Monday, May 7, 2012
During a condolence visit of the ACN Governors to Governor Oshiomhole
Friday, May 4, 2012
Oshiomhole's Private Secretary Assassinated In Benin
What next do expect?
Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, the Principal Private Secretary to Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, was Thursday night trailed by gunmen and shot dead at his residence in Benin.
A career trade unionist, Oyerinde began his trade unionism with the Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria. He also Chaired the Lagos State branch of the Campaign for Democracy (CD).
In 2001, he joined the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and was the Deputy General Secretary. He took a leave of absence to work with Governor Oshiomhole.
Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Olaitan attended the University of Lagos and holds B.A in Mass Communication.
The assassination is coming on the heels of a recent accident involving Oshiomhole's convoy, in which three journalists lost their lives. The Edo state governor insists the accident was an attempt on his life.
According to him, the tipper his convoy was involved in the accident with, rammed into his official vehicle, while the car he personally drove, escaped by the whiskers.
Edo state governorship elections is scheduled for July 14, 2012.
The ruling Action Congress of Nigeria’s (ACN) fields incumbent
Governor Adams Oshiomhole who will lock horns with a resurgent Peoples
Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Major General (Rtd) Charles
Airhiavbere.
Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, the Principal Private Secretary to Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, was Thursday night trailed by gunmen and shot dead at his residence in Benin.
A career trade unionist, Oyerinde began his trade unionism with the Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria. He also Chaired the Lagos State branch of the Campaign for Democracy (CD).
In 2001, he joined the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and was the Deputy General Secretary. He took a leave of absence to work with Governor Oshiomhole.
Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Olaitan attended the University of Lagos and holds B.A in Mass Communication.
The assassination is coming on the heels of a recent accident involving Oshiomhole's convoy, in which three journalists lost their lives. The Edo state governor insists the accident was an attempt on his life.
According to him, the tipper his convoy was involved in the accident with, rammed into his official vehicle, while the car he personally drove, escaped by the whiskers.
Edo state governorship elections is scheduled for July 14, 2012.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Funeral Mass For Journalist In Convoy Accident: Oshiomhole offers succour, as widow, children get N25 million
IVIUKWE - Bishop of the Auchi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia yesterday condemned the recklessness of drivers of heavy duty vehicles on the highway, just as Edo state government doled out N25 million to the widow and children of the late AIT Journalist, Mr. Fidelis Okhani, who died in an auto accident involving the convoy of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, last weekend.
The Bishop who made the observation during the funeral service for late Okhani, who was aged 41, at the St. Mary’s Parish, Iviukwe, Etsako East Local Governement Area, said people should be educated to do what is right irrespective of political party affiliation.
“We should be mindful of other road users. It is expected that out of respect for the siren of the governor’s convoy, the tipper ought to give way, because if you touch the governor, you touch everyone of us,” he noted.
According to him, the late journalist contributed his quota to the society as a media man. He urged other journalists to let Fidelis’ death to be a source of motivation to give in their best while alive.
“As journalists, you are soldiers who know they have something to live and die for.
They go out to war even when they know they can die in the process. I encourage you to continue to be brave even when you face discouragement.
We condole with the governor, the immediate family and we invoke the power of God for healing for those receiving treatment in the hospital,” he added.
The Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in his remarks recalled that Fidelis worked with him while he was not yet a governor in 2006 and he was so dedicated to his duties with passion.
“We shared a common vision that Edo state must move on by taking motion pictures of our activities into the living rooms of Nigerians across the nation” he added.
According to Comrade Oshiomhole, “this death will not break our fighting spirit.
The best tribute we can give them is to use public resources to address the challenges of the people.
The government has obligation to support those who need help, we have done it for those we do not even know, because that is the social purpose of governance.”
He disclosed that the state government will deposit the sum of N5 million in the name of each of the four children of the late Fidelis in the bank to ensure that they attend school to University level, while N5 million will be given to the widow to take care of them.
The funeral service which was followed by internment at the family compound was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including the chairman of DAAR Communications, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists led by the Edo Council chairman, Comrade Friday Obanor.
The Bishop who made the observation during the funeral service for late Okhani, who was aged 41, at the St. Mary’s Parish, Iviukwe, Etsako East Local Governement Area, said people should be educated to do what is right irrespective of political party affiliation.
