Labour

Workers Hail Obaseki as Edo Pays N70,000 Minimum Wage

By Web News 369

The Edo State government has commenced the payment of N70,000 minimum wage to workers in the state.

The Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State Chapter, Odion Olaye, confirmed the payment of the new salary and commended the state government for fulfilling his promise to the workers.

He said Governor Godwin Obaseki had demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of the workers by the gesture, while calling on the workers to reciprocate the gesture by creating more wealth for the state by redoubling their efforts.

Olaye said, “I can confirm to you that the salary increase has been effected and workers are now earning N70,000 as minimum wage. I commend the governor for this”.

“I will also urge the workers who are wealth creators to reciprocate the kind gesture of the governor and redouble their efforts towards making the state great.”

The N70,000 minimum wage  was in fulfilment of the promise made by Obaseki, during the inauguration of the Labour House on April 29, 2024.

Obaseki, during the inauguration of the Labour House in Benin City, announced the increase of the minimum wage for workers in the state from N40,000 to N70,000, to reflect the current economic realities in the country

In a statement on Sunday, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage to the workers further demonstrated the commitment of the administration to the welfare of workers.

He said, “The Edo State government has paid the May salaries of workers in the state, reflecting the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage“.

“This is in fulfilment of the promise made by Governor Godwin Obaseki to increase the minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000, beginning this May, as part of efforts to cushion the impacts of the harsh economy occasioned by fuel subsidy removal and other economic decisions by the Federal Government“.

“It is also in furtherance of the commitment of the state government to meet its statutory obligation, even before the end of the month.”

The commissioner urged workers to remain committed to their contribution to the growth of the state and also reciprocate the gesture by the state government to their welfare.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Lifestyle

Fact-Checking: Did Edo Govt. Truly Demolish Philip Shuaib’s House?

By Web News 364

By Olufisoye Adenitan

Claim: X users Ogie (@marythesa) and Pastor Okezie J. Atani (@ONgbonu) claimed in a viral video that the government demolished the House of the impeached deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu.

Verdict: MISLEADING. While available findings show the security post outside the impeached Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaib’s house, was demolished, the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation said that it is not part of Mr Shuaib’s building.

Full Text

The former Deputy Governor of Edo state, Philip Shuaib, was impeached from office on Apr. 8, 2024, over alleged misconduct. Subsequently, Marvelous Omobayo was sworn in as the new deputy governor of Edo state.

However, on Apr. 15, 2024, X users Ogie (@marythesa) and Pastor Okezie J. Atani (@ONgbonu) claimed that the PDP-led government had demolished the residence of the impeached deputy governor

The now-deleted video by Pastor Okezie J.Atani garnered 11.8 views, 59 reposts, 19 quotes, 126 likes, and 15 bookmarks.

The video with the caption, “This is the Edo state Impeached deputy governor House, Philip Shuaib being demolished with Bulldozer by the PDP led government yesterday without giving Philip any prior notice o! This isn’t fair at all. Not fair…”

 The video, also posted by Ogie (@marythesa), garnered 11.8 views, 19 reposts, 46 likes, and 19 quotes.

“This is Philip Shuaibus’s house. Obaseki used his bulldozer to go and demolish it yesterday without giving Philip any prior notice o! Anyway, Philip, you laid your bed this way so better lay on it like that! Your karma came so fast. Next time, you (will) learn not to bite the fingers that fed you! So sad!” The video caption reads.

In the comment session, an X user, Olatunde (@one Naija Patriot), writes,

“I have no iota of pity for Philip Shuaibu. He dug his grave the day he teamed up with Obaseki to humiliate Oshiomole and did 360 years later to stand against the same Obaseki. He should eat his humble pie like that.”

Also, another user, Aux Osahon (@ AuzOsahon) said, 

“Bros dat na security post na… and it not suppose to be there in the first place… Who dey build security post across d road…. that’s not part of his house his land nor reach there, bro.”

Another commentator (@adekings2020) wrote,

“Watching this video shows that nothing happened to Philip Shuaib. The demolition was on the road; nothing happened to the fence. Why are people using SM to propagate fake stories?”

From the video posted by Pastor Okezie J Atani (@ONsogbu), it was observed that a female voice was narrating the incident, stating the men who came for the demolition said they were from the government house on instructions to carry out the exercise.

