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Edo 2020: Why Odubu Can Be Trusted For Number One Position

by with No Comment Edo State NewsFeatured NewsGeneral NewsPolitics

…Osadebe avenue will be for all Edo’s

 

By Liberty Obaseki, FNIM

Perhaps, this sounds astounding. Well, truth, especially for those who fail to accept is, always hurts but it is a surefire and cannot be extinguished. Dr Pius Odubu is better and well positioned to be the next Governor of Edo State.

Let me take you back to 2015/16 when all was set to hand the then deputy Governor, Odubu, the All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket which was the right thing to do. All of a sudden, the present Governor was thrown into the mix and unexpectedly selected as the party’s flag bearer. Dr Pius Odubu, being a disciplined and principled party man, submitted to the wishes of the ruling party and was patient enough to wait for his time. Delay is not denial and when your time comes, no one can say/do otherwise. It is imperative that we look thoroughly into the current situation in Edo State where everything has fallen apart. The prevarications of this current administration is in full glare of the public and those who can see, always attest to the irrefutable fact that something must give way in the forthcoming elections.

 

The Governorship of Edo State is nobody’s birthright and when one misuses a glorious opportunity, someone else has to show him how it is done. As a capable deputy to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Rt. Hon Pius Odubu quickly learnt the ropes and exhibited rare, unparalleled loyalty, brilliant support and contributions to the success of the administration. Furthermore, he was committed to the sustainable development of the State and became an embodiment of true leadership.

The door is wide open now and unarguably the best choice for Governor of Edo State, at the moment is Rt. Hon (Dr) Pius Odubu. Denied in 2016, he’s back where he belongs. He has unrivalled, transcendent credentials and his leadership and management qualities cannot be overstated. An embellishment will be too elaborate.

I am sure a lot of people thought that after the NDDC Chairmanship position was taken away from him, he was going to bow out and shy away from the challenges that lay ahead. You cannot break an impenetrable warrior. You cannot defeat a serial winner. That was a pyrrhic victory. Real victors emerge from adversity and quickly turn a seemingly disadvantageous situation into something worthwhile in the end.

It was a propeller and reminded Dr Odubu of the fact that it is actually the Governorship election that is going to be the true test of character and he is more than prepared for the ride.

 

A man of political sagacity, Dr Odubu is the people’s choice as they are fed up of the Leadership deficit in Edo State and desire someone who will promote inclusiveness and treat people with the respect they truly deserve and have earned through the years. Someone who will handle urgent situations with efficient leadership and ensure effective participation at all levels. Someone who will provide real jobs for Edolites and foster unity among party faithful(s). Someone who will put the governed first, before anything/anyone else.

It is essential that we know where we stand at this time and endeavour not to repeat the mistake of four years ago. A hero is not known for the many tales of war he can tell but the many wars he has fought and won. Rt. Hon (Dr) Pius Odubu remains the antidote to the brigandage ravaging Edo State and he will promote the rule of Law and good governance.

 

Liberty Obaseki, FNIM, is a management and strategy expert, writes from Lagos

Edo 2016: War Of Succession – Josef Omorotionmwan 3 Years Ago

by with No Comment Edo State NewsGeneral NewsPolitics

The recent controversies and reported violence in Edo state has made the media focus on the activities of politicians in the state in view of the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in the state later this year. Public affairs analyst, Josef Omorotionmwan, sheds more light on one of the key contenders. As the race for Osadebey Avenue gathers momentum, it becomes increasingly clear that the mass media must play the essential roles of educating, informing and entertaining the people. Among other things, the media has a responsibility to help the people make informed decisions and judgments. Last Wednesday, Dr Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, declared his intention to run for the office of governor of Edo state in the forth-coming governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Edo state deputy governor, Dr Pius Odubu It is necessary to highlight a few points about the man, Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, the incumbent deputy governor of Edo state, which bespeak him as a man who in all respects and by all known standards, has distinguished himself in several ways and is destined to make history. From very early in life, Odubu started preparing himself for a respectable leadership role in the affairs of his community and the larger society. This is one way of appreciating the fact that he has spent a good part of his life for self-development through education and management training.

