   of   the   air,   water,   sediment   and   soil   in   local communities, exposed humans and other life forms to severe risks thereby resulting infrequent deaths.

In a statement issued and signed by Dr Godwin Uyi Ojo, Executive Director, ERA/FoEN stated that in marking a quarter-century since the death of the Ogoni Nine, the  Niger-Delta environment still groans under  the severe weight  of  environmental  despoliation  and  poverty remains widespread with little or no change on the welfare and livelihoods of the people.

Dr. Uyi Ojo recall that in 2011, the United Nation Environment Programme documented the devastating long term impact of the oil industry in Nigeria’s Ogoniland, setting the urgent recommendations for   a  clean-up,   and   emergency   relief   measures   that   was   sidelined.   

He added that,  "the systematic failure of oil companies and the Nigerian government to clean up has left hundreds of thousands of Ogoni people facing serious health risks, struggling to access safe drinking water and unable to earn a decent living.

ERA/FoEN  Executive Director, also call on the United Nations to ensure access to justice and remedy that is currently a major  challenge  in developing  countries   in   their   attempt   to   bring   multinational companies to justice.

He emphasised, "Shell must account for its human rights violations in Ogoniland and the entire Niger-Delta and ensure proper clean up of the pollution in their areas of operations. 

"For the Nigerian state, the Hydrocarbon Remediation Project (HYPREP) slow pace of clean up is unacceptable and require improved capacity and restructuring to properly clean up Ogoniland. 

"Nigeria should key into the unprecedented momentum for leaving the fossil fuel age behind ushence the need to embrace decentralized energy democracy model that allows people driven off-grid and mini-grid solar systems for energy access for all.

"A post-petroleum economy devoid of environmental degradation and destruction of lives and property is expedient.  

"For the Ogonis, it is time for sober reflections. It is time for forgiveness, healing and unity among the Ogonis especially all the martyrs of the environmental justice struggle. Surely, the collective will of the people shall never be broken.

"The commemoration has once again provided the opportunity to highlight the ecological disaster and human rights violations that the entire Niger-Delta is still facing even after 25 years have passed since Ken Saro-Wiwa was executed, along with 8 other Ogoni leaders for standing up to Shell’s operations in Nigeria," he opined.

Obaseki Presents N153.4bn 2021 Budget Proposal to Edo State Assembly

... education, health, infrastructure get lion share 

… prioritises capacity building, hiring professionals into civil service to boost efficiency

By The9jaTrend

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has presented a N153.4 billion budget proposal to the Edo State House of Assembly, for the 2021 fiscal year, representing a 9.7 percent increase from the revised 2020 budget.

Obaseki, who presented the budget to the Assembly sitting at the old Legislative Chambers in Government House, Benin City, said the budget comprises N94.8 billion for recurrent and N58.6 billion for capital expenditure.

The governor said the document christened ‘Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) Budget,’ is exclusively pinned on robustly responding to the dislocations caused by the coronavirus pandemic, whilst building a workforce of the future.

He noted that the N94.8 billion recurrent expenditure estimate for 2021 fiscal year represents a 24 percent growth from the N76.6 billion actual expected in the 2020 fiscal year.

According to Governor Obaseki, “The main driver of this growth is increase in allocation for salary payment and pension contributions to cater for new hires occasioned by the ongoing civil service transformation project.

"The impact areas for 2021 fiscal year include education, which will gulp N20.8 billion; human capital and civil service reforms, N6.1 billion; pension and gratuities, N12.8 billion; contribution to the State Health Insurance Scheme, N1 billion; health sector, N10.3 billion and physical, urban and regional planning, which will gulp N9 billion.

Other critical sectors, according to the Mr. Obaseki include roads and transport infrastructure, which will receive N14.8 billion; economic growth and employment enablers, N7.6 billion, while administration gets N8.7 billion.

He said the N153 billion receipt expected in 2021 fiscal year would accrue from FGN/FAAC, N71 billion; Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), N36 billion; Grants, N9.8 billion; Loans 15.3 billion; Capital Development Fund Receipts, 13.8 billion, while the state will have an opening balance of N7.5 billion in the fiscal year.

He opined: “With the collaboration of this Honourable house, we have designed a unique instrument through which the state government can attract private sector funding targeted at key development projects. This was done in a manner that does not place a heavy burden on the state government’s balance sheet. Our combined efforts have thus led to our ability to syndicate N25 billion of private sector funding, of which N13.8 billion will crystalise in FY2021.”

