BENIN CITY - GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomohole of Edo state yesterday condemned the assault of agents of the state Board of Internal Revenue by the Benin Manager of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mr Ayodele Sunday during the enforcement of a court order sealing the airport for default in the payments of N15 million PAYE tax.
The Governor also frowned at the arrest of the Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue, Chief Oseni Elamah, on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, saying the Police ought to protect the man trying to enforce the law and not the lawbreaker. He said the due process of law will be applied to pursue the matter and called for the release of Chief Elamah.
In a statement signed by Peter Okhiria, CPS to Edo State Governor, Oshiomohole said, “the Edo state government did not seal up the airport, the revenue board staff went there peacefully to do their job. The authority of the revenue board went to serve a ‘Distraining Order’ on the administrative office of FAAN, it was done in a way to ensure that it does not affect the operations of the airport knowing that the airport is a public place and as much as we want to collect taxes due to government, we don’t want to inflict pains on travellers who are not a party to the issue of tax evasion.
“However when the Manager’s office was sealed up, he in turn, in order to attract national attention or dramatize the issue, decided on his own to shut down the airport. As you know his office is several hundred meters outside the airport and the sealing up of his office will not in any way affect the airport. So just to put it on record, the Edo state government did not shut down the airport.
“We believe it was possible to get the FAAN to pay their obligation without causing untold hardship to air travelers. So the closure of the airport has been unilaterally closed down by the Airport Manager who wanted to use it to shield himself from the charges against him, namely, deducting PAYE from employees of FAAN and not paying to the Edo state government in accordance with the law.
“Everybody is under the law; no one is above the law. The only thing that surprised me this morning is that the airport Manager assaulted members of the revenue board. I have been a bit embarrassed that the Police Commissioner has arrested the Revenue Board chairman and I have asked him to release him he said his arrest was on the orders of the IGP.
“I have thought that when laws are violated that it is those who violated the law that should be arrested by the police not those who seek to enforce the law. I do not believe that the action of the police is appropriate and I feel we all must ensure that the rule of law be followed. I believe that the revenue board acted properly by going to court to obtain a court order and to serve it in a way that it will cause no inconvenience to members of the public. I believe the matter is under control, I have spoken to the authorities in Abuja and I believe the matter will be handled amicably” he stated.
Showing posts with label Oshiomhole. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oshiomhole. Show all posts
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Why I gave N100m to Edo market women - Oshiomhole
By SIMON EBEGBULEM
BENIN CITY-GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Thursday, said he decided to give N100million to market women in the state because they have been crucial to the sustenance of democracy in the state.
The State Government Wednesday gave N100 million revolving, interest-free and non-refundable grant to market women in the state to boost their trade with a call on them to continue to defend democracy and good governance.
[caption id="attachment_329854" align="alignnone" width="412"]
*Oshiomhole[/caption]
Oshiomhole who spoke at a reception organized for him by market women across the state also asked them to forward names of twenty candidates to government for Board appointments.
According to the governor, "next month, the state government will give the market women N100 million and you people know how best to share it to support your business. This money should be rotated amongst yourselves and you do not have to pay back to the government.
Also forward twenty names to the Chief of Staff, we will put them in various boards under Edo State government because this government is your own and you must participate in it.
"As our mothers and sisters, individually and collectively you carry our message of hope across the 192 wards, you canvassed for support, enlightened the people on what we are doing right and even with the promise to do more and at the end of the day the people listened, they voted and ACN won 18 over 18. You did it before and you have done it again on the basis of what is good for the Edo people," he noted.
The Governor noted, "I like having meetings in this hall just to remind us of what has changed, how we can build a new world from the ashes of the old that we can now have a beautiful hall for a secondary school and from Edo North, Edo Central, Edo South we are building schools, so that your children, the child of a market woman will have every reason to look forward to a decent school.
Never again will the Edo child be taught in a class without roof or even without teachers.
"I am very appreciative and even committed along with members of my cabinet, we are clear that we are here only because you are here. we are a passing phase you are a permanent force, we have shown that a state can work when those in government recognize that the power that they exercise belong to the people and the power is exercised solely on their behalf and no government is legitimate if its actions are not informed by the greatest good for the greatest number of her citizens.
"We have shown that the performance of a government is not necessarily determined by the amount of oil money we get every month from Abuja. we have shown that we can look inward and reinvent our state, reposition it on the path of sustainable development, we are proud to say that there is no local government that people can not point at what has changed and even what is changing and promise what is still going to change and with you by our side we can not be afraid," he noted.
The Governor urged the women to “defend the gains of good governance, to defend democracy because it is the only form of government that gives the market woman power to hire and fire, that power you must retain and use it judiciously and to insist that beyond election day the governor and the governed must meet eye ball to eye ball to give account and that is the gain of democracy.
"You must have the confidence to talk to your governor the way you talk to your husband or your son so that never again are we going to have a graveyard silence in Edo state. As Nigeria moves, the Edo woman must be counted on the side of democratic forces," he added.
Earlier, the Secretary General of the Edo State Market Women Association, Mrs. Blackie Omoregie said the forum was to congratulate the governor for the victory in the governorship election and commend him for his developmental efforts.
"We like to bring to your notice the inability of previous governments to grant interest free-loans to market women. We shall be most grateful if your administration can rescue us in this direction," she added
BENIN CITY-GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Thursday, said he decided to give N100million to market women in the state because they have been crucial to the sustenance of democracy in the state.
The State Government Wednesday gave N100 million revolving, interest-free and non-refundable grant to market women in the state to boost their trade with a call on them to continue to defend democracy and good governance.
[caption id="attachment_329854" align="alignnone" width="412"]
*Oshiomhole[/caption]Oshiomhole who spoke at a reception organized for him by market women across the state also asked them to forward names of twenty candidates to government for Board appointments.
According to the governor, "next month, the state government will give the market women N100 million and you people know how best to share it to support your business. This money should be rotated amongst yourselves and you do not have to pay back to the government.
Also forward twenty names to the Chief of Staff, we will put them in various boards under Edo State government because this government is your own and you must participate in it.
"As our mothers and sisters, individually and collectively you carry our message of hope across the 192 wards, you canvassed for support, enlightened the people on what we are doing right and even with the promise to do more and at the end of the day the people listened, they voted and ACN won 18 over 18. You did it before and you have done it again on the basis of what is good for the Edo people," he noted.
The Governor noted, "I like having meetings in this hall just to remind us of what has changed, how we can build a new world from the ashes of the old that we can now have a beautiful hall for a secondary school and from Edo North, Edo Central, Edo South we are building schools, so that your children, the child of a market woman will have every reason to look forward to a decent school.
Never again will the Edo child be taught in a class without roof or even without teachers.
"I am very appreciative and even committed along with members of my cabinet, we are clear that we are here only because you are here. we are a passing phase you are a permanent force, we have shown that a state can work when those in government recognize that the power that they exercise belong to the people and the power is exercised solely on their behalf and no government is legitimate if its actions are not informed by the greatest good for the greatest number of her citizens.
"We have shown that the performance of a government is not necessarily determined by the amount of oil money we get every month from Abuja. we have shown that we can look inward and reinvent our state, reposition it on the path of sustainable development, we are proud to say that there is no local government that people can not point at what has changed and even what is changing and promise what is still going to change and with you by our side we can not be afraid," he noted.
The Governor urged the women to “defend the gains of good governance, to defend democracy because it is the only form of government that gives the market woman power to hire and fire, that power you must retain and use it judiciously and to insist that beyond election day the governor and the governed must meet eye ball to eye ball to give account and that is the gain of democracy.
"You must have the confidence to talk to your governor the way you talk to your husband or your son so that never again are we going to have a graveyard silence in Edo state. As Nigeria moves, the Edo woman must be counted on the side of democratic forces," he added.
Earlier, the Secretary General of the Edo State Market Women Association, Mrs. Blackie Omoregie said the forum was to congratulate the governor for the victory in the governorship election and commend him for his developmental efforts.
"We like to bring to your notice the inability of previous governments to grant interest free-loans to market women. We shall be most grateful if your administration can rescue us in this direction," she added
Friday, 12 July 2013
Battle for Osadebe House: Who’s next after Oshiomhole?
By Gabriel Enogholase, Benin
ALTHOUGH the next governorship election in Edo State is expected to hold in 2016, preparations are already in top gear across the state’s three senatorial districts, as politicians search for Comrade Governor Oshiomhole’s successor.
However, going by the principle of zoning which has been entrenched into Nigeria’s political lexicon, Edo North Senatorial district would certainly be left out of the governorship race as the incumbent governor hails from the zone.
[caption id="attachment_329423" align="alignnone" width="412"]
Governor Adams Oshiomhole[/caption]
So the coast is now clear for Edo South and Edo Central Senatorial districts to produce the next governor, and both districts seem to have drawn a battle line as far as the issue is concerned.
Since the advent of the current political dispensation in the state in 1999, Edo-South has presided over affairs for eight years in the person of Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion (1999-2007) and his Deputy, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe from Edo North.
Edo Central held the reins of power for one and half years under Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor (2007- Nov. 2008) with Mr. Lucky Imansuen from Edo South as his Deputy; while Edo North is currently having its eight years in office under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole with Rt. Hon (Dr.) Pius Odubu from Edo South as his Deputy.
Against this backdrop, zoning of political offices, ethnic sentiments and horse trading are expected to play a major role in determining which of the aforementioned zones would produce the next governor of the state.
Having had a bitter experience following its defeat by the ACN in the 2012 governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would not play to the gallery this time around regarding the choice of who flies its flag in 2016. While the party would want to adhere to its zoning formula; its strength in each zone, voting population, contributions of individuals as well as party loyalty and discipline would also come into play as far as who turns out to be its flagbearer is concerned.
As for the Action Congress of Nigeria,if APC sails through the INEC registration, the question of who becomes its gubernatorial candidate after Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is already raising dust. While some would-be governorship aspirants are already warming up for the coveted seat, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s high-flying performance, acknowledged even by the World Bank, is expected to be one of the yard sticks that will determine the party’s choice.
According to the former Chief of General Staff, SSG, to the Lucky Igbinedion administration and currently the National Vice-Chairman (South- South) of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu at a recent lecture in Benin, “The fact is that the incumbent goveror, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has taken Edo State to a higher pedestal in developmental indices that was even acknowledged by the World Bank. Definitely, Edo people cannot accept anything less in the political credentials of those aspiring to that exalted office, as retrogression in development and lethargy in governance is now antithetical to the expected quality of governance in Edo State.
“Edo needs a grassroots political leader with a compassionate heart to connect with the suffering citizens and the under-privileged; a youthful face to reach out to the teeming youngsters seeking hope for tomorrow; a deeply religious politician as righteousness exalts a people and brings down the blessings of God; experienced enough to wisely dissect the counsel of the elderly in the political class, and popular nationally in the party to attract economic investments to Edo State”
Among those speculated to be interested in the race so far are: Dr. Joseph E. Ebidamiagbon, a UK-based Medical Doctor; Prof. Sylvanus Isi Oriakhi, based in the United States; Pastor Osagie Ize- Iyamu, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, Senator Ehigie Uzamere and former Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor. Also rumoured to be interested in the race is Arch. Mike Onolemenmen, current Minister of Worksand so on. There are several others who may indicate their interest in the race in the future.
Meanwhile, political pundits in the state are of the view that emphasis should be placed on prudence going by the loss of political equation Edo Central has witnessed as a result of the Court of Appeal’s ruling in 2008 when deciding prospective candidates by the parties.
Political observers also reason that following the drawbacks Edo Central Senatorial zone has experienced in the politics of Edo State in recent years, a possible consensus could lead to a formidable candidate from the zone on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, even with the high-profile names that are being rumoured to have shown interest in the governorship race from the zone.
The rumour making the rounds is that Arc. Mike Onolememen is highly favoured by the political class in the PDP, given that he is currently a source of leadership inspiration in the party and has attracted so many people with his maturity as a Minister of State, Defense and Minister of Works. He is also said to be enjoying the full support of the political leadership in Edo cutting across various political divides. If that ‘permutation’ is anything to go by, then there could be hope for the PDP in the future politics of the state. This, no doubt, will be a major hurdle for would-be candidates from other political parties - especially the ACN which the PDP is waiting to take advantage of.
Onolememen is believed to command a positive influence among the general public and he has endeared to himself a mature leadership ever since he became a Minister in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is also said to have displayed a high sense of leadership in the management of affairs even as a Minister of Works, and he could do better if given the opportunity as a Governor. In the words of the coordinator of Edo16 Network at the meeting, “Arc. Mike has shown enough competence right from when he was a Minister of State for Defense. Leadership is about vision and competence.”
In a position paper presented by a new pressure group, “Do 16 Network”, coordinated by Aihie Tom and Dr. Evans Uwadia at its inaugural meeting on Political Equation in Edo State recently, it posited that the emergence of any Governorship Candidate from the three Senatorial Districts should be of a great concern to every person that believes in the unity, fairness and progress of Edo State.
This, they believe, should be a lesson drawn from the crisis generated before, during and after the 2007 Governorship Election that eventually nosedived in 2008. The group, comprising members from the three senatorial districts in Edo, described Edo Central Senatorial Zone as the Political Wealth of Edo and wondered why a district with such a reputation should not be allowed to govern for two terms as experienced by the two Senatorial districts - Edo North and Edo South.
And for the ACN, Comrade Oshiomhole is very busy providing democratic dividends for the people of the state. For now, he is not thinking of grooming a possible successor although he has a major role to play in deciding who succeeds him.
The possible gladiators in the ACN are Oshiomhole’s deputy, Rt. Hon Dr. Pius Odubu, who is very loyal to his boss and has also paid his political dues in the state. Having served as a two-time lawmaker in the House of Representatives and another eight years as Deputy Governor, he has garnered enough experience and is well equipped for the governance of the state if given the nod by his party.
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is not a stranger in the politics of the state. As a former Chief of Staff and SSG to the Lucky Igbinedion administration, he knows the workings of government in and out. And as one of those who promoted the Grace Group, he commands a lot of followership and has the political sagacity to perform in office if given the opportunity.
As for Barrister Osarodion Ogie, the current Commissioner for Works, many see in him another Babatunde Fashola who as former Chief of Staff to Ahmed Bola Tinubu, under-studied his master. Ogie, an unassuming and quintessential team player, is one man many should watch out for in the race for Osadebe Avenue.
Senator Ehigie Uzamere, the two-time lawmaker representing Edo South in the Senate, is not a pushover also. He has the capacity to do battle with others for the plum office when the right time comes.
ALTHOUGH the next governorship election in Edo State is expected to hold in 2016, preparations are already in top gear across the state’s three senatorial districts, as politicians search for Comrade Governor Oshiomhole’s successor.
However, going by the principle of zoning which has been entrenched into Nigeria’s political lexicon, Edo North Senatorial district would certainly be left out of the governorship race as the incumbent governor hails from the zone.
[caption id="attachment_329423" align="alignnone" width="412"]
Governor Adams Oshiomhole[/caption]So the coast is now clear for Edo South and Edo Central Senatorial districts to produce the next governor, and both districts seem to have drawn a battle line as far as the issue is concerned.
Since the advent of the current political dispensation in the state in 1999, Edo-South has presided over affairs for eight years in the person of Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion (1999-2007) and his Deputy, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe from Edo North.
Edo Central held the reins of power for one and half years under Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor (2007- Nov. 2008) with Mr. Lucky Imansuen from Edo South as his Deputy; while Edo North is currently having its eight years in office under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole with Rt. Hon (Dr.) Pius Odubu from Edo South as his Deputy.
Against this backdrop, zoning of political offices, ethnic sentiments and horse trading are expected to play a major role in determining which of the aforementioned zones would produce the next governor of the state.
Having had a bitter experience following its defeat by the ACN in the 2012 governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would not play to the gallery this time around regarding the choice of who flies its flag in 2016. While the party would want to adhere to its zoning formula; its strength in each zone, voting population, contributions of individuals as well as party loyalty and discipline would also come into play as far as who turns out to be its flagbearer is concerned.
As for the Action Congress of Nigeria,if APC sails through the INEC registration, the question of who becomes its gubernatorial candidate after Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is already raising dust. While some would-be governorship aspirants are already warming up for the coveted seat, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s high-flying performance, acknowledged even by the World Bank, is expected to be one of the yard sticks that will determine the party’s choice.
According to the former Chief of General Staff, SSG, to the Lucky Igbinedion administration and currently the National Vice-Chairman (South- South) of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu at a recent lecture in Benin, “The fact is that the incumbent goveror, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has taken Edo State to a higher pedestal in developmental indices that was even acknowledged by the World Bank. Definitely, Edo people cannot accept anything less in the political credentials of those aspiring to that exalted office, as retrogression in development and lethargy in governance is now antithetical to the expected quality of governance in Edo State.
