Tag: Godwin Obaseki

Obaseki, Akiolu Attack: Oshiomhole’s Comment, ‘Slip Of Tongue’ – Shaibu

 

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has apologised to commercial motorcyclists popularly known as ‘Okada riders’ in the state on behalf of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for describing them as thugs.

Mr. Shaibu’s apology is connected to the claims by the APC leader that the convoy of the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, was attacked by motorcyclists at the home of Mr. Oshiomhole, after the Edo state university’s convocation ceremony.

Mr. Oshiomhole had linked the thugs who attacked the convoy of Governor Obaseki as loyalists to Mr. Shaibu.

READ ALSO: Jigawa Workers To Receive N30,000 Minimum Wage Next Year, Says Badaru

The deputy governor who hosted a delegation from the motorcyclist union at the government house in Benin City, the Edo state capital, explained to them that the comments were a slip of tongue from the part of Mr. Oshiomhole.

“I want to correct the news by our national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole that the Okada riders are thugs, you are not thugs and I want to apologise on his behalf to tell you people maybe it was a slip of tongue.

“You people are never thugs; you cannot be thugs because if what we have done with you and you are technology-driven and you are talking, you can’t be referred as thugs; not even when he rode on your back to victory at the tribunal.”

He added that after a long-serving relationship with the APC national chairman, it was unexplainable to have such comment served at the motorcyclists.

“Every morning, you were always at his house in your hundreds and most cases we rode on your back to the tribunal. So how come now you are being referred to as thugs, I think it was a slip of tongue, so on his behalf, I apologise to all of you.”

Obaseki Condemns Attack On Akiolu, Others At Oshiomhole’s House

A file photo of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State speaking to reporters.

 

 

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the attack on the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Chancellor of Edo State University, Dr Aderemi Makanjuola, and other guests at the residence of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole.

He stated this during an interview with reporters on Saturday after he and the other dignitaries escaped an attack by suspected thugs at the residence of his predecessor.

Governor Obaseki took exception to the resort to violence, noting that it was shameful for such an attack to take place at the residence of the leader of the ruling party in the state and at the national level.

He described the attack as an unfortunate incident, saying, “It is very unfortunate that we can’t feel safe in the house of our National Chairman.”

READ ALSO: Thugs Who Attacked Us Are Loyalists To Edo Deputy Governor, Says Oshiomhole

The governor added, “I am not sure that if I visit the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), they will attack me the way they did in the house of the APC National Chairman.

“It is unfortunate that things have degenerated to this extent but we will continue to pursue peace; we cannot afford to lose the gains of the last three years.

Thugs Who Attacked Us Are Loyalists To Edo Deputy Governor, Says Oshiomhole

File: Oshiomhole at the situation room

 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole has linked the thugs who attacked the Edo state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and the Chancellor of the Edo University, Iyahmo, Dr. Aderemi Makanjuola, to the Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu.

Mr. Oshiomhole in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Simon Ebegbulem, after the incident, described the thugs who invaded his Iyamho country home as loyalists to Mr. Shaibu.

Dignitaries including Governor Obaseki had attended the maiden convocation ceremony of the Edo University, Iyahmo and honoured a lunch invitation at the home of Mr. Oshiomhole, when the thugs launched an attack on the vehicles belonging to the APC Chieftain kinsmen.

The statement narrated that tension in the community started on Friday when the deputy governor imported thugs into the community with a view to intimidate political opponents.

RELATED: Obaseki, Oba Akiolu Escape Thugs Attack At Oshiomhole’s House

It added that during the convocation ceremony, the Central Bank governor, Godwin Emefiele who delivered a lecture, had called for calm when the thugs who had gained entrance into the school premises, started disturbing the public.

“Security agents helped to ensure peace before the event started. As a matter of fact, Comrade Oshiomhole left the event through the back so as to avoid being attacked by the thugs who laid siege at the entrance gate of the university.”

It further recounted the build-up to the attack, adding that; “the governor, the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Oshiomhole and other guests were already in the hall when at about 11:30 am, the deputy governor stormed the University with over 200 Okada riders and thugs.

“The deputy governor rode to the event in one of the motorcycles. Security operatives accosted them at the gate and refused them entrance. The thugs started threatening the security operatives who insisted the deputy governor can enter the venue but they will not allow the thugs to gain access.

“Following their threats the security operatives tear-gassed the thugs and the deputy governor; the thugs were dispersed while the deputy governor joined other dignitaries at the venue.

“This created tension already in the small community,” it added.

After the incident in the school, the statement explained that the invited guests made their way to Mr. Oshiomhole’s country home, where the whole attack happened.

“After the event, Comrade Oshiomhole left instructions at the gate that he was expecting these respected leaders. So when the visitors came, the governor (Obaseki) drove in a bus with other officials but following the incident that occurred earlier where thugs sponsored by the deputy governor invaded the university, Iyamho youths barricaded the gate of the national chairman with a view to protecting him against any harm.

“These youths sighted Andrew Momodu, Osaigbovo Iyoha on the bus which conveyed the governor to Oshiomhole’s residence. They decided to stop them from entering the compound because these were the same people who led the thugs that attacked Oshiomhole’s residence in Benin City penultimate week.”

The statement clarified that no vehicle in the convoy of Governor Obaseki was destroyed.

“The thugs targeted the vehicles belonging to Oshiomhole’s relations and friend and destroyed them. Thank God for the intervention of soldiers and other security operatives who came to restore peace.

Obaseki, Oba Akiolu Escape Thugs Attack At Oshiomhole’s House

 

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and the Chancellor of the Edo University, Iyahmo, Dr. Aderemi Makanjuola, were attacked by suspected thugs at the house of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Governor Obaseki and the other guests had attended the maiden convocation ceremony of the Edo University, Iyahmo, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie said the Oba of Lagos and the governor had gone to Comrade Oshiomhole’s house to honour an invitation for a lunch after the ceremony at the university.

“The former governor’s house is just opposite the university. Governor Obaseki, the Oba of Lagos and other guests had gone to Oshiomhole’s house for lunch when they were attacked by thugs led by one Romeo, said to be one of Oshiomhole’s nephews,” he said.

READ ALSO: Emefiele: Border Closure Will Reduce Kidnapping, ‘Yahoo Yahoo’

It took the intervention of the governor’s security to prevent a blood bath as several vehicles were smashed by the thugs.

Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki condemned the attack noting that it was shameful for such an attack to take place at the residence of the National Chairman of the ruling party in the state and at the national level.

He stressed that the resort to violence was inappropriate and an unfortunate incident.

“It is very unfortunate that we can’t feel safe in the house of our National Chairman.

“I am not sure that if I visit the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that they will attack me the way they did in the house of the APC National Chairman.”

“It is unfortunate that things have degenerated to this extent. But we will continue to pursue peace. We cannot afford to lose the gains of the last three years. We will continue to pursue peace,” he added.

Seven Killed As Governor Obaseki’s Advance Convoy Crashes With Car

 

An automobile crash has claimed the lives of at least seven people as the advance Protocol Team of the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was involved in a head-on collision with an Audi car.

The accident happened at Ehor Village on the outskirt of Benin City the Edo State capital.

Confirming the tragic incident in a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the Audi vehicle lost its tyre and ran into a pothole, before colliding with the Hilux vehicle.

READ ALSO: Five Dead, Two Injured In Road Accident Along Ondo/Ore Highway

Several other persons including one of the governor’s drivers were
injured in the incident.

The governor’s spokesman conveyed the state government’s condolences to the victims and their families.

“We have confirmed from the Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) details of the accident involving the advance team of the Governor’s Protocol team.

“The development is extremely sad. We commiserate with the families of the victims and pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear the painful loss.

“From our findings, the Audi vehicle lost its tyre and ran into a pothole, before colliding with the Hilux vehicle, which was conveying protocol officers from Edo State Government House.”

He said the state government would ensure that the affected families get the necessary support to lessen the impact of the sad incident, noting that more information on the development will be released to the press soon.

Nigeria Celebrates World Teachers’ Day

 

Nigerian teachers joined their counterparts all over the world to celebrate the World Teachers Day in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

As part of the activities lined up for the events, awards were given to teachers to encourage them on the work done over the years.

In attendance are the Minister of State for Education, Professor Emeka Nwajiuba, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education, representative of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Abubakar Malami, the President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers among several others.

One of the awardees is Governor Obaseki who was honoured as the Most Educationally Friendly Governor of the year for some strides recorded by his administration in education.

READ ALSO: Military Operation Against Boko Haram Is Yielding Results, Says NAF

World Teachers’ Day, also known as International Teachers Day, is celebrated annually across the globe on October 5.

The global celebration of teachers followed the United Nations declaration in 1994 for the recognition of the World Teachers Day (WTD) or International Teachers Day.

