News
100 days in office: Oba of Benin congratulates Gov. Okpebholo on milestone achievements
…..Commends administration for partnering with traditional Institutions
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare ll, has congratulated the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo on his developmental strides in the State just within 100 days in office.
The monarch made the commendation in a congratulatory message to the governor signed by Chief Stanley Osamwonyi, the Esere of Benin and made available to journalists in Benin City, Edo State.
Oba Ewuare ll said without any iota of doubt the victory of Governor Okpebholo at the September 21 governorship election is a watershed in the electoral history of the State, noting that the victory was a divine answer to Edo people’s prayer for an end to the previous administration that had rendered the whole environment very toxic.
The Oba noted that disrespect and disregard for the rule of law was the order of the day during the previous administration.
He added that the “psyche of the people of Edo State was severely brutalized and traditional institution in the State was also undermined, insulted and almost destroyed.
“There seemed to have been a vengeance against Edo people for reasons better known to the perpetrators which virtually took over the governance of the State before your Excellency took office”.
The revered monarch said prior to the inauguration of Governor Okpebholo, the traditional institution in the State which forms a supportive part of governance had been subjected to the most avoidable meddlesomeness which was a calculated attempt to destroy the entire fabric of the institution.
The Oba added that these orchestrated design was undertaken in several ways including: through the unwarranted attempt to appropriate ancient ancestral artifacts which belong to the Oba of Benin, as well as through an unlawful move to create traditional councils in Edo South in total disregard for the established customary laws of the Benin people as duly declared in the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Laws of the State.
Other means he said were through the denial of statutory entitlements to the Benin Traditional Council, among other unfortunate actions and, through the revocation of the concession of Oba Akenzua ll Cultural Centre which was concessioned to HRM Oba Ewuare ll and the clandestine attempt to annex part of it and add to the Central Hospital Grounds which was demolished to make way for a private museum called MOWAA.
The statement continued; “To the glory of God Almighty and our ancestors, on your inauguration as governor, your Excellency immediately reversed these unlawful, wicked and inappropriate actions, thus putting an end to the schism between the Benin traditional institution and the State government. For these statesmanly acts of lawfulness, and respect for the traditional institution of the Benin people and Edo State as a whole, history will remember your Excellency in glory”.
Oba Ewuare ll said in the last 100 days of the administration of Governor Okpebholo, he has demonstrated his commitment in partnering and respecting the traditional institutions in the State towards engendering a more robust institutional collaboration for peace and development in the State.
“Remarkably, is the unprecedented steps your administration is taking to construct long-lasting infrastructure across the State particularly the construction of three flyovers in Benin City, the State capital. It is also on record that a number of roads and schools and the health sector across the State are receiving the attention of your administration just within a short space of three months in office.
“Your Excellency, as a foremost traditional ruler and chairman of the Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, it is our earnest prayers that Almighty God and our ancestors will guide and protect you and your administration to be able to improve the economy and transform the lives of Edo people in general.
“Be assured that our prayers and support are always with you and members of your administration and family in the quest to make Edo better.
“I am confident that with your Excellency’s great display of good faith, compassion and determination to right the wrongs of the past and uplift the well-being of the good people of Edo State, your administration shall be a resounding success. It is my earnest prayers that God Almighty and our ancestors shall continue to grant you good health, wisdom and unfailing energy to successfully govern the State and achieve all your aspirations as governor”, the statement concluded.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
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