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Analyzing Nehikhare’s Open Letter to Ize Iyamu: Unmasking Obaseki’s Orhionmwon Developmental Claims
Analyzing Nehikhare’s Open Letter to Ize Iyamu: Unmasking Obaseki’s Orhionmwon Developmental Claims
By: Augustine Osayande
In my professional capacity, it is imperative to express a reluctance towards narratives that tend to target personalities instead of addressing pertinent issues. Nevertheless, this engagement with an open letter directed at Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu from the Honorable Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, representing Orhionmwon Local Government Area in the Edo State Executive Council, has left me compelled to dissect the content without dismissing it outright.
Titled “OPEN LETTER TO PASTOR OSAGIE IZE IYAMU,” the letter, penned by Nehikhare, draws attention to the commendable feat of documenting all political appointees from our Local Government—a practice worthy of archival for future references.
The crux of Nehikhare’s missive revolves around the assertion that Governor Obaseki has ushered in significant development and impactful projects in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, thereby benefiting the populace and enhancing the lives of thousands of residents. While Nehikhare contends that Obaseki’s legacies in the area are beyond reproach, I cannot help but approach this claim with a degree of skepticism.
Particularly, Nehikhare’s assertion that Governor Obaseki facilitated the establishment of the Energy Park in Egbokor Community appears to be a fallacy. Contrary to the claim, the Energy Park is part of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park being developed by the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). The overarching goal is to promote a cluster model of production, fostering collaboration among enterprises to enhance productivity, efficiency, and competition. It is crucial to emphasize that similar parks are being developed across all Niger Delta States by the NCDMB.
During the test run of the Modular Refinery in the Energy Park, Governor Obaseki pledged to provide necessary road infrastructure and address the educational and healthcare needs of the area. In light of this commitment, I challenge Nehikhare to present evidence showcasing the current state of the road, schools, and healthcare facilities in Egbokor Community.
Nehikhare highlighted the refurbishment of several classroom blocks as a noteworthy accomplishment of Governor Obaseki in Orhiomnwon Local Government. However, specific details regarding the current student and faculty statistics were not provided, despite the claim that the school has become one of the best in the country. Additionally, there was a lack of information regarding the accreditation status of the various programs offered at the college by the National Commission for College of Education. During my visit to Abudu in 2023, I observed that specific sections of the institution were overlooked, giving rise to an aesthetic reminiscent of a conventional forest. This was notably in contrast to the vibrant condition observed in the surrounding areas, exemplified by the well-maintained state of my village’s Oheze-Nake traditional cemetery.
According to Mr. Nehikhare, Governor Obaseki has successfully transformed Orhionmwon into a significant gas and petrochemical hub, with the local government now hosting more than four prominent oil and gas companies. It is a commendable accomplishment, and in the spirit of transparency in this digital era, I respectfully urge him to disclose the names and precise geographical locations of these companies. Such information would be valuable for geo-referencing purposes and could be cross-referenced with the latest available financial statements.
Regrettably, Mr. Nehikhare’s attempt to highlight Governor Obaseki’s purported accomplishments in Orhionmwon Local Government seems to have encountered a misstep. Specifically, his reference to individual oil palm farms as state government achievements raises questions. To provide a more accurate representation of the governor’s impact, I encourage Mr. Nehikhare to elaborate on the government interventions that these farmers have benefited from. Additionally, it would be insightful to know the number of farmers in Orhionmwon who have reaped the rewards of such government interventions. This level of detail would contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the true impact of Governor Obaseki’s initiatives in the local community.
Finally, Mr. Nehikhare highlighted a bill passed by the State House of Assembly in September 2022 and the Ossiomo Power Plant situated at Ologbo in the Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area as Governor Obaseki’s accomplishments in Orhionmwon Local Government. However, crucial data regarding the number of communities in the local government that benefited from the government’s outgoing electricity program was not provided.
In conclusion, while Nehikhare’s open letter provides a valuable record of political appointments, critical scrutiny is essential when evaluating claims related to the development attributed to Governor Obaseki in Orhionmwon Local Government Area. It is essential to respectfully point out to Mr. Nehikhare that his name has been included with other politicians in his Open Letter who were granted the opportunity to represent our esteemed local government but have, unfortunately, fallen short of meeting the expectations of the people.
Osayande, PhD, contributed this piece from Abuja via austinelande@yahoo.com
Analyzing Nehikhare’s Open Letter to Ize Iyamu: Unmasking Obaseki’s Orhionmwon Developmental Claims
Farmer shoots herder to death after farm dispute in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A herder has been shot dead following an altercation with a farmer over grazing in Guwal Village, Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Dec. 15 when Adamu Salisu, aged 65, and his son, Salisu Adamu, aged 30, were harvesting crops on their farm.
The source said a herder, Saleh, aged 30, from Chalu Village, moved his cattle into the farm and began grazing on the farmer’s legumes, prompting a confrontation.
“An altercation ensued when Adamu Salisu cautioned the herder to remove his cattle. The herder then attacked the farmer and his son with a machete, injuring them on the hand,” the source said.
According to the source, the farmer retaliated by shooting the herder in the stomach with a Dane gun.
Saleh was evacuated to General Hospital, Kwaya Kusar by the police but was certified dead on arrival. The corpse was photographed and released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.
The farmer and his son received treatment for machete injuries sustained during the incident, while the suspect has been arrested and exhibits recovered.
Authorities have urged residents to seek peaceful resolution in disputes and to report any violent incidents to security agencies to prevent escalation.
Farmer shoots herder to death after farm dispute in Borno
Gombe: Ex-PDP guber candidate announces defection to ADC
Mr Jibrin Barde, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe, in the 2023 General Election has formally announced his defection to the African Democratic Party(ADC).
Barde made the announcement in Gombe on Tuesday night during a chat with journalists in the state.
The announcement puts to rest, series of speculations about Barde’s actual party after leading some opposition blocs in July, to adopt ADC as a party for opposition coalition in the state.
Speaking about his defection, he said that he had since left the PDP early 2025 to join ADC with the mission to challenge the All Progressives Congress-led government in the state.
He said that though there had been speculations around the political party he belonged, with some speculating that he was a member of Social Democratic Party (SDP).
“I don’t have any stint with the SDP; I was a member of the PDP, I left the PDP early this year.
“There had been speculations across the state, nobody is aware of anything but of course I have left the PDP.
” I have been a member of the ADC formally since early this year.
“I am a member of the ADC and anybody who claims not to be a member of the ADC should come and show his membership card.
“This is my membership card and I am ready to revalidate it,” he said.
Speaking on his role in opposition coalition, Barde said that he had been working in collaboration with other opposition coalition members to bring together all the parties.
He said that except opposition parties in the state worked together and stayed united on a course, it would be difficult to oust the APC government.
“I call on members of the ADC in the state to come together and let us get this coalition stronger, that is what has happened at the national level.”
He said that the ADC ran an open door policy and did not believe in imposition as the party remains one-man one-vote party.
Barde said that Atiku Abubakar, Nasiru El-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola had joined the ADC long ago. “What we are going to do now is revalidation of membership and mobilisation of new members.”
He called on the members of the PDP and all other opposition parties in the state to join the coalition movement to oust the All Progressives Congress at the state and national level.
Barde assured residents of Gombe State of good governance should the ADC form the next government, saying: “If we had taken over our government in 2023, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Gombe: Ex-PDP guber candidate announces defection to ADC
Gombe, UNICEF upgrade PHCs to improve maternal, child care
The Gombe State government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has begun revitalising three primary healthcare facilities in Akko, Kwami, and Dukku Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Dr Habu Dahiru, the state’s Commissioner of Health, made the announcement on Wednesday during a ceremony marking the official handover of the facilities to contractors.
He said the government was focusing on upgrading all primary healthcare centres, as they served as the first point of care for patients in communities.
Dahiru explained that the revitalisation aimed to bring the facilities to level two standards, including climate-friendly structures, staff quarters, water supply, and solar-powered electricity.
UNICEF is supporting one facility in each of the three LGAs, with contractors mobilised to begin work and a completion timeline of three months.
The commissioner said the upgraded facilities would enhance maternal and infant care, particularly in labour rooms, pharmacies, and laboratories, benefiting overall community health services.
He urged community leaders in the three LGAs to cooperate with contractors to ensure timely completion of the project.
Dahiru commended UNICEF and other development partners for their contributions to improving healthcare for residents of Gombe State.
Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, said the project strengthened the healthcare system and aimed to save the lives of mothers and newborns.
She added that operational, well-equipped facilities attracted communities to seek care, stressing that access to water, toilets, and comfortable service areas improved utilisation.
Rafique hailed the partnership between Gombe State government and UNICEF in efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality across the state.
She noted that solar power, water supply, WASH systems, and facility service areas would be revitalised, urging stakeholders to ensure quality work for lasting community benefit.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PHCs were handed over to the contractors by the Gombe State government and UNICEF for the commencement of works.
Gombe, UNICEF upgrade PHCs to improve maternal, child care
Farmer shoots herder to death after farm dispute in Borno
Gombe: Ex-PDP guber candidate announces defection to ADC
Gombe, UNICEF upgrade PHCs to improve maternal, child care
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