News From Edo
Edo Governor Vows to Expose Obaseki, PDP Mismanagement
The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to uncover and address the alleged financial and administrative mismanagement of the previous administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a press statement issued by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the administration accused the PDP of neglecting its responsibilities to the people of Edo State and fostering corruption.
The statement criticized the Obaseki-led PDP government for allegedly mismanaging resources, disrespecting traditional institutions, and allocating state assets to political cronies.
“The PDP and Obaseki are worried that the public will be dazed when details of the atrocities he supervised as governor are unearthed. The Okpebholo-led administration owes it to Edo people to expose the PDP and Obaseki,” the statement read.
Since assuming office two weeks ago, Governor Okpebholo has introduced significant reforms to address pressing issues left unresolved by the previous administration.
According to the statement, activities of touts in Edo markets, allegedly supported by the Obaseki administration, have been banned.
It added that cult-related violence in Benin City has been confronted and curtailed well the stoppage of illegal revenue collection across the state.
“Governor Okpebholo has flagged off the construction of the first flyover bridge in Edo State, marking a major infrastructure milestone.”
The statement also accused the Obaseki administration of misappropriating public resources, claiming nearly 500 government-owned vehicles were illegally allocated to allies.
“The PDP-led heist in Edo State will be exposed. No amount of blackmail will stop the Okpebholo-led administration from recovering the commonwealth of the people from a few dubious men,” the statement asserted.
It dismissed recent criticisms by the PDP regarding vacant National Assembly seats, describing them as uninformed.
The Statement urged Edo residents to disregard the PDP’s accusations and support the administration’s efforts to develop the state
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
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