Due to the contradicting comments and virality of the post, DUBAWA decided to verify and set the record straight.

Verification

DUBAWA observed that in the video, a bulldozer pulled down the security post outside the building, not the main building, contrary to the assertion.

The commissioner for communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the security post was not part of the Shuaib’s residence.

“The Edo state Government had given Shuaib the privilege of enjoying an extra security presence in his house, but since he’s a private citizen and his security has been withdrawn, the security structure can not stand. It’s an illegal structure, but there is no plan to demolish its main building,” Nehikhare stated.

We also conducted a keyword search that led to news reports by Punch and The Guardian. These reports revealed that the officials of the Edo State Network and public works volunteers pulled down the security post in front of the residence of the former deputy governor, Philip Shuaibu, in the government reserve area, Benin.

Conclusion

 DUBAWA findings show that the house of the impeached deputy Governor of Edo state, Shuaib Philips, was not demolished, making the claim misleading.

The researcher produced this fact-check for the DUBAWA 2024 Kwame KariKari Fellowship, in partnership with Olufisoye Adenitan, FRCN positive fm Akure Ondo state Nigeria, to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country.

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Politics

Idahosa Emerges as Edo APC’s  Deputy Gov Candidate

By Web News 721

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has selected Hon. Dennis Idahosa as its deputy governorship candidate in the September 21 Edo governorship election.

Idahosa will serve as a running mate for the APC candidate in the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

Recall that Idahosa was one of the aspirants who vied for the APC ticket for the Edo governorship election during the party primaries but lost to Okpebholo, who eventually emerged as the party’s flag bearer for the November 21, 2024 election.

At a meeting on Sunday night, Idahosa was unveiled in the presence of the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, Okpebholo himself, and several other party chieftains.

Ganduje, along with the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Bashiru, is scheduled to present Okpebholo and Idahosa to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the villa today.

Idahosa is slated to take the place of Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, who was named by the governorship candidate last week as his running mate.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

Edo Assembly Sits with No Let in Shaibu/Obaseki’s Tango

By Web News 426

The Edo polity is astir following the raging feud between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu. Both camps were wrapped in anxiety, suspense and apprehension ahead of today’s resumption of sitting of the state House of Assembly.

Shaibu is battling perceived impeachment moves against him. The apprehension is over whether or not the lawmakers will embark on the purported impeachment plot of the deputy governor despite the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court directive of maintaining “status quo ante bellum” pending the determination of the suit filed by Shaibu to stop the alleged plot to remove him.

However, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr.  Blessing Agbebaku, said though the matter is in court, he cannot say much on the issue, adding there is no plan to impeach the deputy governor.

Agbebaku: “I don’t want to talk about it because the case is in court but there is no plan like that. There is no iota of truth about this issue of impeachment and the governor has no such plans because if there is anything like that, won’t I know? People are just carrying rumours.”

Legislators fault Shaibu on court action

Nevertheless, some lawmakers are not happy with Shaibu over his court action.  “The deputy governor going to court is, on its own, impeachable”, a principal officer said.

Continuing, he said “When you see the contents of the court documents, they are all speculative and breaches of the oath of secrecy he swore to when he was inaugurated.

“There is no plan like that at all. It was shocking to us when we got the court papers. Going through the papers, the content is enough to even commence impeachment but there is nothing like that” he said.

Shaibu’s camp keeps mute

The camp of Shaibu has decided to remain silent so as not to aggravate the crisis.  Contacted, a close ally of the deputy governor said: “We don’t want to aggravate the issue because the situation is delicate.”

Dep gov expected back today

Contrary to speculations that Shaibu ran away from the state, his aides said he has been in the United States of America, USA,  to attend the annual Afemai World Congress, AWC, and he is expected back in Nigeria on Sunday and “we are expecting him to resume today (Monday).

“So we don’t know what is going to happen when he resumes based on the fact that we have heard that they are going to lock his office,” one of them said.

Will Obaseki move against Shaibu today?

There are fears that the state government would move against Shaibu  this week barring last minute change of plan despite the pronouncement of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, which ruled last Friday that all parties maintain “Status Quo Ante Bellum”, pending the hearing slated for Thursday, 10Th August, 2023.  

Recall that Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court Abuja issued a temporary order stopping the move by the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, to impeach Shaibu.

