News From Edo
Edo 2024: PDP Crisis gets Messier, as Shaibu heads to Court
***Sues Asue Ighodalo, INEC, PDP
By Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja
The crisis in the Edo state chapter of the People’s Democratic party ( PDP) may be getting Messier as the state Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu has dragged Dr. Asue Ighodalo, PDP, INEC before Federal High Court in Abuja over the party primary held on 22nd of February, 2024.
Comrade Philip Shaibu is seeking an order of the Court nullifying the 2nd Defendant’s purported Edo State Governorship primary election which took place at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin-City on 22nd February, 2024 where the 4th Defendant purportedly emerged as the Governorship Candidate of the 2nd Defendant.
The Deputy Governor through his Counsel, Doyin Awoyale SAN is also seeking an order of the Court directing the 2nd Defendant to withdraw forthwith the Certificate of Return issued to the 4th Defendant having emerged from an invalid and unlawful Governorship Primary Election conducted contrary to the provisions of the 2nd Defendant’s Constitution and the Electoral Act.
He therefore further seek an order of injunction restraining the 4th Defendant from parading himself as the duly nominated Governorship candidate of the 2nd Defendant in the forthcoming Edo State Governorship Election scheduled for the 21st of September 2024.
The originating summons reads : “AN Order of injunction restraining the 1st Defendant from accepting and/or recognizing the name of the 4th Defendant as the Governorship candidate of the 2nd Defendant in the 2024 Edo State Governorship election scheduled to be conducted by the 1st Defendant on the 21 of September 2024.
“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court restraining the Defendants by themselves and/agents, representatives, organs chapters, etc from tampering with and/or discarding the delegates lists that emerged from the 2^{nd} Defendant’s congresses of 4^{th} February 2024 and 10th February, 2024 conducted by the National Working Committee of the 2^{nd} Defendant.
“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court mandating the 2^{nd} Defendant to conduct a fresh Governorship Primary Election for the Nomination of the Governorship Candidate for the 2^{nd} Defendant in the 2024 Edo
In a suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/308/2024 , the deputy governor sought for the following reliefs : That A DECLARATION that upon a proper construction of the provisions of Sections 84 (1), (5B) & (13) of the Electoral Act, 2022; Article 15 (2) of the 2^{ND} Defendant’s Constitution; Part 1 Paragraph 1 (A), (B) and Part 1 Paragraph 1 (1) of the 2^{ND} Defendant’s Electoral Guidelines for Governorship Primary Election, it is only Ad Hoc Delegates that emerge from a Special Local Government Area Congress and Special Ward Congresses conducted by the 2^{nd} Defendant National Working Committee (NWC) that are eligible to vote in the Edo State PDP Governorship Primary Election held on the 22nd February, 2024.
“A DECLARATION that upon a proper construction of the provisions of Section 84(1), (5B), (8) and (13) of the Electoral Act 2022; Articles 15(2), 50 (1), (2B) of the 2^{ND} Defendant’s Constitution; Part 1 Paragraph 1 (A), (B) and Part 1 Paragraph 1 (1) of the 2^{ND} Defendant’s Guidelines for Governorship Primary Election, the 2nd Defendant cannot alter, modify, amend, exclude or substitute the list of ad hoc delegates from a Special Local Government Area Congress and Special Ward Congresses conducted by the 2^{nd} Defendant National Working Committee (NWC)who emerged as delegates for the purpose of nominating the Edo State PDP Governorship Candidate in the forthcoming Edo State Governorship Election scheduled for the 21 of September 2024?
“A DECLARATION that upon a proper construction of the provisions of Section 84 (1), (2), (5B) & 13 of the Electoral Act, 2022; Articles 15 (2), 50 (1), (2B) of the 2^{ND} Defendant’s Constitution; Part 1 Paragraph 1 (A), (B) and Part 1 Paragraph 1 (1) of the 2ND Defendant’s Guidelines for Governorship Primary Election, the purported Governorship Primary Election conducted by the 2^{nd} Defendant at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin-City on the 22^{nd} of February 2024, from where the 4th Defendant purportedly emerged as the Governorship Candidate of the 2ND Defendant, is null and void.
“A DECLARATION that the 1 Defendant is not entitled to accept or recognize the 4th Defendant as the duly nominated governorship candidate of the 2^{nd} Defendant in Edo State for the 21″ of September 2024 Governorship Election, having emerged from an invalid, unlawful and illegal primaries conducted contrary to Section 84(1), (5B), (8) and (13) of the Electoral Act 2022; Articles 15(2), 50 (1), (2B) of the 2ND Defendant’s Constitution; Part 1 Paragraph 1 (A), (B) and Part 1 Paragraph 1 (1) of the 2ND Defendant’s Guidelines for Governorship Primary Election.”
News From Edo
Okpebholo initiates major infrastructure project to tackle traffic congestion in Benin City
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially flagged off the construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin City, as part of his administration’s efforts to tackle traffic congestion in the state capital.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Fred Itua, in a statement on Tuesday quoted the Governor at the ground-breaking ceremony, to have announced plans to construct two more flyover bridges at Dawson Road Junction and Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the completion of the Ramat Park flyover will significantly transform the economy and social dynamics of Benin City and Edo State. He described Ramat Park as a gateway to Benin City and other regions of the country.
He noted that the bridge will provide relief for motorists traveling along the Benin-Auchi Expressway and the Benin-Asaba Expressway.
“I warmly welcome you to the ground-breaking and flag-off ceremony of the Ramat Park flyover. This is the beginning of a crucial project that will bring economic and social benefits to our capital city and the entire Edo State.
“Ramat Park is a key gateway to Benin City, and this flyover will improve the lives of motorists and commuters along these vital corridors,” Governor Okpebholo stated.
“During our campaigns, I promised to construct flyovers to ease transportation and reduce traffic gridlock in our city. Today, just one week into my administration, we are delivering on that promise.
“This is the first flyover, and we will construct more, including one at Dawson Road Junction and another at Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction.”
The Governor also noted the historical significance of Benin City, emphasizing the need to revitalize the city to encourage tourism and further development.
“I must express my gratitude to the Speaker and the members of the House of Assembly for their support. I also appreciate CCECC Nigeria Limited for their commitment to completing the project within 18 months.
“To the people of Edo, I assure you that we will execute this project in line with all relevant laws and regulations,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo appealed to motorists for patience as the construction progresses over the next 18 months.
Daughter of a former Governor of Edo State and resident of the area, Amen Ogbemudia, expressed her gratitude to the Governor for his visionary leadership.
She noted that the Governor’s actions were bringing hope to the people of Edo State.
Emmanuel Aigbogun, a youth from the Oregbeni Community, also commended Governor Okpebholo for his bold step in addressing the city’s infrastructural challenges, stating that the Governor had written his name in gold with the groundbreaking of the Ramat Park flyover.
“You made a promise, and you are here to fulfill it. We are behind you and will continue to support your administration,” he said.
**Okpebholo orders security agencies to intensify efforts against criminals
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken a firm stance against criminal activities, particularly cultism, declaring that Edo must remain safe for all residents—except criminals.
The governor made the declaration during a security meeting with heads of various security agencies on Monday evening, following a surge in violent crime and killings linked to cult activities across the state.
In his address, Governor Okpebholo condemned the increasing criminality, emphasizing that his administration would not tolerate lawlessness in any form. “Edo State will be a place of safety for our law-abiding citizens. Criminals have no place here, and we are taking decisive steps to ensure that law and order are restored across the state,” he declared.
The governor ordered security agencies to ramp up patrols, focus on dismantling cult groups, and take all necessary measures to protect communities from the menace of violence and criminal activities. He also assured the public that his government would provide full support to the security forces to ensure their operations are successful.
Governor Okpebholo further called for the collaboration of Edo residents, urging them to report any suspicious activities to the authorities. He stressed that the fight against crime is a collective responsibility and that the government cannot succeed without public cooperation.
The announcement has been met with widespread approval, as citizens and community leaders expressed confidence that the governor’s strong leadership would restore peace and security in the state.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole as the new Commissioner for Health, tasking him with the responsibility of transforming the state’s healthcare system.
The ceremony, held at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Benin City, was attended by prominent state officials, including Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Musa Ikhilor, Chief of Staff Mr. Gani Audu, Head of Service Anthony Okungbowa, and various Permanent Secretaries.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua quoted him to have highlighted the critical challenges confronting the health sector and therefore emphasized the urgency of addressing them.
He assured the new Commissioner of his administration’s unwavering support to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services to Edo residents.
“You are stepping into a sector with significant challenges, but with determination and innovation, we can transform healthcare delivery in Edo State. “The people are counting on us to provide efficient and accessible medical services.
“This is a call to action, and I trust you will rise to the occasion,” the Governor stated.
Responding, Dr. Oshiomhole expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged his commitment to improving the state’s healthcare system.
“I am deeply honored by this trust and will bring my expertise and dedication to ensure Edo State achieves a robust and sustainable healthcare sector.
“I am committed to working in line with the law and the vision of this administration to provide quality health services for our people,” he assured.
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