Tag: Godwin Obaseki

How We Spent N25bn To Pay Pensioners Since 2016 – Edo Govt

A file photo of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

 

The Edo State government says it has spent N25,047,472,632.77 for the payment of monthly pension of 13,081 pensioners from November 2016 to May 2020.

According to the Mid-Year Report of the Edo State Pension Bureau, the government has also expended over N4.3 billion in clearing the backlog of outstanding pension arrears owed about 3,128 pensioners in the state.

A breakdown of the figure shows that the government spent a total of N771,714,393.01 between November and December 2016 for the payment of pensions; expended N5,371,283,211.09 in 2017; while N6,452,535,649.08 and N7,936,681,957.45 were spent in 2018 and 2019 for the same purpose.

“For 2020, the government spent N735,069,623.04; N736,780,760.18; N759,731,334.31; N760,620,948.61; N759,695,333.23 and N763,359,423.02 in January, February, March, April, May and June respectively,” the report stated.

It explained that with the setting aside of N200 million monthly, the Godwin Obaseki administration was able to defray arrears of pensions dating back to 1996 to December 2018.

The government, the Bureau noted, divided the pensioners into batches 37 to 65 and ensured that the backlog was cleared after physical and documentary verifications.

Following the payment of outstanding pension arrears, it revealed that the government would consider harmonisation of pensions and payment of death benefits and gratuity in the weeks ahead.

The Bureau disclosed that an efficient management process has been put in place to fast-track the processing and documentation of retiring officers’ entitlements, thus ensuring a seamless migration from salary payroll to pension payroll.

It stressed that this has minimised the incidence of accumulation of pension arrears that had been a burden before the inception of the present administration.

The report also revealed that civil servants eligible to register under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have the benefit of a Group Life Insurance cover that makes provision for beneficiaries of contributors in the event of death in active service.

“The sum of N80,713,446.34 was paid as premium for 9,803 Edo State employees in the CPS. With this payment made, the next of kin of deceased employees receives three times their gross annual salary as benefits.

“From the commencement of the CPS on January 1, 2017 till date, a total sum of N 81,169,724.24 have been paid to families of 34 deceased employees of the State Public Service who were enrolees of the CPS,” it noted.

The report stated further, “The state government exercised political will and has been committed to the payment of pension arrears, monthly pension, death benefits under the Defined Benefit Scheme and  government’s 10 per cent matching contribution into the Employees’ RSA, in compliance with the provisions of the Edo State Contributory Pension Scheme Law of 2010 as amended.

“The state has made remittances of contributions of both employees (8%) and employer (10%) to the PFAs for 39 months, i.e. from January 2017 to April 2020 which amounts to N5,230,348,954.34.

“Of this, government’s (employer) matching (10%) contribution is N2,905,749,419.08 only, while that of the employees’ (8%) contribution is N 2,324,599,535.26. Also, a Retirement Benefits Bonds Redemption Fund (RBBRF) account has been opened with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“This account is being funded monthly to ensure that funds are available to defray the accrued pension rights of employees who have registered for the Contributory Pension Scheme. The RBBRF Account is being funded with 5% of the total monthly wage bill of employees in fulfilment of the provision of the Contributory Pension Scheme Law.”

NYSC Issues New Certificate To Obaseki

Edo Governorship Election Tribunal Adjourns Till December 12
File Photo of Governor Godwin Obaseki

 

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has issued a new certificate to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State following an official request by him.

The governor partook in the scheme in 1980 but it turned out there was an error on the certificate issued to him with an alphabet missing in his surname which read Obasek instead of Obaseki.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) panel which screened aspirants for the Edo 2020 primary had cited this error as one of the reasons for disqualifying the governor from the race – a decision which made him defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he contested and won the primary.

Read Also: Wike Heads Obaseki’s Re-election Campaign

The coast had earlier been cleared for governor Obaseki’s win after other aspirants running against him stepped down.

One of those who stepped aside for the governor was Kenneth Imasuagbon, who said he was inspired by Obaseki’s performance as the leader of Edo State.

According to him, he has been a “victim of godfatherism” and will help the Edo leader fight anyone who wants to “enslave” the people of the state.

Meanwhile, the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed the Governor of Rivers State, H. E. Nyesom Wike, as the Chairman for Obaseki’s election campaign council.

The party disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

It also noted that the Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri, has been appointed as Deputy Chairman of the council.

The election is expected to hold on September 19.