Shaibu approached a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to stop the commencement of an impeachment process against him.

In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1027/2023, the Inspector General of Police;  State Security Service; the Governor of Edo State; the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, and the Chief Judge of Edo State are the first, second, third, fourth and fifth defendants respectively.

Shaibu is seeking an interlocutory injunction restraining the 3rd, 4th and 5th Defendants/Respondents or their agents from commencing an impeachment process against him.

He also prayed the court to restrain the governor of the state or other person acting on his order from harassing and preventing him from effectively discharging his duties as the deputy governor of the state.

In addition to the temporary order to maintain status quo ante bellum, in another ruling of the court made on July 27, 2023, the defendants were directed to show cause. 

Why Obaseki, Shaibu’re bickering

Many political analysts predicted that they would fall apart particularly when it became obvious that Shaibu is interested in succeeding Obaseki in 2024.

However none of the analysts predicted that it would come so soon, about one year and four months to the end of their tenure.

Shaibu has been consulting within Edo, Nigeria and in the Diaspora about his ambition to succeed his boss in 2024. However, Shaibu’s ambition did not get the blessing of his Obasekil even though he told the governor he was still consulting.

From the governor’s end, his supporters claimed that he had concluded that the governorship would not be zoned to Edo North where immediate past governor and Senator, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Shaibu hail from.  

Obaseki seems to be favouring Edo Central Senatorial District and analysts also argued that if by any chance it goes to Edo North, it should not be Etsako West where Oshiomhole and Shaibu come from.

Etsako East, Etsako Central, Owan West, Owan East and Akoko-Edo are the other local government areas that make up Edo North Senatorial District.

As a loyal deputy, who had enjoyed so much support from his principal that at a point Shaibu was seen as the most influential deputy governor in the country, which earned him several awards especially in the area of sports which the governor had given him freely to handle, it was gathered that the governor was miffed at his ambition.

It was gathered that the governor had also expressed his misgivings on his grip of the politics in Edo North as Vanguard gathered that he has been in charge of all appointments from Edo North yet, he has not been able to deliver in elections which it was gathered led the governor to insist that he should be meeting with stakeholders of the party in the area including people like Chief Dan Orbih, Pascal Ugbome, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe and others who are all from the area.

Multiple sources in Edo Government House told Vanguard that Shaibu approached the court on his purported impeachment to raise false alarm because he knew that his actions and utterances have been antithetical to what the administration of Obaseki stands for.

It is believed that he wants to keep his position as the deputy governor despite his alleged moves.

Some politicians alleged that Shaibu boasted recently that he would adopt the style of the former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike even as it was alleged that he was already in talks with the All Progressives Congress, APC, at national level to decamp allegedly using members of PDP from the state who had decamped to APC.

Shaibu’s aides come to his defence

A close political associate to Shaibu expressed shock that thoughts of impeaching Shaibu could be contemplated, saying that it is the right of Shaibu to aspire to any political office he desires.

He said: “Whatever the situation is, Comrade Shaibu has the right to contest, he said he is still consulting and that the response he gets from his consultation would determine his next line of action.

“We expected that some of these things will happen along the line but I didn’t expect it so soon, the governor still has over a year and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,  has not released the timetable for the Edo election and this is already happening.

“I can confidently tell you that those allegations against Shaibu are false. 

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

IG Disbands Edo Police Team for Running Over Cuffed Man

By Web News 338

The acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has said the Police officers accused of running over a man in handcuffs in Edo State are facing disciplinary charges and administrative procedures.

A team of policemen with their official vehicle had run over a handcuffed middle-aged man, dragging him through the road in Ekpoma, Edo State.

The incident was said to have caused apprehension in the area.

 Last Friday, the IG summoned the erring police officers to the Force Headquarters.

However,  a statement on Thursday by the Force Spokesperson,  Muyiwa Adejobi, added that the IG had ordered the disbandment of the unit in the state.

It partly read, “In a bold move to address the unprofessional conduct of some Police Officers attached to the Edo State Police Command who were responsible for running over a citizen at Ekpoma, the acting IGP, has taken the decisive action of disbanding the team forthwith. This step aims to regularize and standardize police operations in the axis; and restore public trust in the Police Force.”

He explained that the actions were taken to demonstrate that the Force frown on such behaviour.

