The oracle and Oshiomhole

THE oracle spoke and Edo people voted in a manner that comprehensively defeated the rivals of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in his race for the second term as governor of Edo State.

 In the course of the campaign, the rivals put their reasons why Oshiomhole should not be returned and the articles of John Ainofenohkai - The tragedy of governance in Edo and Callistus Omoregie - Why must Edo people be impoverished" in the Nigerian Tribune of Tuesday, 26 June, 2012, gave the impression that Oshiomhole was a non-performer who should be rejected at the polls. 

Of course, the supporters of Oshiomhole also had their stints at claiming that the Edo people have never had it so good. In the propaganda battle, it was even portrayed as if the Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba Erediauwa, snubbed the President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) delegation that paid a courtesy call on him.

 We were later made to understand that the President was received in private because the gods prevented the Oba from receiving the delegation. When the President later addressed the PDP rally, he alluded to an event when the Oba refused to see a former Minister of State for Works who was on an official visit to Edo State on the grounds that government had done nothing about the poor state of roads in the state. 

Even at that point in time (June 30, 2012) getting to Benin by road took about seven hours because of the bad stretch between Ore and the Edo State border. So bad was the situation that there were announcements that those travelling to Benin and beyond should avoid that area and instead travel via Akure. Oshiomhole's opponents saw his efforts at improving the roads in Benin area as cosmetic but people saw them as improvements hence they could not be convinced otherwise. 

The campaigns also featured the pictorial advertisements of the Edo Agenda Movement which tried to debunk the claim by Oshiomhole's government that Edo is working. Add to this is the publication of Fast Track that opinion polls put PDP ahead of ACN and ANPP in the guber race (Tribune, Tuesday, 10 July, 2012). 

 Now that the race is over and the postmortem is what follows, it is certain that the Edo people all along had confidence in their Governor though he too was shaken by the PDP propaganda. But what excited me most was the stance of the Oba's Palace that stated that the oracle had spoken in favour of Oshiomhole.

 I eagerly awaited the results to see if the oracle might have got it wrong, but, alas, the accuracy of the prediction was such that the PDP as a party easily conceded defeat. What happened is now clear to all: the people of Edo State did not fall for the PDP propaganda and they viewed Oshiomhole as an action governor that is transforming the state.

 The likes of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, Rev. Peter Obadan, Admiral Mike Akhigbe were practical enough to appreciate what Oshiomhole had achieved during his first term. But party loyalty forced them to plod along with the Chieftains when in their heart of hearts they sympathised with Oshiomhole. 

Standing by one's conscience is not an act of treachery and this is where I disagree with the submission of Uchechukwu Olisah in his article "How Edo governor election was won and lost". Charles Airhiavbere as the PDP candidate forced the sidelining of people like Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Kenneth Imansmangbon and Julius Ihonvbere. 

Airhiavbere's godfathers might not have calculated the risks of having a retired general as their gubernatorial candidate in a society that is attempting to be as much civilian as it can possibly be. The PDP heavyweights will have to get to the drawing board if they hope to do better in future elections in Edo State and elsewhere as the ACN will capitalise on this victory.

 There is no doubt that Oshiomhole has won a landslide having captured the 18 local government areas but he has to look into allegations of reckless spending on projects. Some have accused his administration of construction of roads at an average of one billion naira a kilometre. This should be disproved with facts. In doing so, Oshiomhole will be demonstrating that he is transparent and accountable to the people who have resoundingly expressed a vote of absolute confidence in him. 

 •Professor Odunuga, former member, Editorial Board, Nigerian Tribune, sent this piece from Ijebu Ode.

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Gov. Oshiomhole’s Example

SIR: The Governor of Edo state ceased being Comrade when he argued that prices are never stable, and so, even if he would not subscribe to “fuel subsidy removal” per se, he supported fuel price increase. He, like most of the other Governors swallowed the yeast of President Goodluck Jonathan (GJ) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), because of the minimum wage of N18.000 that the labour forces insisted upon.

I felt disappointed in Adams Oshiomhole particularly because he was a reputable comrade, as the former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress who was positively fierce in logical arguments. In respect of the fabricated “fuel subsidy removal”, however, he turned his back against the masses. Why did he conveniently overlook the fact that GJ was merely covering up stealing in the oil and gas sector? Yielding easily to imperialists, means Oshiomhole sees nothing wrong in their political operations. Who, then, should ordinary Nigerians look up to for the struggle for a better Nigeria?

Be that as it may, the Governor spoke like a comrade again when he promised never to outlaw commercial motorcycling (popularly called okada) in Edo state. Henceforth, I will resume addressing him as Comrade. I always lament that rulers who outlaw okada do so because they lack sympathy for pedestrians, and they themselves are driven in official vehicles when they don’t fly. Banning okada is as wicked as some members of the National Assembly who were seeking to ban workers’ strike in Nigeria.

Many remote streets are not plied by taxes and the residents who have no cars suffer untold hardship without okada. People who have 20 cars also take okada when they are desperate to reach a destination in a bad traffic situation or when their car breaks down. Anti-people policies are easy where opposition political parties are under duress. Opposition political parties must however exist in Nigeria to chase-out the PDP that has been deceiving ordinary Nigerians about power and other amenities since 1999.

*Pius Abioje,

University of Ilorin.

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Ndigbo Pledge Support for Oshiomhole

THE second term bid of the Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole got a boost from the Ndigbo community in the state as they assured the governor of total support during the electioneering period.

The Igbo community made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Benin City, on Friday

President-General of the Igbo Community Union, Edo State, Sir Luke Abbas who led the delegation to the Government House said that he was mandated to congratulate the administration for the wonderful job being done in the state in general and for the Igbo Community in particular.

According to him, "the administration in the past three and half years has transformed Edo State into an unbelievable and unparalleled level of development in the areas of road construction; hospital re-construction, rural development, provision of modern schools for our children, reduction of schools fees for children in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and other tertiary institutions."

He said the Igbo community are going to repeat the massive voting that they gave to the governor in 2007 governorship election come July 14th 2012.

Mr. Onyemene appreciated the governor for the provision of jobs to 21 Igbo natives since the inception of his administration adding that the Igbos have benefited abundantly from the administration

The Igbo community later presented a branded vehicle in support of the second term bid of Comrade Oshiomhole as Governor of Edo State as well as promised to brand their vehicles during the campaign.

Comrade Oshiomhole in his resonse, thanked the Igbo community for their support and prayers and expressed his appreciation for their contribution to the economy of the state.

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ADAMS OSHIOMOLE SHUTS DOWN NTA BENIN, NATIONAL MUSEUM

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshomhole has ordered the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Zonal Headquarters and the National Museum located in Benin City to be shut down over tax issues.

Both offices, reports say were sealed off by the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue, apparently acting on the orders coming from the office of the State Governor. The NTA office was closed over alleged ‘non-remittance of PAYE worth close to N20M’.

The National Museum located at King’s Square has also faced similar fate for allegedly ‘collecting revenue for social events in the museum’s premises worth about N6M.

Workers at both companies have not been able to gain entry into the buildings.

Ehi Omokhua, the Chairman of Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation and Trade Recreational Employment, Benin Museum Chapter says no letter of notice was served before the museum was closed.

‘The government had stopped the collection of revenue for social events. Where do they expect us to get remittance to pay? We see the closure as barbaric and autocratic in a democratic dispensation’, Omokhua told The Nation newspaper.

But the Oseni Elamah, chairman of the Revenue Board, says they have evidence that the museum officials have been illegally collecting funds from people. ‘They are illegally collecting revenue they are not supposed to collect. The land belongs to the government. They collected revenue throughout December. They are lying’, Elamah said.

On why NTA has been sealed off, Elamah says ‘tax was deducted from workers but not remitted to the government’.

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Fuel subsidy removal: Oshiomhole rolls out paliatives to Edo people

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State , yesterday, rolled out palliatives that would cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government in the state and admonished political leaders in the country learn to set aside personal political calculations in the larger interest of the polity.

The Governor in a state Broadcast, abolished all fees and levies including PTA in all public secondary schools, reduced school fees by N15,000 for under graduate students of the state-owned Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma both for indigenes and noen indigens, adding that te total value of this reduction will be paid to the University by the Edo State Government en bloc in addition to the N210 monthly subvention.

Other palliatives put in place includes,free medical treatment for pensioners and senior citizens at the age of 70 and above, 50 per cent reduction in transport fare to pupils and students, purchase of more buses and others.

Oshiomhole who noted that Nigerians rejected the removal of fuel subsidy because the public does not trust that the proceeds will be utilized judiciously, assured the people of the state that We are determined to ensure that the pains arising from the partial removal of subsidy translate to concrete gains for the generality of our people.

While appreciating the people of the state for their support and their unflinching trust, understanding during what he described as the challenging events of the past two weeks, I am deeply gratified by the appreciation of my position and role in the resolution of the crisis arising from the subsidy reduction.

For me, there are no easy solutions to the problems that confront our nation. However, to meet the multi-facetted challenges of good governance, I believe that leaders at all levels need to set aside personal political calculations in the larger interest of the polity.

Therefore, whereas it was convenient for me at this point to exploit the current issue to orchestrate my political interests, especially as elections are around the corner, the overriding interest of our country was utmost in my mind he said.

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We must not surrender to fear in 2012

GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has urged Nigerians to stand firm in the Year 2012 and should not surrender to fear, even in the face of intimidation and violent attacks by those desperate to spread mutual hatred.

In his New Year message, Oshiomhole who noted that the Nigerian nation, and not a particular religion or ethnic group, is under attack, urged the people to rise as one to face the challenge and defend the integrity of the polity.

He said: “in the Year 2012, we can confidently look forward to a brighter future, because we have all the ingredients that engender socio-economic and political progress; namely, an enterprising people and a government that works.

“For our beloved country, the times are certainly hard across all spheres of governance. In particular, the deficits in the security of lives and property and the management of our diversity have attained levels that give renewed cause for grave anxiety.

At this juncture, the Nigerian nation, not one particular religion or ethnic group, is under attack. We must respond as Nigerians and rise as a people to face the challenge, united by a common resolve to defend our collective security and the integrity of the polity.

“I believe strongly that Nigeria is all that we have and we have a duty to make it work. I urge that we continue to extend support to Mr. President in his efforts to respond to the multifaceted problems he inherited.

“Many nations have passed through the dangers and travails unleashed by secular and sectarian violence. Certainly, several are going through such difficulties even now. Solutions come by dint of faith in God; conscious efforts to nurture unity and consensus, as well as a firm resolve to defend the integrity of the polity.

“Therefore, we must not surrender to fear, mutual hatred or desperation to repartition the polity.

“At this point, our thoughts go out particularly to those who lost their loved ones in the recent violent attacks on innocent Nigerians. While we share in their grief, we cannot afford to give up the common Pan-Nigeria aspiration of the vast majority of our people.

“We in Edo State re-affirm our unflinching support to President Goodluck Jonathan as he leads the nation to find the right mix of solutions to the multifaceted problems and seek to put the nation on a sound development footing.

“I assure Edo people that everything will be done to apply the machinery of the state to make life better for us and our children.

“I wish Mr President and all Nigerians a happy and fulfilling 2012, with a prayer that God should bless our efforts to fix Nigeria.”

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Oshiomhole’s marks 3rd yr, dismisses N3bn claim

THE 3rd year anniversary celebration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state kicked off yesterday with an interdenominational service with Oshiomhole assuring the people of the state of more transformation in the years ahead.

Speaking at the service held at Idia College, Benin City, Oshiomhole stated that he would also ensure that there are no abandoned projects, asking the people of the state to continue to support the government in its developmental efforts.

But in a swift reaction, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Tony Iyare, dismissed the PDP allegation that the governor earmarked N3b for the event. “Do you know what N3billion is? If the Governor has that amount of money, he will immediately think of another road to tar or build another hospital or school.”

While commending the three years of Oshiomhole, the Bishop urged the Governor to continue in his efforts, calling on the people of the state to eschew violence so as to enjoy the developmental efforts of the Governor. He however admonished the Governor to shun praise singers who according to him, were only around to see what they can benefit from the system.

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ACN endorses Oshiomhole for 2nd Term

BENIN— Leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the three senatorial districts of Edo State, weekend, backed Governor Adams Oshiomhole for the 2012 gubernatorial election in the state. 

Party leaders in Benin City, led by the state chairman, Mr. Thomas Okosun, at a meeting, endorsed the governor for a second term after reviewing his achieve-ments. 

He stressed the need to return Governor Oshiomhole to office in the July 14, 2012 governorship election. Other leaders at the meeting were Dr. Pius Odubu, Deputy Governor of the state; Chief Tom Ikimi, former Foreign Affairs Minister; Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, ACN South-South Vice-Chairman; Senator Ehigie Uzamere; Deacon Domin-go Obende; Mr. Pally Iriase, House of Reps member and former Secre-tary to the State Govern-ment; and Mr. Charles Idahosa, among others. 

Okosun said: “The governorship election is around the corner. We have two Senators, seven members of the House of Representatives and 19 members in the state House of Assembly. It means that we have a challenge to return the Governor in the next election.” 

Mr. Iriase and former Speaker of the House, Mr. Bright Omokhodion, spoke on behalf of the people of Edo North and Central, respectively. On his part, Chief Ikimi urged the people to shun the rumour of infighting and quarrels in the CAN. He urged everyone to work towards reconciling aggrieved members.

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Edo voters sing new song ahead 2012

EDO State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has received commendations from a cross section of editors from both the print and broadcast media across the country for having the will power to open up the rural communities with the construction of several networks of roads barely two years and ten months in office. “What we saw is a different Edo State all together.

The governor has succeeded in distributing roads to the rural communities,” the editors who were in Benin City for the 7th All Nigeria Editors Conference disclosed after a tour of road projects embarked upon by the state government. There is no doubt that the people living in the rural communities in Edo State now have a different story to tell. In the past, it was a story of despair and disappointment, due to decades of criminal neglect, marginalisation and deceit by previous administrations.

As at this moment, the former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Oshiomhole is putting smiles on the faces of the people, particularly the rural folks who have not been taken into consideration in the developmental plans of previous administrations. The office of the governor, according to Comrade Oshiomhole, must be used to touch and change the lives of the people and he believes that when the various communities are linked with motorable roads, their economy is integrated into the national and state economies.

In all sectors of the economy, education, tourism, health, water, electricity and the civil service, the Oshiomhole-led administration has succeeded in making a positive statement. Take Benin City, for instance, the capital of the state has been transformed into a modern city from its unenviable status as a neglected ancient city. The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN) who was in Benin City for the 7th All Nigeria Editors Conference, on arrival, said he saw from the air before landing at the Benin Airport that there were remarkable changes in the landscape.

“From what I have seen so far, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has done well. The essence of democracy is for people to benefit from the dividends, which the governor is providing for the people in the state,” the NBA president disclosed when he paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House. During his first year in office, the governor had concentrated development projects in Benin City, the state capital, with a promise that after the first year, focus will be shifted to the entire state, which will be transformed, into a construction site.

And, true to his promise, no area of the state has been neglected, especially in the construction of roads and provision of those basic amenities, such as schools and water. Edo State governor had consistently reiterated that his administration is people- oriented and there is no doubt that the rural folk is overwhelmed with the rapid road transformation that has taken place in their communities. They could not conceal their joy seeing bulldozers, tippers and heavy-duty earth moving equipment in their communities for the construction of their roads that were hitherto abandoned.

You could see the excitement in their faces, apparently because when these roads are commissioned, they will link and integrate the remote communities with the city centres and thereby facilitate trade and development. The people have seen, for the first time, reputable contractors like Skaaf Construction Company, RCC, Hartland Construction, Borini Prono and Company Nigeria Limited, and a host of others working day and night to complete their assignments for which they have already been paid. 

The comrade governor who led the editors on a tour of some of the road construction sites in the state took a long walk down the dualised Auchi Polytechnic Road in Etsako West and they saw the excitement of the people who showered encomiums on the government for transforming the town into a mega city. They also visited the Usogun Primary School in Auchi, which was reconstructed, by the state government, the Jattu-Auchi road, Jattu-South Ibie road, Jattu-Afowa-Iyora-Apana road, the Iyamho-Iyora road and the Jattu Ayua roads, as well as the Iyamho Primary School. 

The construction of the Iyamho and Iyora roads was the best thing that had happened to both communities because with the construction of the roads the movement of goods will become easier, the relationship between them will be strengthened. In the words of Comrade Oshiomhole, the reason the village people are poor is because they are not integrated with the cities and they also lack educational institutions. He has therefore ensured that modern secondary and primary schools are built across the state, because, according to him, “any government that cannot provide education for the young ones is doomed.”

The people in the rural communities have expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for opening up their villages with the construction of several networks of roads, which were hitherto abandoned by past administrations. At the Afowa- Iyora- road in Etsako West, a trader, Madam Florence Agono said the road will enhance commercial activity, which was lacking in the past and she prayed for the governor for long life for remembering them.

In the words of Alhaji Sule Braimah, from Jattu - Ayua, “we have never seen this kind of government presence and we can now take our farm produce to the markets with ease, because the road was terribly bad in the past.” The state governor who told the Editors that government is determined to link the rural communities with the urban towns through the construction of network of roads said the people were informed in the past that due to the difficult terrain nothing could be done on some of the roads.

The governor noted that he is satisfied with the extent of work done on all the roads going on in the three senatorial districts of the state, especially those that are newly constructed, to provide access to the rural communities. Comrade Oshiomhole who expressed total commitment to the development of all parts of the state said the joy in the faces of members of the communities where the projects are sited shows that they appreciate what God is using him to do.

According to Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Managing Director of National Mirror Newspapers, while expressing his satisfaction with the efforts of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in the transformation going on in the State, the developmental strides achieved by the governor are impressive. ”We have visited the rural communities in Edo State and we are happy with the way the governor is opening up the communities.

It is apparent that if there have been other leaders like Oshiomhole, Nigeria would have been a better place,” he noted. According to him, if the governor does not go for a higher office, then his second tenure will witness tremendous transformation. In the words of Mr Femi Adesina, Deputy Managing Director of the Sun Newspapers, the roads are of high quality, noting that what they had seen was a true reflection of the dividends of democracy in Edo State.

The governor was commended by a cross section of the Editors including the Editor of Sunday Sun, Funke Egbemode, for having the will power to open up the rural communities. ”What we saw is a different Edo State all together. The Governor has succeeded in distributing roads to the rural communities,” they added.

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