Edo Govt Calls For More Caution As State’s COVID-19 Cases Exceed 1000

File Photo of Godwin Obaseki

 

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has expressed worry over the alarming rate of community spread of coronavirus in the state, urging residents to be cautious and observe precautionary measures against the spread of the infectious disease.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the governor noted that the state has exceeded the 1,000 threshold and recorded 39 COVID-19-related deaths, which he said called for caution from all residents to be safe and alive.

Obaseki also announced the recovery and discharge of 21 more COVID-19 patients who have now tested negative for the virus, following their treatment at the state isolation facilities.

“We have discharged 21 more persons from our isolation centres after they tested negative for COVID-19. So far, 288 persons have recovered from the ailment. However, the number of deaths has risen to 39. The rise in new cases is alarming, so we must all be cautious,” the Governor said.

Speaking further, he stated that the recovered patients have now been cleared to reunite with the society, adding that the government will continue to intensify efforts to contain the pandemic in all communities in the state, and protect the Edo people.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Patrick Okundia, said the state has recorded a total of 1,105 confirmed cases, 5,986 suspected cases, 2567 line-listed contacts and 346 persons of interest (POIs).

Okundia noted that while the suspected cases were recorded in 17 local government areas (LGAs) of the state, the confirmed cases were recorded in 15 LGAs, including Oredo, Esan West, Egor, Ovia North East, Ikpoba-Okha, Uhunmwode, Etsako Central, Esan South East, Akoko-Edo, Esan Central, Ovia South West, Owan East, Esan North East, Etsako West and Etsako East.

The commissioner added: “We urge residents to support the government’s efforts at containing the pandemic by complying with all guidelines. Stay at home and observe all precautionary measures against the spread of the infectious disease, including regular handwashing with soap under running water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Cover your mouth and nose properly when sneezing and/or coughing”.

COVID-19: Obaseki Hails Health Workers As Edo Discharges 14 More Patients

A file photo of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
A file photo of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

 

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has hailed health workers in the state for their sacrifice, resilience and commitment in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

He reassured the people of his administration’s support towards the protection and welfare of the state’s health workforce.

Governor Obaseki also announced the recovery and discharge of 14 more COVID-19 patients who have now tested negative for the virus, following their treatment at the state’s isolation facilities.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Obaseki said the recovered patients have now been cleared to reunite with the society, adding that the government will continue to intensify efforts to contain the pandemic across all communities in the state and protect Edo people.

“We have discharged 14 more COVID-19 patients from our isolation centres. The total number of recoveries stands at 267. However, one death has been recorded, bringing the number of fatalities to 33. We appreciate our frontline workers for their sacrifices. Please, stay safe,” he said.

Meanwhile, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, said the state has recorded a total of 873 cases, while 5,750 others are suspected cases and 2,232 others have been cleared.

He also said 1,886 line-listed contacts and 346 persons-of-interest (POI) have completed the compulsory 14-day follow-up and tested negative.

Okundia further stated that while the suspected cases were recorded in 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, the confirmed cases were recorded in 15 LGAs including Oredo, Esan West, Egor, Ovia North East, Ikpoba-Okha, Uhunmwode, Etsako Central, Esan South East, Akoko-Edo, Esan Central, Ovia South West, Owan East, Esan North East, Etsako West and Etsako East.

The commissioner added, “we urge residents to support the government’s efforts at containing the pandemic by complying with all guidelines. Stay at home and observe all precautionary measures against the spread of the infectious disease, including regular handwashing with soap under running water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Cover your mouth and nose properly when sneezing and/or coughing”.

Meanwhile, the state government has introduced two new toll-free lines for COVID-19 response (08001235111 and 08002200110).

Edo Primary: PDP BoT Calls For Greater Unity After Obaseki’s Victory

A file photo of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
A file photo of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

 

 

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on members of the party in Edo State to stay united.

PDP BoT Chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, made the appeal in a statement personally signed by him on Friday.

Senator Jibrin called for a stronger unity after the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki, emerged as the party’s flagbearer for the September 19 governorship election in the state.

He congratulated the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP and the Governors’ Forum of the party for their tireless efforts in bringing Obaseki into the party.

The board chairman also appealed to members of the party across the country to take advantage of the current opportunity and form a strong coalition.

He asked them to unite against the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the next general elections.

Edo Election: Over 2,200 Delegates To Vote In PDP Primary

'Dont Drag Us Into Your Crisis', PDP Asks APC To Seek Restitution
A file photo of chairs at the venue of a PDP congress.