In the UN’s 19 Sustainable Development Goals, the fourth goal – education recognises teachers as key players to the achievement of the Education 2030 agenda.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Young Teachers: The future of the Profession” is aimed at proffering ideas to attract and keep young persons to the profession.

Teachers’ Day: Edo Has The Lowest Out-Of-School Children, Says Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

 

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, says his state has the lowest level of out-of-school children in the country.

The governor stated this on Saturday during the 2019 World Teachers’ Day which held at the Eagles Square in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Obaseki also blamed the challenges of unemployment and human trafficking on what he described as poor education.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Marks 2019 World Teachers’ Day

According to him, his administration did not just build classrooms across the state but also addressed the issues from the foundation level.

“The fact is that if a teacher is not in class, the child will not learn. If the teacher does not know what to teach the child, there will be no learning.

“What is most important as to anything in life is the foundation. If you do not make the right investment or commitment to the foundations of education, then people will not learn,” he said.

Speaking further, the governor explained that the state government has prioritised both basic and technical education within the last two years.

His remarks come shortly after being honoured as the Most Educationally Friendly Governor of the year for some strides recorded by his administration in education.

Oshiomhole: Don’t Join Issues With ‘Hostile Comments’, Obaseki Tells Aides

 

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has instructed all state actors within his government to desist from making comments or reacting to what he described as “hostile comments and discussions” credited to the National Chairman and former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole.

Mr Obaseki, in a statement jointly signed by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Paul Ohonbamu and his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, described the comments as an onslaught against the government of the state.

READ ALSO: Trailer Crushes 11 To Death, Injures Many In Nasarawa

Mr Oshiomhole, in an exclusive interview with Channels TV, claimed that the Governor had abandoned major projects by his administration, especially the hospital and the waterworks projects, and had also refused to pursue the continuity agenda they promised the people of the state.

But the governor said that he has chosen to pursue the path of peace and reconciliation in dealing with the issues.

”The Edo State Government observed over the weekend, leading to this week, very hostile statements credited to our revered National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, across the various media platforms, including radio, television, newspapers and the social media.

“This onslaught against the governor and government of Edo State, widely publicised, has also been trailed by enquiries about the state government’s response to these attacks, from various stakeholders, both within and outside the country.

“Consequently, the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, has instructed that no state actor, within Edo State Government, should make any comment whatsoever or join issues on the ensuing hostile comments and discussions.”

Second Term: What Will I Gain If Godwin Does Not Run – Oshiomhole

 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Adams Oshiomhole, has reacted to the series of allegations against him since the reports of the rift between him and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State came to light.

He clarified the reported dispute between him and the governor during an exclusive interview with Channels Television.

It is perhaps the first time the APC national chairman would publicly speak about the disagreement between him and his successor.

 

According to Oshiomhole, his differences with Governor Obaseki are not about monetary gains from his administration, nor about him blocking the governor’s second term bid.

He added that at a meeting both politicians held with four governors, Obaseki confirmed that the APC chairman nominated only one out of over 20 commissioners into his cabinet.

The former governor noted that Obaseki later removed the commissioner he nominated along with seven others but he didn’t take any offence because he was out of government.

He, however, said the contention was all about issues relating to governance and carrying political players and leaders in the party along.

Oshiomhole also denied not wanting to support Governor Obaseki to run for a second term, saying he has nothing to gain in doing so.

Edo Assembly: I Don’t Think There Is Any Crisis – Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

 

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has dismissed the rumour of crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The governor said this while receiving the report of a reconciliatory committee set up to look into all post-election matters at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat in Benin.

Addressing journalists in the state on Saturday, he said the APC is ready to reconcile its aggrieved members, stressing that there is no crisis rocking the party or the House of Assembly.

READ ALSO: ‘Nothing Unusual About Meeting With My Brother’, Oshiomhole Says About Obaseki

“It has ended actually. We are just waiting for the members to come back and get inaugurated. I don’t think there is any crisis.

“For those people who don’t want to make peace or people who don’t want to belong to a family, as long as the party gives an opportunity to be members of that family, if it’s not utilised, there is not much we can do,” he said.

The governor’s comment come two weeks after meeting with APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, following weeks of disagreement.

Obaseki after the meeting said there is no rift between himself and his successor Governor Godwin Obaseki and there is nothing unusual about them holding a meeting.

Oshiomhole, who described Obaseki as his brother said the alleged rift between them is the creation of people with personal interest.

‘Nothing Unusual About Meeting With My Brother’, Oshiomhole Says About Obaseki

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole says there is no rift between himself and his successor Governor Godwin Obaseki and there is nothing unusual about them holding a meeting.

Oshiomhole, who described Obaseki as his brother said the alleged rift between them is the creation of people with personal interest.

He disclosed this on Monday night while receiving Governor Obaseki, who led members of his cabinet to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir Festival, at his residence in Estako West Local Government Area of the state.

READ ALSO: Joe Igbokwe, Others Make Sanwo-Olu’s Cabinet Nominees List

After the closed-door meeting which lasted for about an hour, Oshiomhole said the meeting was not unusual and they are in constant communication.

“What is unusual that my brother and I have met. Many people here are not new faces.

“I think you media people, you like to invent things. You create factions in your own image,” Oshiomhole said.

Obaseki also told journalists that the visit to his predecessor was not unusual.

He said that he decided to celebrate Sallah with his former boss and celebrate Edo leaders.

“You heard from him, there is nothing unusual about this meeting. Today is Sallah. We just finished celebrating the former national chairman in Benin.

“We decided to come here and also visit with him. So there is nothing unusual,” Obaseki said.

‘This Illegality Will Not Stand,’ Edo Govt Reacts To Senate Order On State Assembly

Gov Obaseki Condemns Killing Of Police Personnel In Edo
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki (file )

 

The Edo State Government has reacted to the Senate order which on Tuesday asked the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, to issue a fresh proclamation letter for inauguration of the Edo State House of Assembly within one week.

In a statement and signed on Tuesday by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, the state government declared that “this illegality will not stand.”

They described the Senate order as unconstitutional and a disregard for the Principle of Separation of Powers.

The state government claimed that the order was propelled by “powerful persons who want to set Edo State ablaze “merely to satisfy their thirst for power and control.”

READ ALSO: ‘Issue Fresh Proclamation Letter To Edo Assembly’, Senate Orders Obaseki

“This move was not unexpected in the light of the enormous political pressure which had been brought to bear on the Officers and Members of the distinguished Senate by the highly placed and powerful persons who are intent on foisting their will and choices on the good people of Edo State.”

The State government said there are three pending suits pending before various courts concerning the issue of the Edo Assembly and the Senate Ad-hoc committee were informed when they visited Edo State.

“The Government of Edo State wishes to observe that the Chairman and Members of Ad-Hoc Committee of the Senate which visited Edo State were made aware of the existence of at least three suits pending before various Courts wherein the factual and legal dispute regarding the Edo State House of Assembly inauguration have been submitted to the Courts by both contending parties for resolution.

“The Ad-Hoc Committee also failed to inform the Senate of the existence of a valid injunction in Suit No FHC/B/OS/70/2019 wherein the Federal High Court restrained various parties from interfering in any manner with the activities of the Edo State House of Assembly which said order had been brought to their attention in the course of their visit to Edo State.

“In point of fact in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/159/2019 the National Assembly, the Clerk of National Assembly, the President of the Senate and Speaker of House of Representatives amongst others were specifically ordered by the Federal High Court to maintain the Status Quo as at 25th July, 2019.

“The Edo State Government is further aware that in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/815/2019, wherein the Clerk and the National Assembly are defendants before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the National Assembly and the Clerk have not only been duly served with the processes but have entered an appearance in the matter,” the statement read in part.

The secretary to the state government added that it is unfortunate that the  Senate would act in flagrant breach of these various Court Orders and come to conclusions concerning a matter in which the parties are already before the Courts.

The Edo State Government also maintained that there is nowhere in the Constitution particularly Section 11(4) which enables the National Assembly to “take over” any House of Assembly or in this respect, the Edo State House of Assembly.

“It is the duty of the Clerk of the House of Assembly to inaugurate the House of Assembly and he has since performed that task. He has further approached a Court of law to seek a validation of his actions.

“The pronouncements of the Distinguished Senate on the subject (with respect) is clearly misconceived and would amount to interference in the role of the Courts which may in fact constitute contempt with which the Governor would not wish to be associated.

“The Government of Edo State firmly believes that our State is not a colony or a vassal of any person or persons exercising power in Abuja and we shall take all necessary steps within the ambit of the law to defend and validate our position and actions on this matter,” Ogie said.

The Senate had earlier on Tuesday ordered Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki to issue a fresh proclamation letter to the seventh Edo House of Assembly.

The Senate also ordered that the Clerk of the Edo House of Assembly should inform all 24 members elect via electronic/print media of the new inauguration date after receiving the proclamation letter from the governor.

The senate resolved that if the proclamation is not made in one week, the national assembly shall take over the functions of the Edo State House of Assembly.