Little Pius was born in 1958 in the little village of Urhomehe, Urhonigbe North Ward in Orhionmwon local government area of Edo state. He had his primary education in St. Pius Primary School, Urhomehe, before proceeding to Immaculate Conception College, Benin City, where he was a recipient of an academic scholarship award from the then Benin Area Joint Board. In his determination to build up the necessary intellectual robustness relevant to the machinery and process of service to humanity, Odubu soon transcended the narrow confines of a secondary education when, in 1977, he proceeded to the United States of America for further studies. While in the US, Odubu attended Philandersmith College, Little Rock, Arkansas; Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Southern University School of Law; Georgetown University Law Centre, Washington, DC; and Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, Massachusetts. He later attended Oxford University, Said Business School, Oxford England. Odubu has to his credit, a chain of quality degrees, including BA (Hons.) in Political Science; Doctor of Jurisprudence in Law; Master of Law with major concentration in International and Comparative Law; and BL (Barrister and Solicitor at Law). On his return to Nigeria in 1985, Odubu was enrolled in the Nigerian Law School, Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in October 1986. After his call to bar, Odubu had a flourishing law practice in Benin City until 1999, when he was elected into the House of Representatives to represent Orhionmwon/ Uhunmwode Federal Constituency of Edo state. He was re-elected in 2003. While in the House of Representatives, Odubu was a ranking member of the committees on appropriations; Federal Capital Territory and labour. He was deputy chairman of the commerce committee. At various times, Odubu served in the following committees: works, marine transport, commerce, navy, anti-corruption and public accounts. What is Odubu bringing to the table? Good education, cognate experience, diligence, intelligence, transparency, integrity and accountability shall be some of the visible hallmarks of his administration. His policy thrust shall be based on five cardinal points: Job creation; wealth creation; infrastructural development; agricultural development and good governance. Odubu is a man of peace. He has remained loyal to his boss, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Odubu is a team-player who gets along with his colleagues. Because of his loyalty, Oshiomhole has asserted on various occasions that Odubu is the best deputy governor in Nigeria. By extrapolation, this has been interpreted in many quarters to mean that if given the opportunity, Odubu will be the best governor in Nigeria. On his part Odubu has the kindest words for his boss; “I deeply appreciate my boss and elder brother, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for giving me the opportunity to work with him in the last seven and a half years…. I have been in Oshiomhole school of governance and it has been most beneficial and rewarding”. READ ALSO: I did not betray Oshiomole – Deputy governor’s ally speaks Odubu cuts across party divides. It is instructive that on the day he declared his intention to run for the office of governor of Edo state, the PDP was the first to congratulate him, pouring encomiums of him and suggesting perhaps that he is the best man for the job. If what we hear from the grapevine becomes true, Edo state may as well be on the enviable path to becoming the first state in Nigeria to produce a consensus candidate for a gubernatorial election. In any case, the Bible is right that if a man’s ways are pleasing to God, He will make his enemies to be at peace with him. Odubu is one man who has a full grasp of the inner workings of the three branches and the three tiers of government; a lawyer; a legislator extra-ordinaire; an administrator; a political strategist, tactician; adept in political engineering; a symbol of political honour, confidence and hope; an exponent of human kindness; a most perfect manifestation of humility, impervious tenacity in the service of this great nation and hope for a sustainable democratic polity in Edo state and, indeed, in Nigeria. Odubu is happily married to Deaconess (Mrs.) Endurance Odubu and the union is blessed with four children. Josef Omorotionmwan is a writer and public affairs

Concerned Edo Patriots (C.E.P) Calls For Investigation Of Explosion In Ondo State

Concerned Edo Patriots (C.E.P) Calls For Investigation Of Explosion In Ondo State

by with No Comment Edo State NewsGeneral NewsLaw & Justice

As Concerned Patriots from Edo State we wish to note with utmost concern the explosion that took place along Akure – Owo Road in the early hours of Saturday 28th March , 2020.

While we sincerely empathize with the government and people of Ondo State particularly those whose lives and property were affected by the unfortunate incidence we are alarmed that the Lorry conveying the explosives was said to have been transporting the cargo to a storage facility in the neighbouring State with full compliments of security escorts.

Edo State is the only neighbouring and immediate state to Ondo State through Akure Owo road and we are wondering what storage facility could the transporters be taking those dangerous explosives to in Edo State at this time when the nation is under lockdown and Movement of persons and materials are restricted.

Besides, we are alarmed as to the rationale behind transporting same to our state given the heightened political tension that have pervaded the state shortly before the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Consequently, we are calling on the Inspector General Police, Director General of the State Security Services and the Nigerian Military to unravel the entirety of the circumstances surrounding the transportation of the explosives with a view to ascertaining the following:

  1. Who is the owner of the Lorry and the explosives it was conveying?
  2. What was the exact destination of the lorry together with the cargo it was conveying?
  3. What was the purpose of the explosives been conveyed 4. Why was it necessary to have security escort for the Lorry and the cargo as affirmed by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police.
  4. Who were the police escorts and who assigned them for that assignment
  5. How many other explosives have been moved before this unfortunate incident unknown to the public?