 

 

At least 2,200 statutory delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will vote in the party’s governorship primary election for the Edo State Governorship poll.

The party announced this in a statement on Wednesday, a day before it conducts the exercise to select its governorship candidate for the September 19 election.

It explained that the delegates for the primary included party members selected from all wards across the 18 local government areas of the state.

FULL LIST: DELEGATES-LIST-FOR-EDO-2020-GOVERNORSHIP-PRIMARY-ELECTION-1

“The Electoral Guidelines for primary elections of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) provides that, for the purpose of nominating the party’s candidate for the office of governor of a state, each ward chapter of the party shall elect three ad-hoc delegates at a Special Ward Congresses, at least one of whom shall be a woman.

“Similarly, each of the Local Government Areas shall elect a national delegate for the same purpose,” the PDP Directorate of Organisation and Mobilisation said.

According to the party, both categories of delegates along with others will participate in the special state congress for the nomination of the governorship candidate of the party.

“In compliance with the above, and in keeping with its promise of a transparent, free, fair and credible primary, the NWC hereby publish the underlisted members of the PDP in Edo State as Delegates that will nominate the governorship candidate of our party ahead of the September 19, 2020, Governorship Election in Edo State,” it added.

However, the names of 18 members of the Executive Committee in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state were left out of the list.

The PDP primary in Edo will hold on Thursday, after it was earlier shifted from June 19 and 20 to June 23, and later to June 25.

Among the aspirants in the exercise include the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki, who is seeking re-election for a second term in office.

One of the PDP aspirants who had picked up the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms had stepped down for the governor.

Court Strikes Out Suit Seeking To Bar Obaseki From Participating In Edo PDP Primary

A file photo of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
A file photo of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

 

 

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has struck out the suit filed by Mr Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama stopping Governor Godwin Obaseki from participating in Thursday’s PDP governorship primaries, in Edo State.

A counsel to the plaintiff, D. C. Denwigwe, (SAN) had in an oral application during resumption of the hearing on Wednesday, informed the court that the parties in the suit had resolved the matter.

He said their clients have settled and have directed their counsels to withdraw the case.

He also apologised to the court for the inconveniences and urged that the matter be struck-out based on the oral prayers.

Emmanuel Enoidem, Counsel for the 1st defendant, Uche Secondus and 3rd to the 7th defendant, counsel for the 2nd defendant, Higher King and Counsel for the 8th and 9th defendants, Alex Ejesiema, SAN also concurred to the motion.

However, the presiding Judge, Justice E. O. Obile, struck out the matter follow the submission of the counsels.

Addressing newsmen Emmanuel Enoidem who is also the National Legal Adviser of the PDP said they agreed that the party must be united.

Alex Ejesiema (SAN), Governor Godwin Obaseki’s lawyer on his part, said they were prepared for it.

He also noted that there is no more obstruction for Governor Obaseki and therefore, he can contest.

Mr Ogbeide-ihama had filed a suit in the court asking it to prevent any member of the party that has purchased forms but not screened within the time stipulated to contest the PDP primary.

Subsequently, the court on Tuesday, granted the request for an accelerated hearing of the suit but before the hearing on the application today, Ogbeide-Ihama’s counsel requested that the court stood down the case for some time, to allow for an out-of-court settlement.

The presiding judge, Justice Emmanuel Obile, granted the prayers after the counsel to all the defendants aligned with the request.

Edo Politics: Court Stands Down PDP Primary Suit

A file photo of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
A file photo of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

 

It appears the coast may soon be clear for Governor Godwin Obaseki’s participation in tomorrow’s governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State.

This comes after the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt granted the request by one of the governorship aspirants, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, to have the matter stood down to enable an out of court settlement.

Mr. Ogbeide-ihama had filed a suit in the court asking it to prevent any member of the party that has purchased forms but not screened within the time stipulated to contest the PDP primary.

The court, yesterday, granted the request for an accelerated hearing of the suit but before the hearing on the application today, Ogbeide-Ihama’s counsel requested that the court stood down the case for some time.

The presiding judge, Justice Emmanuel Obile, granted the prayers after the counsel to all the defendants aligned with the request.

Governor Obaseki got a waiver of the PDP to join the race under its platform after resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Meanwhile, a High Court of Justice in the Ekpoma judicial division on Tuesday restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from excluding Governor Godwin Obaseki and the other cleared aspirants from participating in the Edo State governorship primary.