While emphasising that the budget would address challenges in critical sectors of the economy, the governor added that the 2021 budget is primed at strengthening the state’s healthcare system across board, sustaining gains in the education and social sectors, providing needed stimulus to drive food security, supporting the weak and vulnerable in the society and actively engaging the youths.

“It is pertinent to note that these targeted investments are on the state’s most valued resources – its people. As a government, we strongly believe that to truly build and sustain a vibrant and productive state, we must first boast of a thriving, capable population, particularly the youths, buffeted by the right systems to sustain their existence and livelihoods,” he added.

On the achievements in the outgoing year, Obaseki said, “We recorded improvement in the agricultural sector with the incursion of new investors to the state, in furtherance of our vision to make agriculture the mainstay of our economy.

“With the very transparent land management system emplaced with the operations of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), a lot more investors are taking advantage of our rich and fertile land to do business, growing investment in commercial farming.

“I am pleased to inform you that the Edo Oil Palm Initiative in which we partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken off with the allocation of over 40,000 hectares of land for cultivation to six firms.

Noting that the state has made tremendous progress in its industrialisation drive, Obaseki said the state’s industrialisation policy is targeted at opening up the space for investment to facilitate big-ticket projects to site in the state so as to create wealth for the people and diversify the state’s economic base.

He noted that the commissioning of CCETC-Ossiomo Power Plant will be the catalyst for the state’s industrialisation, as the project would make ready and reliable electricity available for manufacturers, adding, “We are on course on the Benin River Port and Edo Enterprise Park projects, as the Edo Production Centre shows us signs of things to come. At the centre, which enjoys 24-hour electricity, we have seen the explosion of the Edo enterprising spirit.”

“The Edo Modular Refinery was the cynosure of all eyes this year as our partners on the project made immense progress and are on course to commission the plant, which would play a significant role in recalibrating the state’s economy.

“This project offers us a chance to be a leader in building modular refineries with the fabrication yard at the facility, we would also benefit from the increased economic activity in the state’s oil and gas scene, leading to more tax and growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he noted.

Reviewing the education sector in the outgoing year, the governor said, “because we were forced to shut down schools for an extended period, the government had to devise innovative ways to engage children and ensured that they continued to learn while at home.”

According to him, “Owing to the reforms, which we had commenced through the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) programme, we were able to transition to e-learning using the EdoBEST@Home platform.

“Working with our partners and telecoms companies and utilising our EdoBEST technology platform, virtual classrooms were created and teachers were able to teach children while they were at home. This our response through the EdoBEST@home initiative has been applauded globally and it has earned Edo State an award as one of the 5 top education accelerator countries in Africa, in the league of Egypt, Rwanda, Mozambique and Sierra Leone.  

“At the secondary education level, we are utilizing the learnings and experience gained from EdoBEST to restructure and revamp our senior secondary schools.

“Training of teachers is the key to educational reforms. I am pleased to inform you that the National Council of Colleges of Education (NCCE) has given approval for the establishment of the Edo State College of Education, with three campuses in Abudu, Igueben and Afuze, catering for the three senatorial districts of the state.”

Receiving the 2021 budget proposal, Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, commended Governor Obaseki for prioritizing the welfare of Edo people, assuring him of the support of the House in his quest to make Edo great again.

Giving a vote of thanks after the budget presentation, Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Henry Okhuarobo, said the governor has shown himself to be a focused leader by presenting the budget only a few weeks after his re-election.

He said: “You have shown to our generation, particularly Edo youths that you are a dependable leader. We hope and pray that in the nearest future, your name will be remembered like other great Edo leaders like Samuel Ogbemudia and Ambrose Alli.”

Benin Agog As Super Eagles Arrive Ahead Of Friday AFCON Qualifier.

  …as residents hail Obaseki’s Sports Reform

By The9jaTrend

The ancient city of Benin, Edo State capital, was electrified on Monday night when Super Eagles players arrived in the ancient city, ahead of their 2021 AFCON qualifier match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.

The crew led by Super Eagles Chief Coach, Gernot Rohr, also inspected the newly reconstructed Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue for the match billed for Friday, November 13th in Benin City.

The city also ecstatic over the return of sporting activities, as elated residents watched the players inspect the newly revamped stadium by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government.

Some others were seen buying customised Nigerian flags and jerseys, special balloons bearing the national colours, vuvuzela, whistles and other musical equipment to cheer their team to victory on the match day.

Some residents, who spoke to The9jaTrend  commended the Governor Obaseki-led administration for reconstructing the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium which is now connected to 24/7 electricity supply from the CCETC-Ossiomo Power Plant.

A resident said the hosting right for the competitive match was made possible because of the new look of the stadium and upgrade of all facilities including the installation of a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.

Ewohimi Agog As Imansuagbon Fete His Constituents

By The9jaTrend

.          Barr. Kenneth Imansuagbon

              Edo State PDP Chieftain

As the day come closer to the Inauguration of Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Phillip Shaibu for another 4 years in office, Barr. Kenneth Imansuagbon, a PDP chieftain has reassured of massive development in Esan South East  Local Government Area of Edo State in the next four years of Governor Godwin Obaseki as he, (Obaseki), would fulfill his campaign promises to them.

"The Rice Man" as he is fondly called for his philanthropist disposition gave the assurance at his home town Ewohimi, in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo state, when he hosted hundreds of party’s supporters.

Also, Imansuagbon, said it was in appreciation and to thank  the people  for voting massively for Obaseki and his deputy in the September 19th, Governorship Election in the State.

The occasion was attended by Wards One to Four members of the party who were lavishly treated with local and national sumptuous dishes and assortment of drinks by Imansuagbon who urged the people to continue to support the governor efforts in moving the state forward.

The former PDP governorship aspirant and great politician also appealed to youths of the community to shown any act of violence and confrontation against men of the Nigerian Police Force even as he also called on the police to be civil and adhere strictly to their professional calling.

He said: “ I am here with leaders of this local government especially from Wards One to Four to say thanks for casting your vote for Obaseki again to power. I told the governor I was coming and he equally asked me to thank the people on his behalf. All glory to God for the PDP victory at the poll."

“You can see all the excitement around the faces of our people. We are here to say to Ewohimi people that never again will they be a confrontation between the police and the youth. Ewohimi is a peaceful society, I have called on the youths never to fight the police; the police must be given their honor, respect and dignity they deserve.”

“And to the police, don’t abuse the right of the people, to whom much is given much is expected, don’t be trigger happy, together with the police we can build a strong and virile police and society, we have made a declaration that police is our friend," He advised.

Edo State NOA Organises Seminar on FOI, Others Social Vices

By The9jaTrend

The National Orientation. Agency (NOA), Edo State Directorate has organised  one-day roundtable discussion on "Understanding the Freedom of Information Act and Curbing the Increasing Wave of Rape and Gender Violence, Advocacy Sensitization on Government Policy of Deregulation in the Downstream Sector, National Action Against Drug Abuse, Tracking and other social vices.

The seminar which was held at the Benin office of NOA was in line with its sensitisation objective to communicate Government policies to the good people of Edo state.

In her welcome address, the  Edo State Director of the  Agency, Mrs. Grace Ewere Eseka, said the event was organised to discuss and engaged the people on issues bordering on healthy living amongst the people and the enhancement of economic growth in the country.

She said: "This is yet another event, the first of its kind.  In our sensitisation campaign on communicating the effects of social vices in the society, the National Orientations Agency (NOA) in its quest to continuously inform the general public and other relevant stakeholders organised this event to discuss and meaningfully engaged our people on issues that are germane to healthy living amongst the people and enhancement of Economic Growth in Nigeria.

Mrs. Eseka described the workshop as apt especially as she opined that social vices are prevalent in the national discourse, hence, "the need to talk about them, publicize them and proffer solutions to these vices cannot be overemphasized.

"We hear of these vices and their consequences in our country in general and State in particular, bringing in its wake untold hardship to the people. This is avoidable, we must work to ensure that tragedies such as rape, gender violence, drug abuse, do not happen in our domains", she urged.

Speaking on the topic, "Curbing the Increase Wave of Rape and Gender Violence", the Edo State Coordinator of  Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Team (SGBV-RT), Barr (Mrs.) Charity Chris-Ebosele, said the state government through the office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice has continued to canvass for the tackling of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

She underscored the importance of creating mass awareness in all spheres of life in order to ensure that elements that encouraged SGBV are curtailed.

"It is with this mindset to the pace in combating SGVB that the Edo State Ministry of Justice, under the leadership of Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, being one of the front burners in canvasing for access to Justice and impacting the government and the people for the betterment of the state saw the need to strategize on various ways to aid the successful tackling of this menac called Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

Mrs. Ebosele revealed that SGBV-RT which was established in January, 2019 has a team consist of all relevant stakeholders from different Ministries, Agencies and CSOs, adding that, " the SGBV-RT is committed towards improving the  coordination and cooperation of social support, healthcare, legal and  enforcement  professionals in responding to SGBV in Edo State."