“Additionally, the operatives involved are currently facing disciplinary charges and administrative procedures. This move underscores the commitment of the IGP to hold officers accountable for their actions which will never be tolerated in the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates his commitment to ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and ethics while urging members of the public to always cooperate with Police Officers in the discharge of their statutory duties, ” the statement added.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Security

Police Lose Officer in Rescue of Edo Customary Court President

By Web News 433

The abducted Edo Area Customary Court President, Mrs. Precious Aigbonoga, has regained her freedom.

The Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed her rescue on Thursday, said that a police officer was killed during the operation.

Nwabuzor also said Aigbonoga was rescued by the military and police team at a place called Scorpion Hill inside the forest where she was held.

Aigbonoga was kidnapped on Monday around Ugoneki area on her way to Igueben Local Government Area, Edo, where she serves as President, Igueben Area Customary Court.

The Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Benin Branch, led by Chief Nosa Edo-Osagie, thanked God and those who stood by the family, including the NBA as well as the security agencies who made the release possible.

Also, a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, Festus Usiobaifo, stated, ”A source told the chairman and his team (Dream Team) that his honour was rescued unhurt in the early hours of today, 12th day of January 2023.

”It was gathered that in the process of rescuing the victim, there was an exchange of heavy gunfire between the police and the bandits which led to one of the gallant police officers paying the ultimate price.”

Usiobaifo said the chairman appreciated the police and also commended them for their prompt intervention in the rescue.

The chairman also commiserated with the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara, on the loss of the officer.

He said that the chairman and his team appreciated Nigerians, especially members of the Benin Bar, for standing by Aigbonoga’s family during her time in captivity.

NAN/Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Sport

Edo 2020: Team Oyo On Course To Break 2018 Record-Ojelowo

By Web News 934

Few days to the closing ceremony of the National Sports Festival in Edo State, Director of Organization, Oyo State Sports Council, Mr. Kehinde Ojelowo has expressed optimism that Team Oyo will surpass the sixteen gold medals recorded at the 2018 edition.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria in Benin, Edo state, Mr. Ojelowo was confident that Team Oyo will clinch gold medals in some sporting events such as boxing, chess, table tennis and Trado Sports; Ayo Olopon, that would add to the existing ten gold medals in the possession of the pacesetter state.

“Oyo state will surpass its record at the last festival as we are expecting more gold medals and by the grace of God we will be counting twenty gold medals upward between Monday and Tuesday” Ojelowo told Radio Nigeria

While commending Governor Seyi Makinde for his commitment to sports development, Mr Ojelowo equally praised the state’s athletes and officials for their hard work and determination at the ongoing Sports Festival.

“I want to appreciate His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Board and Management of Oyo state Sports Council for the support as well as the determination of the Athletes that have brought Team Oyo to the present stage”

Mr. Ojelowo reiterated that Governor Makinde will reward outstanding Athletes when they return to Oyo state.

Oyo state has so far won ten gold, fourteen silver and thirty five bronze medals at Edo 2020 National Sports Festival which will end this Wednesday.

Olaolu Fawole

News

Ondo Beat Edo To Retain Volleyball Title

By Web News 646

Team Ondo beat Team Edo in the final of the men’s volleyball event at the 20th edition of the National Sports Festival at the Emotan Sports Complex yesterday.
The victory makes them champions of the men’s volleyball event.
It was the third match for Team Ondo in Edo and they defeated the hosts 3-1 (25-18, 25-10, 22-25, 25-21).
Speaking after the game, head coach of Ondo State volleyball team, Mr Adekalu Adeniyi, said they came with a mind set of retaining their title and glad they’re taking the gold back to Akure.
Team Ondo also won the men’s volleyball event in Abuja in 2018.

Lara Ayoade

Sport

Vice President Osinbajo To Declare EDO 2020 Sports Festival Open

By Web News 598

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo will today declare the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival open.

This was stated by the secretary, Main Organizing committee, Mr. Peter Nelson.

He said Professor Osinbajo will pay homage to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, before proceeding to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the opening of the national sports event.

The programme, which starts at 7pm and runs for two hours, will showcase the rich Edo cultural heritage, with musician Fire Boy also performing at the event.

According to the MOC secretary, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare will officially welcome the athletes, while Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy Philip Shaibu will also speak on the festival.