The court ordered that the PDP and the electoral umpire should not exempt any of the aspirants who have been cleared by the party from participating in the gubernatorial primary slated for the 25th June 2020.

Court Grants Accelerated Hearing Of Suit Seeking To Bar Obaseki From PDP Primary

A file photo of Edo State Governor. Godwin Obaseki.

 

 

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital has granted a request for an accelerated hearing of the suit seeking to bar Governor Godwin Obaseki from participating in the governorship primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State.

The order followed a suit filed by one of the governorship aspirants in the party, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, who said he would not step down for the incumbent governor.

The primary election is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, to choose the PDP flag bearer for the governorship election in September.

In seeking the interim request to stop Governor Obaseki, Mr Ogbeide-Ihama argued that only those who purchased the forms during the stipulated time should be allowed to take part in the primary election.

Before adjourning the matter until Wednesday for hearing of the summon, Justice Emmanuel Obile ordered that the parties in the suit should be served through substituted means in two national dailies.

The defendants in the suit included PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, the party, and Governor Obaseki.

Also listed as defendants were five members of the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Following his defection to the party from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP had granted Governor Obaseki a waiver to contest for an elective office on its platform.

The governor was screened on Sunday by a five-man committee led by Kingsley Chinda with Boyele Debekeme as the secretary.

Obaseki Exit Painful But APC Will Survive – Yahaya Bello

A file photo of Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello.

 

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello on Monday described the exit of the Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as painful but maintained the party will outlive its present internal crisis and expand its coast in upcoming elections across the country.

Governor Bello was speaking to State House correspondents after a delegation of North-Central Governors paid a visit to the new Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.

He noted that the APC, despite the exit, is poised to win the Edo state Governorship elections in September.

“APC is going to win Edo State,” he said. “But unfortunately, I really feel the leaving of my colleague, His Excellency Governor Godwin Obaseki in whatever circumstance to another political party, is painful anyway, but as a political party, we are going to take Edo back.”

The Kogi state Governor, who has been appointed to head a committee to look into security in the North-Central said he is liaising with all security agencies to keep the region safe.

PDP Governors Assure Obaseki Of Level Playing Field

A file photo of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
A file photo of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

 

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has assured Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his teeming supporters of accommodation and a level playing field.

This follows the governor’s defection to the PDP from the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the September 19 governorship election in Edo State.

On behalf of his colleagues, the Chairman of the forum and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, wished Governor Obaseki success in the forthcoming primaries of the party.

“We welcome you to the PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR and all other PDP Governors in the Forum,” said a statement by the forum’s director-general, C. Maduabum.

It added, “Your entry into the PDP family is a homecoming to a democratic platform that accommodates all Nigerians desirous of good governance, accountability, and deepening of democratic tenets.

“The PDP governors welcome you to use the PDP as a vehicle to enthrone rapid economic, social, and infrastructural development of Edo State.”

According to the statement, the Forum extends the solidarity and support of the governors to Governor Obaseki and his supporters as he participates in the primary election.

The party has fixed Thursday next week for the exercise to pick its flagbearer for the September poll.

Edo Poll: PDP Screens Obaseki For Primary Election

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, appears before the members of the PDP Edo State Gubernatorial Screening Committee at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on June 20, 2020.

 

 

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Saturday visited the national secretariat of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor visited the party’s secretariat in Abuja to appear before the PDP Edo State Gubernatorial Screening Committee.

This comes a day after he picked his expression of interest and nomination forms at the party’s national office ahead of the September 19 governorship election.

 

Governor Obaseki was screened by the five-man committee led by Kingsley Chinda with Boyele Debekeme as the secretary.

Members of the committee included Oladimeji Fabiyi, Senator Joy Emordi, and Aishat Hasindu.

The committee had screened three aspirants – Gideon Ikhine, Ogbeide Ihama, and Kenneth Imansuangbon.

 

Governor Obaseki appeared before the screening committee four days after he resigned his membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He later joined the PDP on Friday and picked up his membership card, in a bid to realise his second term ambition after he was screened out of the APC governorship primary election.

 

Hours later, the PDP leadership announced a waiver for Governor Obaseki and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, to contest for elective office on its platform.

This comes ahead of the PDP governorship election scheduled for Thursday next week.

The PDP had fixed June 19 and 20 to conduct the exercise but shifted the date to June 23, and later June 25.