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Edo 2024: APC Have Being Vindicated – Peter Uwadiae

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Edo 2024: APC Have Being Vindicated - Peter Uwadiae By Elvis Omoregie

Edo 2024: APC Have Being Vindicated – Peter Uwadiae

By Elvis Omoregie

 

 

 

Ahead of the much talked about Edo 2024 Governorship Election billed to hold September 21th 2024, there have been series of political activities in Edo State including the recent declaration by the deputy governor of the Comrade Philip Shaibu, “against all odds”, to contest the forthcoming election.

 

 

Edo 2024: APC Have Being Vindicated - Peter Uwadiae

By Elvis Omoregie

 

 

As the announcement by the deputy governor continue to elicit reactions couple with his recent interview with journalists in Abuja, where he said: “With the 2024 Edo governorship election fast approaching, the State can not afford to experiment again with someone who does not understand the politics of the State or the needs of the people.

“Edo people need practical governance and you cannot experiment again with somebody that do not understand the politics of a good State and the needs of the people.

“You cannot know the need of the people when you don’t live with them. So for me, competence and experience should be the watchword as we go into election in 2024.

“Who is competent? Who is more experienced? Who will hit the ground running from day one?

“Are we going to experiment with a new person again? And the person will spend the first four years learning on the job and he will spend another four years trying to embezzle, set up his businesses in the name of consolidating on the gains of the first term?”

In a swift response, the leading opposition Party in Edo state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) through its Media Publicity Secretary, Peter Enosoregbe Uwadiae Igbinigie Esq told journalists last week in Benin that the deputy Governor’s comments were only affirmation of the position of the Party about the poor performance of the Obaseki’s led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in Edo in the last 7years.

Here we bring you the full response, and comments on other issues!

We; the APC have been vindicated by the comments of the deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu particularly as it relates to the capacity of the Governor, himself.
From the horses mouth; the deputy Governor has said Edo State cannot afford to experiment again for another eight years.

The import of that statement is that Edo State has been experimenting in the past seven and half years and if someone or any Government is experimenting, it therefore means the best cannot come from an experimentation!

It means that the Governor is still learning or there are lot of things he is learning to do or he ought to do and he did not do.
And governance should not be a learning ground and the APC have consistently maintained that the Governor has fallen short of the capacity which is required to manage a State as complex as Edo.
Looking back, what has the Governor been able to bring to the table? All we have seen in the past seven years; is nothing but obvious distortion of the smooth sail of governance from that glorious era of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, to what Edo people desired but which he couldn’t provide.

When Oshiomhole was Governor in Edo, there were whole lot of things he did; in terms of massive infrastructural development, human capital development, social welfare amongst many others.

He gave Edo State a face lift and made us understand the true meaning of dividends of democracy thus laying the foundation of good governance.
Unfortunately after his departure, all these beautiful legacies were pulled down instead of them being improved upon by the Governor.

The Edo library, and Central hospital were demolished, Edo liaison offices in Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja were sold out.
Now, private sector driven projects are taking over; all serving as conduit pipe to drain the collective scarce resources of the people.

Can the Governor tell us the State’s equity shares in these investments? We don’t have!

Now, what has happened to the red roof revolution of the Adams Oshiomhole’s era in the education sector?
I watched on television few weeks ago where school children were still lying on the ground to write, no furniture; a true reflection of the state of affairs in our schools against Obaseki’s propaganda of Edobest.

The APC is glad that Edo people have begun to hear the true report of the performance of the Obaseki’s administration from the man who is number two in ranking.
If the next in command can speak in that manner, it shows that Edo State has lost it!
If my deputy say I am experimenting, it shows that he even knows it more than myself.

Now, how has Governor Obaseki impacted on the market women? When he came on board, he promised to eliminate all forms of ticketing and touts but today the situation is worst.
The funny thing is that suppose the money collected is being used for the development of the State, it would have been a different thing.
But these monies are collected and goes into private pockets.
You drain these people, you double tax them, and the resources is not used to better their lives.

Well, we have gotten to that level wherein Edo people have to take the APC seriously.
It is absurd that a Government will be experimenting with the lives of its people and in the PDP today, the news is rife that the Governor also wants to bring a successor who will continue with the experimentation. That is why we hear the deputy Governor shouting and saying that experimentation should not be allowed again.

In any event, APC has become the beautiful bride in Edo; the Party to beat!
We have demonstrated it and we want to sustain that momentum. At the senatorial level first time in the history of politics in Edo, PDP could not even get a senator to represent them at the national Assembly.
Also, at the House of Representatives, out of the total nine available slots; the APC has six, Labour Party has two and PDP only one.

Be that as it may; it is a reflection of the acceptability of the APC in Edo State and beyond that in the State House of Assembly election, the APC has nine out of the 24 seats.

It is a good showing for a political Party that is in the opposition.
And what is again most worrisome, the PDP State secretary has often times condemned the attitude, and methodology of governance of the Obaseki’s administration.
He said the Governor has not done well, and he wants to also impose a candidate on them; an attempt the Party would resist!

Also, Leaders of the PDP are crying that this is the first time since 1999 they have gotten the worst Governor in Obaseki.
Hence they would not want a repeat of this anymore.

The discerning conclusion from that scenario is that if the Governor is allowed to perpetrate his experimentation on Edo people by bringing in someone to take over governance from him, we are going to be in another eight years of doldrum, we are going to be in imprisonment.
So, we have an alternative that will positively change the negative narrative in Edo and that is the APC because experimentation should stop in the State.
Going into 2024, Edo people expect a better approach to governance and Government.

In that respect, the APC will present its best to drive its programs and we can assure that our Party will conduct its primary in the most transparent manner, that will usher in a candidate who will be generally accepted, a man who will represent the common interest of Edo people.

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Crisis Averted? Tinubu Settles Lagos Assembly Rift, Affirms Obasa’s Leadership

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Crisis Averted? Tinubu Settles Lagos Assembly Rift, Affirms Obasa’s Leadership

Tinubu Intervenes in Lagos Assembly Crisis, Upholds Obasa as Speaker

President Bola Tinubu has successfully intervened in the lingering leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, endorsing Mudashiru Obasa’s continued tenure as Speaker despite previous recommendations for his resignation.

The resolution followed a crucial meeting between Tinubu and all 40 lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. The President’s decision, however, runs contrary to the recommendations of a panel previously established to mediate the crisis.

Reversal of Agreement

The panel, led by former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Chief Gbenga Daniel, along with members of the Governance Advisory Council, initially advised that Obasa should return as Speaker but step down shortly after, allowing for a new Speaker from Lagos West in the interest of political balance.

On March 3, 2025, Mojisola Meranda, who had taken over from Obasa after his impeachment, resigned from her position and was re-elected as Deputy Speaker. Obasa was subsequently reinstated in line with the agreement. However, in a dramatic twist, he indefinitely adjourned the Assembly and refused to step down as originally planned.

Tinubu Brokers Lasting Peace

During the closed-door meeting, Tinubu urged lawmakers to put aside their grievances and work together under Obasa’s leadership to ensure stability in the Assembly and across Lagos State.

“Tinubu met with the lawmakers behind closed doors. They expressed their concerns, and he resolved the issues. Obasa will remain as Speaker, and the lawmakers have agreed to work with him,” a source familiar with the meeting revealed.

Despite dissatisfaction among some Lagos stakeholders over Obasa’s defiance of the original agreement, the source assured that Tinubu would engage all concerned parties to maintain unity.

“Some stakeholders are naturally displeased that Obasa reneged on the agreement with the Akande panel, but the President will address their concerns to ensure lasting peace,” the source added.

Obasa to Withdraw Lawsuit

In a further development, Tinubu directed Obasa to withdraw his lawsuit challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court.

“The President told the lawmakers to allow Obasa to work, and in return, Obasa must withdraw his case against Meranda and the Assembly members in court. The lawmakers have agreed to this arrangement,” another insider disclosed.

Prior to this directive, Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), had confirmed that despite his reinstatement, the Speaker had not withdrawn his lawsuit, arguing that the allegations against him—ranging from high-handedness to financial mismanagement—needed to be addressed.

With Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court set to hear the case on March 17, 2025, all eyes are now on Obasa’s next move following Tinubu’s directive.

Political Ramifications

The intervention by Tinubu, a towering figure in Lagos politics, signals his firm grip over the state’s political structure. However, the decision to allow Obasa to remain as Speaker could spark further discontent among factions within the ruling party and raise questions about adherence to internal agreements.

For now, the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis appears to have been temporarily resolved, but the long-term political implications remain to be seen.

 

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Nothing Lasts Forever! Fubara Reacts After Being Locked Out of Rivers Assembly

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Nothing Lasts Forever! Fubara Reacts After Being Locked Out of Rivers Assembly"

LOCKED OUT: RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR DENIED ENTRY TO ASSEMBLY, BUDGET PRESENTATION STALLED

…Fubara Laments Attempt to Frustrate Governance
…Tension Mounts as Assembly Faction Defies Supreme Court Ruling
…Tinubu Pressures Governor to Implement Verdict Amid Growing Political Standoff

 

Rivers State was thrown into fresh political turmoil on Wednesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara was denied access to the Port Harcourt Aba Road temporary Rivers State House of Assembly complex, effectively blocking him from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

Accompanied by his entourage, Fubara arrived at the Assembly Quarters only to be met with locked gates, an action seen as a bold and calculated move by the 27 lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The incident underscores the deepening power struggle between the governor and Wike’s faction, which the Supreme Court recently recognized as the legitimate Assembly leadership.

48-Hour Ultimatum and Assembly’s Defiance

The legislative crisis escalated after the pro-Wike lawmakers issued Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to present the budget, challenging an earlier approval by a four-member faction of lawmakers aligned with the governor. However, instead of attending the session, Fubara invited the lawmakers to Government House, Port Harcourt, a move they outrightly rejected.

Governor Fubara Reacts: ‘I Leave Everything to God’

Addressing the development during the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana LGA, Governor Fubara expressed disappointment at the obstruction, emphasizing that his priority remained the state’s economic stability and the welfare of civil servants. He lamented the resistance he has faced in executing governance duties despite following due process.

“I made frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe he cannot deny, alongside other members of the Assembly,” Fubara stated. “I even sent WhatsApp messages to them, notifying them that I would be coming at 10 a.m. to present the budget. This was to ensure that Rivers State does not face any crisis because of me, as some have alleged.”

Despite his efforts, Fubara said he was left standing outside the legislative complex, only to hear claims that no official communication was made regarding his visit.

“I leave everything to God, who sees all things in secret,” he added. “Like I have always said, nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest power eventually comes to an end. What matters is how we use power. I have chosen not to abuse mine, no matter what they claim.”

Presidential Pressure: Tinubu Orders Compliance with Supreme Court Verdict

The budget blockade comes just 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu directed Governor Fubara to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling recognizing the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers. During a high-stakes meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu reinforced his stance, demanding adherence to the court’s decision to prevent further instability in the oil-rich state.

However, Fubara’s camp views the legislative impasse as an orchestrated attempt to sabotage his administration. His allies argue that the governor is being cornered into submission, with the opposition exploiting institutional control to dictate terms.

Calls for Resignation, Threats of Impeachment

Adding to the already volatile situation, Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, called for Fubara’s resignation, warning that failure to comply with the Supreme Court ruling could lead to impeachment proceedings. The remarks signal a potential escalation in the crisis, with political forces aligning to push Fubara into a corner.

As tensions mount, Rivers State finds itself at the center of a deepening political crisis. The coming days will determine whether Fubara can navigate the high-stakes battle or if the opposition forces will tighten their grip on the state’s political landscape. One thing remains certain—this is a battle far from over.

 

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Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Speaker Obasa and Former Speaker Meranda Clash Over N5 Billion Vehicle Purchase

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Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Speaker Obasa and Former Speaker Meranda Clash Over N5 Billion Vehicle Purchase

Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Speaker Obasa and Former Speaker Meranda Clash Over N5 Billion Vehicle Purchase

The Lagos State House of Assembly has plunged into further turmoil following the controversial purchase of N5 billion worth of vehicles for lawmakers, exacerbating the already strained relationship between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and his predecessor, Mojisola Meranda.

Investigations by The PUNCH revealed that during Obasa’s removal as Speaker, Meranda facilitated the purchase of 39 vehicles for lawmakers. However, it emerged that before his ouster, Obasa had approved N7 billion for the same procurement, with plans to source the vehicles from Dubai. His removal on January 13, 2025, by 35 out of 40 lawmakers, citing highhandedness and financial mismanagement, paved the way for Meranda to assume the Speaker position.

Meranda’s tenure, however, was short-lived as she resigned on March 3, 2025, after intense pressure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, allowing Obasa to reclaim the speakership while she reverted to her Deputy Speaker role. Despite this political settlement, legal and financial disputes between the two factions continue to rage.

Legal Battle Over Procurement

The controversy now centers on the legality of the vehicle purchase made under Meranda’s leadership. Sources close to Obasa allege that she acted without proper authorization, thereby undermining his earlier procurement strategy.

“He had approved the money before his removal. But Meranda proceeded with buying them, a move that infuriated Obasa,” an anonymous aide to the Speaker disclosed.

Another insider added, “In December, Obasa approved the purchase of those vehicles from Dubai. However, after his removal, Meranda changed the process to open bidding, leading to local procurement instead. That is the major difference.”

Meranda’s Defense: A Cost-Saving Measure

Meranda’s camp has firmly defended her decision, asserting that she actually saved the state N2 billion by purchasing 32 units of the 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser for N5 billion, compared to Obasa’s planned expenditure of N7 billion for 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs and 10 Toyota Prados.

A close associate of Meranda emphasized, “Let it be known that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda never withdrew funds from the Assembly’s account. She merely adjusted an existing procurement approval, resulting in significant cost savings.”

He further argued that Meranda’s decision to source the vehicles locally ensured better financial prudence and transparency. “Unlike Obasa, who planned to import the vehicles from Dubai, all the cars were purchased domestically. Also, she did not approve any vehicle for herself as Speaker, unlike past administrations,” he added.

Court Showdown Looms

Despite political efforts to resolve the leadership crisis, Obasa remains steadfast in challenging his removal in court. His lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), underscored the significance of the case, stating, “The allegations against him, including highhandedness and fraudulent practices, are serious and must be legally addressed.”

Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has now set March 17, 2025, for the next hearing, after an initial adjournment from March 10, following further filings by Obasa’s legal team.

What Lies Ahead?

The unresolved legal battles and lingering power struggle between Obasa and Meranda continue to cast a shadow over the Assembly’s stability. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of the procurement controversy and the broader leadership crisis could shape the political landscape of Lagos in the coming months.

 

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