Connect with us

News

Edo 2024: Obaseki is sponsoring Asue and Akpata

Published

on

By Comrade John Imagbe

In the current discourse surrounding the “Esan Agenda,” Governor Godwin Obaseki’s motivations have become a subject of controversy, with skepticism emerging about whether his actions genuinely serve the well-being of the Esan people and Edos at large, or if they are driven by self-interest. The latter is truly the case with personalities like Obaseki, who play PDP during the day and Labour Party at night.

Critics point to a perceived lack of Esan representation in crucial government positions, such as the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Head of Service, and State Auditor General, all occupied by individuals from the Bini ethnic group. The recent selection of a Speaker from Edo North further intensifies concerns, as it seemingly excludes Esan people from significant positions of power-sharing in the state.

Calls for transparency have led some to challenge Obaseki to provide a comprehensive list of Esan individuals holding prominent roles within his administration. The inconsistency in the governor’s approach to ethnic representation is highlighted, especially in comparison to previous administrations led by individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. Little wonder that the two Vice-Chancellors Obaseki has appointed so far as interim head of the State-owned University in Ekpoma are Benin men, one of whom is his brother-in-law. Is this how to support Esan agenda?

Speculation surrounds Obaseki’s sudden advocacy for the Esan Agenda, with some suspecting that it might be linked to promoting his friend and business partner, Asue Ighodalo, as his successor. Despite lacking an official government position, Ighodalo’s influential role in managing Edo’s resources raises questions about the extent of his involvement in decision-making processes and the use of state funds, especially considering the close ties between his bank, Sterling Bank, and the Edo State government. Recently, it was widely reported that Sterling Bank received close to a billion naira as bank charges from the Obaseki-led government.

The perceived focus shift from the Esan Agenda to what some term an “Asue Agenda” raises concerns among Esan supporters who feel neglected and betrayed. The suspicion that Obaseki is backing Asue Ighodalo as a successor adds complexity to the situation, with questions about the electoral value and the potential elevation of Asue above the interests of the Esan people.

Governor Obaseki’s emphasis on the “Esan Agenda” appears to be influenced by Asue Ighodalo’s Esan background. Had Ighodalo hailed from Akoko Edo, Obaseki might have championed the “Akoko Edo Agenda.”

However, examining the past seven years reveals a notable disparity in the representation of Esan individuals in key roles. There are fewer than five Permanent Secretaries and Judges of Esan extraction in the Edo State Civil Service, contrasting starkly with Edo South’s dominance, claiming over 80% of such appointments under Obaseki’s tenure.

Despite this, the tangible development in terms of roads and infrastructure in Edo South seems disproportionately higher than in Esan. The absence of any road development in Edo Central during the Governor’s term raises questions about the equitable distribution of resources.

Critics argue that Obaseki’s focus on safeguarding his business interests with Asue Ighodalo may eclipse genuine concern for Esan’s welfare. The apparent disconnect between rhetoric and action prompts scrutiny of the Governor’s commitment to addressing the needs of Edo Central.

Governor Obaseki’s emphasis on ethnic politics, seen in his pitting of candidates from outside the Esan ethnic group against average Esan indigenes, has triggered worries about increased division and conflict within the state. The consequences of Obaseki’s ethnic political strategy remain uncertain, but observers caution against allowing his agenda to overshadow the broader interests of Edolites.

Additionally, reports of Obaseki sponsoring the Labour Party candidate, Barr. Akpata from Edo South through his SSG further contributed to the complexity of the political landscape, indicating potential maneuvering behind the scenes. In 2020 Obaseki sponsored Akpata to emerge as NBA President. It is a known fact that Akpata uses Edo State government house protocols during his political activities in the state. Recently, the Governor through his wife had a meeting with Akpata in far-away America where a huge amount of foreign currency was doled out to the former NBA President. Also, vehicles were made available to Akpata, which he in turn gave to the Labour Party in Edo State in a bid to secure the party’s ticket.

As time unfolds, it will become clearer how these dynamics impact Edo’s political landscape, and vigilance is urged to prevent the installation of what is perceived as a political “stooge” by Governor Obaseki.

Comrade John Imagbe writes from
Benin City

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

SERAP sues Akpabio over ‘failure to reverse unlawful suspension of Natasha Akpoti’

Published

on

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The group argues that the suspension is unlawful and violates her fundamental right to freedom of expression.

SERAP is seeking a court order compelling Akpabio to reverse the six-month suspension, reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, and restore all her legislative privileges. The organization also wants an injunction preventing the Senate from imposing further disciplinary actions against her for expressing her views.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended after she reportedly spoke without permission and rejected a new seat assignment in the Senate chamber. As part of her suspension, her salary and allowances have been withheld, and she has been barred from identifying as a senator.

In its suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP contends that the suspension deprives Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents of political representation. The organization also argues that penalizing a senator for exercising free speech creates a chilling effect on other lawmakers.

“No one should ever be punished for speaking without permission,” SERAP stated. “The Senate should uphold the rule of law and protect human rights, not suppress them.”

The group cites constitutional provisions and international human rights treaties, including Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

SERAP maintains that the Senate Standing Orders cannot override constitutional guarantees of free speech. The lawsuit emphasizes that restricting a senator’s expression undermines democracy and violates Nigerians’ right to receive information and participate politically.

No date has been set for the hearing of the case.

