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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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Warabe killings, Zulum awards scholarship to children

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Warabe killings, Zulum awards scholarship to children

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Governor Babagana Zulum has declared
scholarship for children of 13 civilian joint task force (CJTF) residents slaughtered at Warabe village Gwoza council area of Borno state.

The Governor who was at the community Wednesday for a sympathy visit also declared a million naira for each of the widows of the CJTF that were slaughtered when insurgents ambushed them recently.

Trouble actually started recently when two of the residents from the community went off to scavenge for firewood in the thick belly of the savannah within their general area.

The insurgents quickly attacked and killed two of the CJTF members in the process for daring to forage into the forest.

Some of the residents who escaped the ambush returned to base and informed the community about the loss of two of their members.

” the community then mobilized a fresh team of rescuers to get to the location of the tragedy to retrieve the corpses of their fallen members.

” By the time they got to the location to retrieve the corps of their fallen friends, 11 of them were killed in a fresh ambush making 13.

“The whole community was thrown into mourning in the process. And that is why we are asking the Governor to assist us in tightening the security architecture of this axis.” Said our source.

Warabe killings, Zulum awards scholarship to children

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Chinese expatriate kidnapped after murder of 8 NSCDC personnel in Edo, regains freedom in Kogi

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Chinese expatriate kidnapped after murder of 8 NSCDC personnel in Edo, regains freedom in Kogi

By: Zagazola Makama

A Chinese expatriate earlier kidnapped in an attack that claimed the lives of eight personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Edo has regained his freedom.

The expatriate, identified as Mr. Wang, was abducted on Sept. 5 during an assault targeting a team of NSCDC operatives assigned to protect Chinese workers at the BUA Cement Plant, Okpella.

Zagazola Makama gathered that Mr. Wang was released at about 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 in Kabba, Kogi State.

Sources said that the expatriate left Nigeria immediately after regaining his freedom and has since returned to China.

Details on whether ransom was paid or how negotiations were conducted were not disclosed.

Chinese expatriate kidnapped after murder of 8 NSCDC personnel in Edo, regains freedom in Kogi

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Army troops rescue 10 kidnapped women, recover rifle and ransom money in Sanga, Kaduna

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Army troops rescue 10 kidnapped women, recover rifle and ransom money in Sanga, Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops of 1 Division Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued 10 kidnapped women during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The women were abducted from their farms at Ungwan Nungu on Nov. 29.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the successful operation was carried out after days of sustained days search operations to track the kidnappers.

The sources stated that at about 6:40 a.m. on Friday, the troops made contact with the abductors who were attempting to receive ransom money from relatives of the victims.

“The troops engaged the kidnappers with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee,” the sources added.

According to the sources, the troops rescued all 10 victims and recovered one fabricated AK-47 rifle, one round of 9mm ammunition and ₦1.6 million, said to be part of the ransom the criminals were attempting to collect.

The rescued victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Army troops rescue 10 kidnapped women, recover rifle and ransom money in Sanga, Kaduna

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