“We should be mindful of other road users. It is expected that out of respect for the siren of the governor’s convoy, the tipper ought to give way, because if you touch the governor, you touch everyone of us,” he noted.
According to him, the late journalist contributed his quota to the society as a media man. He urged other journalists to let Fidelis’ death to be a source of motivation to give in their best while alive.
“As journalists, you are soldiers who know they have something to live and die for.
They go out to war even when they know they can die in the process. I encourage you to continue to be brave even when you face discouragement.
We condole with the governor, the immediate family and we invoke the power of God for healing for those receiving treatment in the hospital,” he added.
The Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in his remarks recalled that Fidelis worked with him while he was not yet a governor in 2006 and he was so dedicated to his duties with passion.
“We shared a common vision that Edo state must move on by taking motion pictures of our activities into the living rooms of Nigerians across the nation” he added.
According to Comrade Oshiomhole, “this death will not break our fighting spirit.
The best tribute we can give them is to use public resources to address the challenges of the people.
The government has obligation to support those who need help, we have done it for those we do not even know, because that is the social purpose of governance.”
He disclosed that the state government will deposit the sum of N5 million in the name of each of the four children of the late Fidelis in the bank to ensure that they attend school to University level, while N5 million will be given to the widow to take care of them.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Comrade Oshiomole has ordered that the accident which killed three journalists in his convoy be investigated.
EDO State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday claimed that the
accident involving his convoy at the weekend in which three journalists
died was an attempt on his life because the tipper driver rammed into
his official vehicle while the smaller car he was personally driving
escaped by the whiskers.
In a reaction, the Edo State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) yesterday condoled with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Edo State government over the death of the three journalists.
The three dead journalists are George Okosun and Fidelis Ohani (cameramen) and Olatunji Jacob, a reporter.
The PDP, in a condolence message signed by its Publicity Secretary, Matthew Uroghide, “views the death of the three persons as a colossal loss to the journalism profession in particular and the state in general.”
On its part, the state NMA in a condolence statement by its chairman, secretary and spokesman, Philip Ugbodaga, Emmanuel Ighodaro and Dr. Kennedy Alohan respectively, said the “Association is pained as we had severally worked with them (deceased journalists) in the course of our health and political advocacy and can easily attest to their industry, dedication and commitment to the practice of their profession. Their death represents a very sad loss not only to the journalism profession but to the entire nation and to humanity.”
Also, Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has expressed “shock and sadness” over the death of three journalists.
And the Labour Party (LP) yesterday called for an immediate probe of the crash.
Oshiomhole, who gave a graphic description of the incident, told the media at Government House, Benin City yesterday that it took officials 40 minutes to remove the victims from the mangled bus.
His words: “If I was in my regular official jeep, the guy could have hit me. I was in a small car, which I decided to drive myself. If I was in my official jeep, it could have been my lot. The tipper driver pushed my small car off the road and then crushed the one journalists were driving in.
“Now, it is a straight road and not a bend so if he was losing control, he could have swerved into the bush. When I asked the motor boy yesterday where the driver was, he said the driver had opened the door of the vehicle and left. The motor boy claimed the driver just asked him to follow him on the trip.
“But I asked him, you are not under 18 and somebody just tell you follow me and then the man passed his town, passed another and got to another local council and you still did not ask questions? Well, we’ve asked the SSS and the police to investigate. Then before we know anything, PDP is already issuing condolence message.
But in a reaction yesterday on the insinuation that his party may have a fore-knowledge of the incident, Uroghide said it was wrong for anybody to read meanings into its condolence message.
In a reaction, the Edo State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) yesterday condoled with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Edo State government over the death of the three journalists.
The three dead journalists are George Okosun and Fidelis Ohani (cameramen) and Olatunji Jacob, a reporter.
The PDP, in a condolence message signed by its Publicity Secretary, Matthew Uroghide, “views the death of the three persons as a colossal loss to the journalism profession in particular and the state in general.”
On its part, the state NMA in a condolence statement by its chairman, secretary and spokesman, Philip Ugbodaga, Emmanuel Ighodaro and Dr. Kennedy Alohan respectively, said the “Association is pained as we had severally worked with them (deceased journalists) in the course of our health and political advocacy and can easily attest to their industry, dedication and commitment to the practice of their profession. Their death represents a very sad loss not only to the journalism profession but to the entire nation and to humanity.”