Continue Reading

News

Market associations, women groups knock el-Rufai, rally support for Tinubu, Gov Sani

Published

on

Ahead of the 2027 elections, hundreds of members of market associations and numerous women groups in Kaduna state at the weekend, occupied Kaduna metropolis in a peaceful demonstration where they reiterated their loyalty and support to the administration of
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The protesters who alleged that they had bitter experiences during the El-Rufa’i administration, said they would remain where Governor Uba Sani stood and advised the citizens of Kaduna not to be deceived by doing the contrary.
They recounted their ordeals during the 8 years of the previous administration, alleging that hundreds of market shops belonging to individuals were either seized, demolished or confiscated, a situation that triggered ill health in many traders and business owners leading to paralysis and multiple deaths of their colleagues.

“We’ve been in the market for over 40 years and have never experienced the kind of set backs we suffered under the previous Governor.”

“A lot of lives were lost,a lot of finances were ruined by reason of his kind of policies. We are here to speak with one voice and say that anything that would kind of revive such kind of philosophy in Kaduna market, we don’t want it,” Daniel Audu Maigari, a stakeholder of the Kaduna Market associations, has said.

He explained that “this incumbent Governor began by healing the wounds, the wounds that were really severed by the former Governor. Governor Uba Sani has been doing so,so very well and that’s why we’ve been with our leader, Alhaji Abdurrahman Mohammed, who like Governor Sani,has been charting the right course, ensuring programmes and plans that will heal these wounds .”

He said there was never been a time they are having the impact of leadership in Kaduna market, like they are having now.

” Now we’ve lots of incentives, lots of policies that are driving us to progress .We are now standing with one voice to denounce anything that would reverse this,” he said.

Alhaji Daiyabu Ismail Mai Gwanjo, Chairman Stakeholders of the Kaduna State Market Traders associations, said on behalf of their leader,Alhaji Abdurrahman Mohammed, his EXCO and all trader leaders in the 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, they have gathered to unilaterally declare an unalloyed support to Governor Uba Sani who had taken care of them and protected their interests.
According to him,” we have to say so,haven had the harrowing experience in the hands of the past administration. The scar still remains and many are yet to recover.”
“But when Almighty Allah sent Governor Uba Sani to us,he declared he would not do anything bad to traders because the world thrives on businesses.All the most cherished countries like China, Canada, UAE, India,are very proud of and supportive to their traders and other business persons.”

“Unfortunately, we found ourselves during the previous administration that neither showed empathy nor sympathy to traders. An approximate number of 36 markets were demolished at that time.None of these markets was completely rebuild ,till date,and we are suspicious of the collaboration between the previous administration and the market developers.”

“We are therefore calling on Governor Uba Sani, our Governor of sympathy and understanding, to look at this issue with a view to resolving it.We are with Uba Sani a hundred percent, ” he added.

Hajiya Hadiza Abdulaziz,a woman leader of the market association,said they have gathered in multitudes to reiterate their support to the APC and Governor Uba Sani who has tremendously supported the market men and women in Kaduna State.
” Most of the market women had no shops because the shops were collected. But now we give God the glory everybody has gotten their shops back and nobody will collect it again,” she said.

She expressed happiness that those making the market women not to achieve, had left the party and government.

“We’ve been crying, a lot of market women don’t have capital, they have been deceiving us.But now,I believe Governor Uba Sani is going to assist us,”she added.

The protesters later took to the streets ,displaying placards with various inscriptions denouncing the previous arrangements, and chanting slogans in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani and the All Progressives Congress, APC.
” Most of the market women had no shops because the shops were collected. But now we give God the glory everybody has gotten their shops back and nobody will collect it again,” she said.

She expressed happiness that those making the market women not to achieve, had left the party and government.

“We’ve been crying, a lot of market women don’t have capital, they have been deceiving us.But now,I believe Governor Uba Sani is going to assist us,”she added.

The protesters later took to the streets ,displaying placards with various inscriptions denouncing the previous arrangements, and chanting slogans in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Continue Reading

News

Obasanjo bemoans selection process of traditional rulers in Nigeria

Published

on

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concerns over the selection process of traditional rulers in Nigeria, stating that criminal elements have infiltrated royal institutions. He lamented that individuals with questionable backgrounds, including drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers, now hold positions of authority as traditional rulers.

Obasanjo made these remarks in his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, unveiled last week. He criticized the rapid increase in traditional rulers, many of whom, he claimed, lack the training and moral integrity required for the role. According to him, this deterioration has weakened the institution’s ability to contribute positively to the nation’s socio-political stability.

“Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers,” Obasanjo stated, stressing that some have abandoned their cultural responsibilities and engaged in misconduct. He cited an example of a monarch allegedly involved in electoral malpractice, questioning the moral integrity of such leaders.

“How do we account for a traditional ruler snatching a ballot box at an election polling station and running away with it?” he queried.

Reflecting on the past, Obasanjo noted that traditional rulers once commanded immense respect, especially during colonial and early post-independence eras. However, he said, their influence has been diluted due to the lack of proper training and moral reformation.

“The class of traditional rulers with their distinction, honour, and dignity, as we knew them in the colonial days and early post-independence days, has been diluted and polluted,” he remarked.

Calling for urgent reforms, the former president stressed the need to restore the lost dignity of traditional leadership. He emphasized that rather than being a liability, traditional rulers should play a vital role in national development.

“That dignity, aura, and respect should be brought back, and traditional rulers should be an asset to Nigeria’s development and greatness, not a liability,” he asserted.

Obasanjo further called for moral rejuvenation among traditional rulers, particularly those from historically significant institutions. He maintained that if properly positioned, they could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s long-term progress.

“There is a need for moral re-armament among the traditional rulers—the ancient and historic ones. They can and should make meaningful contributions to the Nigeria of our dreams that will serve the purpose and interest of all,” he concluded.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Zox News Theme. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress.