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Obaseki: “The Audacity of a Drowning Governor”

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Obaseki: “The Audacity of a Drowning Governor”

By Augustine Osayande

In the intricate landscape of Edo State politics, recent events have thrust the suspension of two esteemed Enigies, Prof Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, into the spotlight once more. Their suspension by the monarch of the Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has sparked legal challenges and raised pertinent questions about governance, authority, and political dynamics within the state.
The suspension of Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen stemmed from their alleged involvement in leading a delegation to the Governor with the aim of restructuring the traditional councils within the Benin Kingdom. This moves incited backlash from community elders and ultimately led to their suspension by the Benin Palace.
The assertion by the Enigies that only Governor Godwin Obaseki possesses the authority to remove them from their offices has triggered a legal battle, highlighting a chapter in Edo’s political history that will likely endure in collective memory. While the Edo State Government officially distances itself from involvement in the legal proceedings against the revered Oba of Benin, rumors on social media speculate about potential support from Governor Obaseki for the Enigies’ cause. However, these speculations have been vehemently dismissed as the work of malicious elements with ulterior motives by the government’s spokesperson.
The underlying question persists: if Governor Obaseki is not supporting the Enigies, why do they maintain that only him has the power to suspend them? Furthermore, why has the governor refrained from publicly condemning their actions, particularly their claim of being dispatched from the Palace during their visit to Ife? Again, on several occasions, Governor Obaseki have been seen winning and dining with the suspended Enigies
Governor Obaseki’s decision to distance himself from the legal proceedings against the Oba of Benin presents a challenging stance. The complexities of Edo’s political landscape suggest that this case will continue to attract scrutiny, shedding light on the intricate power dynamics within the state.
Governor Obaseki’s administration withheld statutory allocations to Edo traditional institutions amid the controversy, citing unresolved administrative issues between the government and the Benin Palace. However, the subsequent disbursement of these funds separately to the Benin Traditional Council and other newly created traditional councils across Edo South LGAs raised eyebrows and fueled speculation.
The decision by the Edo State Executive Council to create traditional councils especially in Edo South Senatorial District further exacerbated tensions, leading to legal challenges from the Benin Enigies. The ongoing legal dispute underscores broader questions about governance and political allegiances within the state.
The matter concerning the repatriation of artifacts presents another aspect in which Governor Obaseki’s actions have been subject to criticism. It is widely acknowledged that Governor Obaseki enlisted the services of undisclosed consultants without the prior knowledge of the Oba. In doing so, the governor deviated from the agreed-upon strategy established in conjunction with the Palace, of which he was initially a participant. In response to the Palace’s reservations regarding Governor Obaseki’s unilateral approach, characterized as “hasty,” the governor proceeded to mobilize his Chiefs to explore alternative avenues for asserting the Benin Kingdom’s claim to its ancient treasures.
In conclusion, the unfolding events in Edo State underscore the delicate balance between governance, tradition, and political realities. In navigating these intricate power dynamics, Governor Obaseki faces the challenge of balancing governance, tradition, and political realities. While Governor Obaseki’s designated candidate for the forthcoming September 2024 Gubernatorial election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and Osarodion Ogie Campaign Council the Campaign Council have formally articulated their stance, expressing profound disapproval towards any actions perceived from Abuja via austinelande@yahoo.com

Obaseki: “The Audacity of a Drowning Governor”

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Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative

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Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has flagged off the distribution of palliatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative to vulnerable residents across the state ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebration.

The governor launched the exercise at the Conference Hall of Prime Lodge in Maiduguri.

Governor Zulum commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting widows, orphans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Borno State, I sincerely appreciate Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for this compassionate intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians and restoring hope to families facing economic hardship,” Zulum said.

The governor also praised the resilience and patience of the people of Borno despite years of insurgency and insecurity, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens through people-oriented policies and programmes.

“Despite the challenges our state has faced over the years, our people have continued to demonstrate resilience, patience, and courage. As a government, we remain committed to implementing programmes and policies that directly improve the lives of our citizens,” he stated.

Zulum noted that the distribution exercise forms part of the federal and state governments broader social support programme aimed at cushioning economic hardship and strengthening community resilience.

“The distribution exercise we are flagging off today is therefore part of our broader social support programme designed to cushion economic difficulties and strengthen community resilience. I commend members of the Distribution Committee for their efforts and urge them to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout the exercise so that the support will reach the rightful beneficiaries,” he added.

The governor urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items distributed while also appreciating security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and development partners for their continued support towards peacebuilding and humanitarian interventions in the state.

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Dr Abba Bashir Dankellori, expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the timely intervention, describing it as a relief that would enable many Muslim families to celebrate the forthcoming Sallah with ease.

“I wish to, on behalf of the committee, thank the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the kind gesture. We also appreciate Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for the selfless leadership, commitment and service to the people of the state,” Dankellori stated.

According to him, beneficiaries of the intervention include Qur’anic and Sangaya school teachers, as well as religious organisations that contribute to the moral upbringing of society.

Governor Zulum was accompanied to the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Engr Baba Bukar Gujbawu; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barr. Mustapha Busuguma, among other top government officials.

Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative

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Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services

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Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services

By: Zagazola Makama

Joint Security forced in Plateau State on Sunday conducted a joint show of force across major flashpoints within Jos metropolis and the Bukuru general area to ensure peaceful church services and strengthen public confidence.

The operation involved troops of Operation Enduring Peace, personnel of the Nigerian Air Force 551 Station, Operation Keystone, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies.

Security sources said the exercise commenced at about 7:30 a.m. and was aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action while providing adequate security coverage during church services.

The coordinated patrols and visibility operations covered identified vulnerable areas and strategic locations within Jos and Bukuru.

According to the sources, the operation was conducted without any security breach or incident, while religious activities across the affected areas remained peaceful.

The security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining collaborative operations aimed at maintaining law and order as well as protecting lives and property in Plateau State.

Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services

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Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot

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Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot

Nigeria recorded a major triumph at the 24th CAA Senior Athletics Championship in Accra, Ghana, as teenage athletes Rosemary and Miracle delivered a stunning performance to win gold for the country in the women’s 4x100m relay event.

The young stars, both students of NTIC Secondary School, helped Team Nigeria clinch the gold medal with an impressive time of 42.94 seconds, further underlining the country’s growing strength in athletics.

Their victory also secured Nigeria a ticket to the World Championships in Gaborone, while guaranteeing qualification for the 2027 World Championship in China.

The feat was particularly remarkable for Rosemary, who was making her senior debut for Nigeria at the continental championship.

Sports enthusiasts have since praised the duo for proving that age is no barrier to excellence, with many describing their performance as a glimpse into the bright future of Nigerian athletics.

Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot

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