Also, Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has expressed “shock and sadness” over the death of three journalists.
And the Labour Party (LP) yesterday called for an immediate probe of the crash.
Oshiomhole, who gave a graphic description of the incident, told the media at Government House, Benin City yesterday that it took officials 40 minutes to remove the victims from the mangled bus.
His words: “If I was in my regular official jeep, the guy could have hit me. I was in a small car, which I decided to drive myself. If I was in my official jeep, it could have been my lot. The tipper driver pushed my small car off the road and then crushed the one journalists were driving in.
“Now, it is a straight road and not a bend so if he was losing control, he could have swerved into the bush. When I asked the motor boy yesterday where the driver was, he said the driver had opened the door of the vehicle and left. The motor boy claimed the driver just asked him to follow him on the trip.
“But I asked him, you are not under 18 and somebody just tell you follow me and then the man passed his town, passed another and got to another local council and you still did not ask questions? Well, we’ve asked the SSS and the police to investigate. Then before we know anything, PDP is already issuing condolence message.
But in a reaction yesterday on the insinuation that his party may have a fore-knowledge of the incident, Uroghide said it was wrong for anybody to read meanings into its condolence message.
Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo State who was involved in an
accident over the weekend has ordered that the accident which killed three
journalists in his convoy be investigated.
Ikhana Commends Level Of Discipline In Falcons Camp
Kadiri Ikhana, the Head Coach of the Super Falcons, has commended
the level of discipline and composure displayed by the players currently
in a phased camping programme in Abuja.
Ikhana told reporters in Abuja, that the players have been going about the exercise with a high sense of professionalism.
“Its interesting to know that the women are displaying a high sense of discipline and they are disposed to learning and receptive to instructions.
“Surprisingly, I’ve been hearing about indiscipline in the Falcon camp before but I’ve not experienced such which I think is impressive.’’Ikhana said.
The newly appointed coach of the Falcons said that the girls have been cooperative with him, and have an aptitude for inculcating innovative ideas.
“They have been cooperating and we’ve been getting everything we needed from them so I think we have wonderful players in camp.’’
The Falcons had commenced the first phase of the programme on April 15 in Abuja.
He also appealed to club owners and coaches to be patient with the national team over the absence of their key players because of the team’s programme.
Ikhana, a member of the Green Eagles squad that won the 1980 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Lagos, emphasised the need for an extended camping period for the players.
The former Bendel Insurance FC of Benin wingback and a member of the squad that won the 1978 Challenge Cup reiterated the need for a proper assessment and categorisation of the players.
“They should be patient with us because we just got on board and we need to stay with these players for them to know our objectives and plan for the country.’’
“When we eventually raise the kind of team that we have in mind, then the camping period would be shortened.
Ikhana told reporters in Abuja, that the players have been going about the exercise with a high sense of professionalism.
“Its interesting to know that the women are displaying a high sense of discipline and they are disposed to learning and receptive to instructions.
“Surprisingly, I’ve been hearing about indiscipline in the Falcon camp before but I’ve not experienced such which I think is impressive.’’Ikhana said.
The newly appointed coach of the Falcons said that the girls have been cooperative with him, and have an aptitude for inculcating innovative ideas.
“They have been cooperating and we’ve been getting everything we needed from them so I think we have wonderful players in camp.’’
The Falcons had commenced the first phase of the programme on April 15 in Abuja.
He also appealed to club owners and coaches to be patient with the national team over the absence of their key players because of the team’s programme.
Ikhana, a member of the Green Eagles squad that won the 1980 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Lagos, emphasised the need for an extended camping period for the players.
The former Bendel Insurance FC of Benin wingback and a member of the squad that won the 1978 Challenge Cup reiterated the need for a proper assessment and categorisation of the players.
“They should be patient with us because we just got on board and we need to stay with these players for them to know our objectives and plan for the country.’’
“When we eventually raise the kind of team that we have in mind, then the camping period would be shortened.
PDP placed Edo in reverse gear - Governor
BENIN CITY - Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has said
that his over three- year old administration, has rescued the state from
the brinks and the reverse gear, wrought by the opposition People’s
Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at the May Day rally held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, the governor said that the PDP which ruled the state for 10 years before his advent in November 2008, ran aground all the industries in the state.