These and many more questions are begging for answers and at this time of National emergency it will be a patriotic duty to unravel this strange and unfortunate incidence particular as the security of lives and property are the ultimate purpose of any government under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

We also call on Mr President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces to see to the proper investigation of this incidence so as to allay the fears of the citizens of both Ondo and Edo States which are due to have governorship elections later in the year.

Long Live Edo State

Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria

 

(Signed)

Hon Samson Osagie ( Covener)

Hon Thomas Okosun ( Co- Covener

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Communique Issued At The End Of The Second Meeting Of The Edo Peoples Movement Held On Saturday 25th May, 2019 In Benin City

by with No Comment Edo State NewsFeatured NewsGeneral News

After extensive deliberations on and review of the political developments in the ruling All Progressives Congress in Edo State, the group made up of over 300 Leaders and members of the Party across the State resolved as follows:

That we hereby declare our unalloyed support for the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress ably led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

That we are committed to rescuing the All Progressive Congress in Edo State due to the monumental loss it suffered in the last Presidential and National Assembly elections as a result of the actions of Governor Godwin Obaseki towards the party and its members.

That as the next Governorship Elections in Edo State approaches we are resolved to work and deliver any candidate who is adequately equipped to strike a balance between delivering on good governance for the people and promoting the party platform that formed the government. Governor Godwin Obaseki certainly does not fit into this condition

That we urge the National Leadership of our party the APC to support this efforts else we stand the risk of losing hold on the government of Edo State to the other political parties with whom the Governor is already empowering clandestinely.

That we condemn in the strongest terms the resort to intimidation and harassment of loyal party members by the Governor and his aides on account of their dissent with the style of Governance and not fulfillment of promises made to many Local government areas. For example: a. The Governor recently threatens to deal with the State Secretary of the Party Mr. Lawrence Okah if he does not heed his demand to resign as Secretary on account of his closeness to the National Chairman of the party. b. The Vice Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council Hon Eleduwa was recently purportedly impeached by Councillors on the prodding of some aides and acolytes of the Governor on account of his closeness to the former Deputy Governor of the State who also contested the Governorship Primaries in 2016 with the Governor. c. The Governor recently threaten to disallow an elected member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Chris Ewere Okaeben from been inaugurated in the upcoming Assembly. d. A Special Assistant to the Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Council was recently sacked on the orders of a latter day convert of the Governor on account of his posts on social media about the state of infrastructure in Uhunmwode LGA. All these and many more acts of harassment and intimidation of party members have been the hallmark of the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration.

That we note with great pain the unwholesome attitude of Governor Obaseki during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections wherein he discriminated among the candidates of the party by supporting those he considered his candidates and starved those he considered the candidates of the National Chairman thereby resulting in the collossal loss of that election in two out of the three Senatorial districts in Edo State. Indeed Governor Obaseki lost his ward, local government, federal constituency and Senatorial District.

That we demand the immediate opening of the five star Central Hospital in Benin City built by the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole administration and the resuscitation/ opening of the Tayo Akpata

University , Ekiadolor and College Of Agriculture, Iguorhiakhi for the use and benefit of Edo Citizens.

That we urge the State and National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress should note and enforce stringent measures against the Governor whose anti party posture which has become a matter of public knowledge.

(SGD).Engr. F. E. Evbuomwan

Alhaji Charlton Mogaji. Chief Francis Inegbeniki

Barr. MacDonald Obasuke. Hon Patrick Ikhariale

Mrs. Mabel Adams. Hon Bright Osayande

Rt.Hon Thomas Okosun. Hon Luqman Mohammed

Barr. Hayart Asunogie. Hon Anselm Agbabi

Comrade Osakpamwan Eriyo. Comrade Tony Kabaka

Hon Abdul Oroh. Alhaji Ahmed Musa

Hon. Ken Ihenseikhien. Mr.Matthew Ehigie

Barr. S.S Mayaki. Hon Gideon Obhakhan

Alhaji Waziri Oshiomah.               Barr. Chris Ebare

Barr. Isimeme Iribhogbe. Mr. Peter Oba

Barr. Monday Eboigbe.  Prince Ody Okojie.