While noting that SGBV-RT has secured Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Benin City and Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state, Barr (Mrs) Chris-Ebosele disclosed that SARC is aimed addressing some of the support gaps by providing essential services to victims of sexual assault.

Delivering his lecture on the topic "Understanding the freedom of information act", Dr. Gavin Daudu, said, " The fundamental basis for the enactment of FOI Act in 2011 was to make public records and information freely available to the people.

"Access to Information held by public authorities is a fundamental ingredient to freedom of expression as enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution as amended is vital to the proper functioning of democracy.

" A culture of secrecy has become enshrined in Nigerian Government and members of the public, that the media are also denied access to official information which is the media entitlement democratically.

"The breakdown in the flow of information impairs the democratic process and slows economic and social development as citizens are unable to participate actively in the process of government, make informed choices about who should govern them and to properly scrutinize officials to ensure corruption is avoided or brought to minimal

"The media must be seen as an integral part of the freedom of information and also as a system of social control whereby the relationship between individuals, institutions and government are effectively mediated.

"It is  therefore not in the best interest of freedom of information if the government consistently harass the media in their sincere ques to bring the policies, programmes of government and happenings in the society to the knowledge of the general public", he said.

Other resource persons who spoke at the event include, Deputy Director, Social Duties and Local Operation of NOA, Barr. Osahon Woghiren, the Principal Staff Officer, Public Affairs of NDLEA Mr. Ofoyeju Mitchell, Edo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Roland Osakue, who also acted as moderator of the event and Dr. Olaye Liberty

Be Mindful When Policing Nigeria, BSM Urges IGP

By The9jaTrend

Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) Worldwide, a socio-cultural group has charged on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu to "be mindful of the things he does as it regards policing Nigeria."

BSM also add its voice to some of the issues that were campaigned about by Nigeria youths in recently #ENDSARS Protesters all around the world.

In a press statement issued and signed by BSM President, Elder Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, said, "it is not reasonable for the acclaimed number one crime burster in the country to be continually engaged in irrelevancies to the detriment of the security of the lives and property of Nigerians.

"The Nigeria police force face the hydra headed issues of lack of proper training; unavailability of modern security gadgets; poor remuneration; dingy accommodation; unavailability of standard operational vehicles coupled with low morale among several issues. 

"Instead of profferring solutions to all these and more the IGP is rather contented with issues of low importance to the security apparatus. These unnecessary diversions no doubt have been the reasons for the upsurge in crime and criminality around the country."

The BSM President also stated, "the IGP can not continue to give promotion of ranks to his officers and men who are resident in a DIRTY ENVIRONMENT."

Elder Ugbo further stated, "We also wholeheartedly support the recent clamour for a total overhaul and reformation of the police in line with what is obtainable elsewhere. We cannot get it right if our resolve is not to grow our security apparatus to the desirable standard."

On the huge amount of money that goes into the sustenance of the day to day running of the National Assembly, States Houses of Assembly and other political offices, Elder Ugbo said, "the system of government being presently practiced in the country is far too expensive in comparison to some other democratic systems.

"A situation where lawmakers both at the national and state assembly are living in opulence to the detriment of the people whom they claim to be representing is uncalled for and must be stopped immediately.

"To address this anomaly, we want a purpose driven agitation hinged on loyalty and dedication to the work at hand. Then the huge sums that are been allotted to the lawmakers should be slashed and the money that is recovered from this huge bills incurred on the lawmakers should be of good use to accommodate other developmental projects that will surely make the difference as Nigeria moves forward."

Another suggestion that the BSM is pushing forth is that "henceforth lawmaking business in the country should be on part time basis so that the lawmakers can go into lines of business that will fetch them streams of income to supplement whatever that is made available to them by the government as a token for their political engagements."

Going further, the Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) said: "On the issue of former governors, deputy governors and the likes enjoying life pension while hibernating in the senate where they are enjoying jumbo salaries the federal government under the anti-corruption sloganeering President Muhammadu Buhari should do a thorough assessment of the issue which is a total waste of resources, anti-people and evil in the sight of God.

"Necessary adjustments should be made in this regard in line with the current reality of global economic meltdown," he opined.