“Remember Bendel Brewery was run down by the PDP government, they mismanaged it. As I speak, we are going to pay over N1 billion to settle liabilities in Bendel Brewery to AMCON. Who mismanaged Okpella Cement Factory?
Who did all the wuruwuru over the Juice Factory in Ehor that never produced any juice? You remember the abracadabra over a Fertilizer Plant that never produced anything. They brought fertilizer from elsewhere and invited President Olusegun Obasanjo to come and commission it. Before Obasanjo got to Abuja, the gates of the Plant had been closed”.
Reacting to the recent comment by Edo PDP chairman, Dan Orbih that the governor was culpable for the weekend crash in which his convoy was hit by a 911 lorry, Oshiomhole said that the statement has clearly revealed the real mastermind behind the incident.
“They arranged their own accident in Afuze few days ago. They thought I would be in my regular vehicle. I’ve never killed anybody so nobody born of man can kill me. I conquered fear at the age of 17. They let a 911 truck which was carrying nothing loose on my convoy. I’m sad that we lost many lives and spilled much blood but they did not get their target”.
“While we were still bringing the people out of the vehicle, the PDP brought out a curious statement condoling people. May God condole them. I asked the motor boy, where were you going, he said the driver only just said he should come without disclosing their mission.
The PDP said why should I go to Church on Sunday for thanksgiving. Did they expect me to go and worship at the shrine? They also accused me of driving without a driver’s licence. Did I hit any vehicle? Was my car hit?
They said the accident was arranged to divert attention. This people are so desperate. They are planning to buy voters’ cards. They are trying to doctor the voters’ register. Can anybody stop us?”
Speaking further, Oshiomhole said, “I want to assure you that the blood of those young men will not be shed in vain. We’ll continue to use the resources of the state to deliver the greatest good to the greatest number.
If we build more roads, build more hospitals, build more schools, provide more water and electricity, then these guys would not have died in vain. When they try to divide us, we must emphasise only those things that unite us. May darkness never set in again in Edo state”.
Speaking at the May Day rally held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, the governor said that the PDP which ruled the state for 10 years before his advent in November 2008, ran aground all the industries in the state.
“Remember Bendel Brewery was run down by the PDP government, they mismanaged it. As I speak, we are going to pay over N1 billion to settle liabilities in Bendel Brewery to AMCON. Who mismanaged Okpella Cement Factory?
Who did all the wuruwuru over the Juice Factory in Ehor that never produced any juice? You remember the abracadabra over a Fertilizer Plant that never produced anything. They brought fertilizer from elsewhere and invited President Olusegun Obasanjo to come and commission it. Before Obasanjo got to Abuja, the gates of the Plant had been closed”.
Reacting to the recent comment by Edo PDP chairman, Dan Orbih that the governor was culpable for the weekend crash in which his convoy was hit by a 911 lorry, Oshiomhole said that the statement has clearly revealed the real mastermind behind the incident.
“They arranged their own accident in Afuze few days ago. They thought I would be in my regular vehicle. I’ve never killed anybody so nobody born of man can kill me. I conquered fear at the age of 17. They let a 911 truck which was carrying nothing loose on my convoy. I’m sad that we lost many lives and spilled much blood but they did not get their target”.
“While we were still bringing the people out of the vehicle, the PDP brought out a curious statement condoling people. May God condole them. I asked the motor boy, where were you going, he said the driver only just said he should come without disclosing their mission.
The PDP said why should I go to Church on Sunday for thanksgiving. Did they expect me to go and worship at the shrine? They also accused me of driving without a driver’s licence. Did I hit any vehicle? Was my car hit?
They said the accident was arranged to divert attention. This people are so desperate. They are planning to buy voters’ cards. They are trying to doctor the voters’ register. Can anybody stop us?”
Speaking further, Oshiomhole said, “I want to assure you that the blood of those young men will not be shed in vain. We’ll continue to use the resources of the state to deliver the greatest good to the greatest number.
If we build more roads, build more hospitals, build more schools, provide more water and electricity, then these guys would not have died in vain. When they try to divide us, we must emphasise only those things that unite us. May darkness never set in again in Edo state”.
Oyegun joins ACN
BENIN CITY - Former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun
has resolved to team up with his progressive comrades in the Action
Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Disclosing this when the leadership of the party led by its National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande paid him a courtesy call in his home in Benin City, Oyegun who was a former chieftain of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), wondered why “friends who share similar progressive views have been kept apart for so long”.
“Finally I think I’m home. As soon as they decide on the event (Day of his open declaration), they will know that I Oyegun has a national appeal. When the date of the proper event is fixed, you will all come”, he said.
While expressing great delight to receive friends he has known for so long in his abode, Oyegun, the first civilian governor of Edo state said.
“The ACN has become the catalyst of development in Nigeria. With the young, dynamic and forthright people in ACN some of who have now become governors, I’m beginning to see a core of young dynamic people who are going to shape the new reality in the country.
There’s now a reality that things can be done in Nigeria. It is giving people hope that things can work in this country”.
Turning to Oshiomhole, he said, “Now my mind is at rest with Edo State. My concern is how we can transform what we are doing here to national politics. Oshiomhole is a man imbued with lots of vision.
To keep pace with him is a problem. I’ve asked him many times where he’s getting the money from and will still ask him the same question here.
Thank God for your life, only God knows what would have happened if the perpetrators of that incident (convoy crash where three journalists were killed) had hit their target”.
Reacting to the allegation by the opposition People’s Democratic Party over a purported N10 billion mansion being built by the governor, Oyegun said, “When you finish in Edo State, all Edo people will build a mansion for you”.
Responding, Chief Akande who was accompanied on the visit by Oshiomhole, former governors of Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti States, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Segun Osoba and Chief Adeniyi Adebayo and National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Layi Mohammed said, “Birds of the same feather flock together. I can see that John has the same feather with all of us here”.
Also speaking, Oshiomhole said, “Our elder statesman (Oyegun) has always been with us even though he has been a member of the ANPP. He has always identified with us. His glowing comments on what we’re doing in Edo angered some people within his former party who were working for the PDP”.
Others who joined the ACN delegation on the visit to Oyegun include, the party’s national leader, Chief Tom Ikimi, National Vice Chairman, South South, Pastor Ize Iyamu, Chairman, Edo state branch of the party, Rt Hon Thomas Okosun and Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Festus Ebea.
Disclosing this when the leadership of the party led by its National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande paid him a courtesy call in his home in Benin City, Oyegun who was a former chieftain of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), wondered why “friends who share similar progressive views have been kept apart for so long”.
“Finally I think I’m home. As soon as they decide on the event (Day of his open declaration), they will know that I Oyegun has a national appeal. When the date of the proper event is fixed, you will all come”, he said.
While expressing great delight to receive friends he has known for so long in his abode, Oyegun, the first civilian governor of Edo state said.
“The ACN has become the catalyst of development in Nigeria. With the young, dynamic and forthright people in ACN some of who have now become governors, I’m beginning to see a core of young dynamic people who are going to shape the new reality in the country.
There’s now a reality that things can be done in Nigeria. It is giving people hope that things can work in this country”.
Turning to Oshiomhole, he said, “Now my mind is at rest with Edo State. My concern is how we can transform what we are doing here to national politics. Oshiomhole is a man imbued with lots of vision.
To keep pace with him is a problem. I’ve asked him many times where he’s getting the money from and will still ask him the same question here.
Thank God for your life, only God knows what would have happened if the perpetrators of that incident (convoy crash where three journalists were killed) had hit their target”.
Reacting to the allegation by the opposition People’s Democratic Party over a purported N10 billion mansion being built by the governor, Oyegun said, “When you finish in Edo State, all Edo people will build a mansion for you”.
Responding, Chief Akande who was accompanied on the visit by Oshiomhole, former governors of Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti States, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Segun Osoba and Chief Adeniyi Adebayo and National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Layi Mohammed said, “Birds of the same feather flock together. I can see that John has the same feather with all of us here”.
Also speaking, Oshiomhole said, “Our elder statesman (Oyegun) has always been with us even though he has been a member of the ANPP. He has always identified with us. His glowing comments on what we’re doing in Edo angered some people within his former party who were working for the PDP”.
Others who joined the ACN delegation on the visit to Oyegun include, the party’s national leader, Chief Tom Ikimi, National Vice Chairman, South South, Pastor Ize Iyamu, Chairman, Edo state branch of the party, Rt Hon Thomas Okosun and Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Festus Ebea.
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