Mr. Nelson added that to ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols, there would be restrictions to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with people gaining access with invitation cards, while states will be allowed to present only 20 athletes for the ceremony.

Lara Ayoade

Sport

Team Ogun Departs for 20th National Sports Festival in Edo

By Web News 677

Team Ogun Contingents have departed for the 20th National Sports Festival in Edo which commenced on Friday.

The state contingents completed the COVID-19 mandatory test today at the MTR Specialist Hospital, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, leaving the Rock City amidst hope and determination.

Many of the athletes whose events start tomorrow were also among those that made the trip to the ancient Benin City, while others are to have enough time to relax before the commencement of their events.

The second batch of the team are expected to leave on Sunday since all modalities had been perfected by the management of the Ogun State Sports Council led by its Director of Sports, Mrs. Folakemi Rotimi.

Olusegun Folarin

Sport

National Sports Festival to Hold Next Month in Edo

By Web News 628

The much postponed Edo National Sports Festival will go ahead as planned from  2nd – 14th of next month, with 8,000 athletes taking part, Minister  of Youth  and sports Development Chief Sunday Dare has assured.

Speaking in Benin after undergoing a tour of facilities and a meeting with  Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Chief Dare said the camp for the Edo Festival would be opened on second of next month, while the official opening of the Festival will be done by President Muhammadu Buhari on the sixth.

 The minister said the ministry was also working closely with the PTF,NCDC and other stakeholders to ensure that the necessary support were provided in terms of vaccination of athletes, test kits. 

He said the number of athletes that would be participating had been reduced from 14,000 to 8,000.

He commended Edo state Governor and his Deputy Governor for taking the lead.

Chief Dare concluded that the event was coming at the most auspicious  time when athletes are preparing for the Olympics.

The Festival billed for last year was postponed due to the out break of Covid-19.

The new February date was also moved due to paucity of funds.

PR/Olaolu Fawole

Crime

63 Year Old Man in Police Net for Defiling Two Year-Old Girl

By Web News 628


A 63 year old man, Sunday Igbinokhuaihe has been arrested by men of the Edo State Police Command for defiling a two-year-old girl.
It was gathered that the incident happened in Uronigbe, Orhionmwon local government area of the state where the suspect is said to be a neighbour to the parents of the little girl.
The old man was alleged to have lured the girl into his room, using a loaf of bread and thereafter used his finger to break the hymen, while the girl’s mother was in the kitchen preparing dinner.
It was further gathered that the mother of the child noticed that something was amiss, when her daughter screamed while she attempted to bath her later in the evening.
The little girl was said to have described to her mother, how Igbinokhuaihe used his finger on her private part, a situation that prompted the mother to raise alarm that attracted neighbours.
The matter was said to have been reported at the Urhonigbe Police station and the suspect was arrested before he was later transferred to Abudu Police Division.
Igbinokhuaihe was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, of the Edo State Police command in Benin city, where he is currently being detained pending the conclusion of investigation.
Vanguard

Politics

Breaking: Obaseki Wins Edo Gubernatorial Election

By Web News 745

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has declared Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki winner in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State.

According to the results, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Godwin Obaseki polled three hundred and seven thousand, nine hundred and fifty-five, 307,955, votes.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, flagbearer, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu had two hundred and twenty-three thousand, six hundred and nineteen, 223,619.

With the victory, Governor Obaseki will be at the saddle in Edo State for a 2nd term of 4 years.

Savouring the victory, the Edo State governor expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for defending democracy, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders as well as the electorate.

Olarinde/Okareh/FRCN Abuja

Politics

Nigerians should enjoy privileges of their state of residence – Gov. Akeredolu

By Web News 633

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has appealed to Nigerians to start seeing themselves as one regardless of tribe or state of origin

He gave the advice while receiving indigenous people of Edo State in his office in Akure

Governor Akeredolu explained that every citizen given birth to in a state should be accorded all privileges enjoyed by the inhabitants of such state

Mr Akeredolu decried how long a person given birth to in a particular state would continue to be tagged a sojourner, thus deprived of some privileges

Earlier, a representative of the Edo residents in Ondo State, Mr Jonah Omoruwa hinged their support for the second term bid of Governor Akeredolu on laudable projects so far executed in less than four years.

Olorunferanmi Odofin