Mr. Oladokun Osagie.    Mr. Phillip Edobor

Engr. J.E. Eribo. Barr.      Osaro Osemwengie.

Mr. Jolly Igbinovia

Mr. Uwadiae Odigie

Hon Henry Idahagbon. Hon Samson Raph. Osagie

Oshiomhole-addressing-the-press

Call For Oshiomhole’s Ouster Misplaced – Osagie

by with No Comment Featured NewsGeneral NewsPolitics

Former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives and immediate past Executive Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd Barrister Samson Osagie has described calls by some individuals particularly the former TUC President Peter Esele as grossly misplaced and borne out of malice.

Osagie who was fielding questions from newsmen upon his arrival from the United Arab Emirates said that some Edo politicians who have been begrudging Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the APC has now found opportunity to join the cacophony of noisemakers calling for the removal of the National Chairman.

According to him ” painful as the loss of Bayelsa via judicial pronouncements may seem, it does not call for the head of the National Chairman of the party. In any case , he ( National Chairman) has expressed his utter disapproval of the judgement and his immediate reactions proves that he is gravely concerned about what has happened. In any event he, as a true leader has indicated the readiness of the party to seek ways of redressing what has happened. I read on my way here how some Comrades turn politicians castigated the National Chairman and accused his leadership of several misdemeanors. To me, it seema like a premeditated attack on the National Chairman because they have the opportunity and are close enough to offer advice when necessary ”

Hon Samson Osagie, described the Oshiomhole led APC as a vibrant party noting that the challenges of leading a Ruling party is enormous more so when politicians usually always focused on the next election.

He said” Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has done well as National Chairman and given the fact that party members particularly in Edo are taking positions on the next Governorship elections it is not unnatural that some of those who felt aggrieved against Adams Oshiomhole in the build up to 2016 election will naturally begin to gravitate towards those they considered will advance their political interests particularly as the incumbent Governor is wooing a particular district where this critic comes from with the Governorship of Edo in 2023 if he survives the self inflicted crisis he is currently facing.

Hon Osagie call on all party men and women to join hands with the National leadership of the party to grow it into an institution where discipline and internal democracy will be enthroned. He urged everyone to take advantage of the Chief Bisi Akande’s led National Reconciliation Committee to mend all broken fences in order to make the party stronger.

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Again, Enemies At Work!!!

by with No Comment Edo State NewsGeneral NewsPolitics

It’s a matter of grave concern that days after the elections in Edo State particularly Edo South Senatorial District some persons have thrown caution over board to accuse some notable persons of sabotage.

Of particularly interest is the accusation thrown at the very respectable and erudite Rt. Hon Samson Osagie, former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives and Senatorial candidate of the APC in the 2015 Elections. He currently serves conscientiously as an Executive Director at the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd.

A certain Sylvester Ibhane has accused Rt. Hon Samson Osagie among others of fighting with the Vice Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government against the APC on election day at his unit and ward. Nothing can be more ludicrous.

It is beyond doubt that Hon Samson Osagie remains a force to be reckoned with in his local government and given his unquestionable integrity he is the LAST person that could have done that.

We should recall that He was a Senatorial candidate of the APC in 2015 which he lost to the opposition. This same conspiracy and sabotage theories were thrown up but he didn’t believe because of the avanlanche of factors that affected that election. Perhaps it was true given its possibility from Sylvester Ibhane mischievous write up and one may wish to ask the following questions for him and his likes to provide answers to:

a). Who sabotaged Rt.Hon Samson Osagie Senatorial election in 2015?

b). Was it the votes from Uhunmwode Local Government Area where Rt.Hon Samson Osagie hailed from and voted that led to the loss of the Senatorial Election?

c). Was it Rt Hon Samson Osagie that limited every party official or leader’s participation in the elections to their polling units only? Hon Samson Osagie was at his unit on election day.

d).Was Rt.Hon Samson Osagie involved in the election planning and execution in the state or at any level to be sufficiently seised of the strategies deployed for the elections?

Haba! Why can’t some persons just leave this gentleman alone. In the last 3 years Rt.Hon Samson Osagie has remained taciturn and focussed on his new assignment for the Federal Government, yet some sycophants and urchins would not just allow him be.

For all intents and purposes let it be known that Rt. Hon Samson Osagie did his best for the APC and it’s candidates including the Edo South Senatorial District elections which had his friend Hon Patrick Obahiagbon as candidate.

If Sylvester Ibhane and his cohorts are not on some mischievous mission, let him give the names of all those who sabotage the Senatorial Election in all the wards in Oredo, Egor and Ikpoba/Okha Local Government Areas. Then we can trust his sincerity.

Let the blackmail abate! Only enemies of progress does what Sylvester Ibhane and his likes are currently doing!

Desmond Imafidon Oni.

Pius-Odubu

After Obaseki, Edo Is Safer With Dr. Pius Odubu

by with No Comment Edo State NewsFeatured NewsGeneral News

By Henson Atolagbe

 

In the build up to the 2016 gubernatorial elections not a few persons believed that the outgoing performing governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole will shove aside his Deputy to present the little known Godwin Obaseki as candidate of the APC.

The primaries came and Obaseki picked the ticket with Dr. Pius Odubu coming second amidst little or no resistance by a section of the political class who felt another candidate would have been better.

For Dr. Pius Odubu it was the will of God and he accepted his fate and continued with his job as Deputy Governor without any indication that anything has happened between him and his boss.

As Deputy Governor he had the trust of the Governor hence the longest single road project embarked upon by the Oshiomhole administration was constructed in Orhionmwon from Ugo to Urhonigbe. He also had the confidence of his boss to disburse agricultural loans and tools to farmers in every nook and cranny of Edo State. He supported many landmark projects from the conception to execution embarked by the State government.

He indeed , gave his all to ensure that the sterling performance of the administration was achieved.

Prior to that he had served as a representative of the Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for a period of eight years beginning from the dawn of democracy in 1999. In all of these positions he had had no cause to answer to any petition with law enforcement agencies. He had an unblemished record of public service.

With the Obaseki administration coming to a close by November 2020, amidst widespread disaffection among numerous party members over what many now termed as a rogue administration and unnecessary battle with party leaders and members, for the APC in Edo State, an Obaseki or anyone in its guise will be unacceptable.

Dr. Pius Odubu’s humane disposition, hands on knowledge and inderstanding of the workings of government and all its organs, he comes across as the man who will represents a paradigm shift from the belligerence of the Obaseki’s government towards the party and the citizens to that of a silent achiever that will drive development along the Oshiomhole governance model with beneficial modifications where and whenever the circumstances arises.

Schooled in Nigeria and the United States of America, Dr Pius Odubu , a Lawyer and Political Scientist is unarguably the perfect fit to end the ” political insurgency ” currently being experienced in Edo State.

Earlier in the life of this administration, he had provided leadership together with some notable gladiators like Charles Airhiavbere, Chris Ogiemwonyi, Henry Idahagbon, Samson Osagie, Thomas Okosun, Francis Inegbeniki, Solomon Edebiri, Late Charlton Mogaji, Osakpamwan Eriyo, Tony Kabaka, Osarobo Idahosa, the fourteen legislators elect(G-14), Mabel Adams, Omorede Osifo and numerous party members and leaders who Governor Obaseki has pencilled down for retirement or ill treatment. It was such a formidable movement to guarantee the survival of the party inspite of the fact that he and others were already out of government.

His nomination as Chairman Designate was greeted with excitment by all Edo people including the palace of the Oba of Benin who thanked Mr President for considering Edo State for such a position. But for the Obaseki’s government that was not to be. They sponsored unpatriotic elements to embark on numerous litigations to thwart that appointment.

According to one of Edo’s media activists John Mayaki in his writing on Odubu on January 4th , 2020 @PMNews -Dr. PIUS ODUBU:Lessons on Restraint and Leadership

“Unable to stomach the rising profile of Dr. Pius Odubu and yet another recognition of his talent and leadership abilities, a factor that resulted in his nomination as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission [NDDC], Godwin Obaseki, took on the role of spoiler-in-chief and began to collude with actors in the opposition party to throw a spanner in the works”

Today, what would have been a blessing to Edo State has been taken away by Godwin Obaseki and his unpatriotic allies.

As APC sets to chose a new helmsman in the upcoming primaries, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu will perfectly fill the vacuum of the leadership deficit that Edo has witnessed three and half years down the line, restore peace to all facets of human endeavors, bring about cohesion among the political class, support Edo sons and daughters to get into national reckoning, assist the poor and downtrodden, support students in schools, provide security and welfare for the people and above all show absolute respect for traditional institutions and statesmen whose role in engineering peace and security cannot be underestimated.

Dr Pius Odubu believes in the Edo project and will work for it.

 

~ Henson Atolagbe writes from Auchi in Edo State