“Edo needs a grassroots political leader with a compassionate heart to connect with the suffering citizens and the under-privileged; a youthful face to reach out to the teeming youngsters seeking hope for tomorrow; a deeply religious politician as righteousness exalts a people and brings down the blessings of God; experienced enough to wisely dissect the counsel of the elderly in the political class, and popular nationally in the party to attract economic investments to Edo State”
Among those speculated to be interested in the race so far are: Dr. Joseph E. Ebidamiagbon, a UK-based Medical Doctor; Prof. Sylvanus Isi Oriakhi, based in the United States; Pastor Osagie Ize- Iyamu, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, Senator Ehigie Uzamere and former Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor. Also rumoured to be interested in the race is Arch. Mike Onolemenmen, current Minister of Worksand so on. There are several others who may indicate their interest in the race in the future.
Meanwhile, political pundits in the state are of the view that emphasis should be placed on prudence going by the loss of political equation Edo Central has witnessed as a result of the Court of Appeal’s ruling in 2008 when deciding prospective candidates by the parties.
Political observers also reason that following the drawbacks Edo Central Senatorial zone has experienced in the politics of Edo State in recent years, a possible consensus could lead to a formidable candidate from the zone on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, even with the high-profile names that are being rumoured to have shown interest in the governorship race from the zone.
The rumour making the rounds is that Arc. Mike Onolememen is highly favoured by the political class in the PDP, given that he is currently a source of leadership inspiration in the party and has attracted so many people with his maturity as a Minister of State, Defense and Minister of Works. He is also said to be enjoying the full support of the political leadership in Edo cutting across various political divides. If that ‘permutation’ is anything to go by, then there could be hope for the PDP in the future politics of the state. This, no doubt, will be a major hurdle for would-be candidates from other political parties - especially the ACN which the PDP is waiting to take advantage of.
Onolememen is believed to command a positive influence among the general public and he has endeared to himself a mature leadership ever since he became a Minister in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is also said to have displayed a high sense of leadership in the management of affairs even as a Minister of Works, and he could do better if given the opportunity as a Governor. In the words of the coordinator of Edo16 Network at the meeting, “Arc. Mike has shown enough competence right from when he was a Minister of State for Defense. Leadership is about vision and competence.”
In a position paper presented by a new pressure group, “Do 16 Network”, coordinated by Aihie Tom and Dr. Evans Uwadia at its inaugural meeting on Political Equation in Edo State recently, it posited that the emergence of any Governorship Candidate from the three Senatorial Districts should be of a great concern to every person that believes in the unity, fairness and progress of Edo State.
This, they believe, should be a lesson drawn from the crisis generated before, during and after the 2007 Governorship Election that eventually nosedived in 2008. The group, comprising members from the three senatorial districts in Edo, described Edo Central Senatorial Zone as the Political Wealth of Edo and wondered why a district with such a reputation should not be allowed to govern for two terms as experienced by the two Senatorial districts - Edo North and Edo South.
And for the ACN, Comrade Oshiomhole is very busy providing democratic dividends for the people of the state. For now, he is not thinking of grooming a possible successor although he has a major role to play in deciding who succeeds him.
The possible gladiators in the ACN are Oshiomhole’s deputy, Rt. Hon Dr. Pius Odubu, who is very loyal to his boss and has also paid his political dues in the state. Having served as a two-time lawmaker in the House of Representatives and another eight years as Deputy Governor, he has garnered enough experience and is well equipped for the governance of the state if given the nod by his party.
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is not a stranger in the politics of the state. As a former Chief of Staff and SSG to the Lucky Igbinedion administration, he knows the workings of government in and out. And as one of those who promoted the Grace Group, he commands a lot of followership and has the political sagacity to perform in office if given the opportunity.
As for Barrister Osarodion Ogie, the current Commissioner for Works, many see in him another Babatunde Fashola who as former Chief of Staff to Ahmed Bola Tinubu, under-studied his master. Ogie, an unassuming and quintessential team player, is one man many should watch out for in the race for Osadebe Avenue.
Senator Ehigie Uzamere, the two-time lawmaker representing Edo South in the Senate, is not a pushover also. He has the capacity to do battle with others for the plum office when the right time comes.
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