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.”
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed sorrow over the passing of Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, Nigeria’s oldest Catholic priest, who died at the age of 104.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo commended the late priest’s exemplary life, noting that his humility, sacrifices, and the countless lives he touched will never be forgotten.
“Monsignor Oleghe, who hailed from Igiode town in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, was not just a spiritual leader but a father figure to many.
His 104 years on earth were marked by impactful service to humanity and unwavering devotion to God,” the governor said.
Governor Okpebholo extended his condolences to the Catholic community in Nigeria, particularly the Auchi Diocese, and to the family of the late priest.
“Although he lived a fulfilled life and passed away at a ripe age, we will continue to miss his fatherly roles. On behalf of the people and Government of Edo State, I offer my deepest condolences to his family and the Catholic Church. May God grant his soul eternal rest,” the governor added.
Monsignor Oleghe’s life and ministry, spanning decades, have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the wider community in Edo State and beyond.
His passing marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected religious figures.
In a historic move aimed at mending the relations between the Edo State Government and the Benin Kingdom, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has restored the full statutory rights of the Oba of Benin, including ownership of the repatriated Benin artefacts looted by British colonial forces during the 1897 Benin Massacre.
Governor Okpebholo also reversed previous decisions, such as the revocation of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre’s concession, which was intended for use as a motor park by the last administration.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a Statement on Sunday explained that the Okpebholo’s administration plans to restore the centre to its original purpose and ensure its proper utilization.
In addition, Governor Okpebholo abolished the controversial traditional councils created in Edo South by the previous government, reestablishing the Benin Traditional Council’s (BTC) financial entitlements and authority.
Okpebholo reaffirmed his support for the construction of the Benin Royal Museum to house the returned artefacts, distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) promoted by the former administration.
With the Federal Government issuing a Gazette recognizing the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, as the sole custodian of the repatriated artefacts, the Governor reiterated his commitment to upholding the Monarch’s rights and supporting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration further emphasized respect for traditional institutions, ensuring that the Oba of Benin’s role as the cultural leader of the Kingdom remains unchallenged.
In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability in governance, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the constitution of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the assets and liabilities of the previous administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The committee, which is tasked with providing a comprehensive review of the state’s assets, will be inaugurated on Tuesday, 26th November 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
In a statement by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the decision to set up the committee aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to ensuring probity and transparency in Edo State’s governance.
“The need to establish a State Assets Verification Committee is imperative to set the state on a path of development and accountable leadership. Despite repeated calls for a holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government provided scant and limited records.
“In line with the Governor’s campaign promise to promote transparency and deepen the governance process, this committee has been constituted with respected sons and daughters of Edo State,” the statement read.
The committee’s findings are expected to guide future decisions and strengthen governance structures in the state.
The Committee Members which include distinguished individuals from various sectors is chaired by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as the Deputy Chairman.
Other members include:
1. Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe – Chairman
2. Anslem Ojezua – Deputy Chairman
3. Prince Kassim Afegbua – Member
4. Hon. Patrick Ikhariale – Member
5. Mr. Taiwo Akerele – Member
6. Hon. Patrick Idiake – Member
7. Hon. Rasaq Bello-Osagie – Member
8. Mr. Fredrick Unopah – Member
9. Frank Osumuede Edebor Esq – Secretary
10. Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia – Member
11. Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon – Member
12. Pharm. Kenny Okojie – Member
13. Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae – Member
14. Hon. Abass Braimoh – Member
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News11 months agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu