EDO CENTRAL: PDP candidate endorses APC Senatorial candidate in Edo Central with profound reasons

EKPOMA-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for House of Representatives representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Constituency of Edo State, may have given tacit approval to the candidacy of Hon. John OSAGIE INEGBEDION of APC for SENATE representing Edo Central.

The PDP candidate who is himself a candidate for re-election was apparently reacting to a profound campaign statement made by Dr. Unuokpa Ebare who stated that;

_"If you are absent from the Edo State political Kitchen, You Lose!.

"2019 is a year of Esan Emancipation. The fact of the matter is that for Esan to enjoy all her rights in the scheme of things in Edo State, we must have the Senator, the HOR and a significant majority of state HOA members in Edo State in the rulling party, APC. 

"Politics is not a place for Father Christmas or Moral Instructions. Politics is Participating. If you are absent from the kitchen, you lose. No sentiment. If you know, you know. QED." DR Ebare declared.

Reacting to the above statement, Hon Edionwele concurred that the Esan people need to be grafted back into the mainstream politics of Edo State by participating in the politics actively.

In his words in the press notice on PVC collections;

"We do not have government by majority only. We have government by the majority who participate"-Chief Edionwele.

When interviewed for comment, Dr Unuokpa Ebare stated that

"The statement from Hon. Joe Edionwele proves that Esan must participate in the mainstream politics of Edo State and that remaining in the opposition do us no good and grafting to the ruling party, APC, in Edo State and coming out enmass according to Hon. Edionwele would surely do us good"

In similar reactions, The John Osagie INEGBEDION Network aka JOIN MOVEMENT has stated that APC would sweep Esanland clean and make John INEGBEDION elected as Edo central next senator but the PDP argued contrarily that they would battle to the last. We will keep you posted as the battle for Esanland rages.

PROFILE OF JOHN OSAGIE INEGBEDION.

John Osagie Inegbedion is from Igueben local government in Edo Sate and was born in July, 1972 into the Inegbedion family. He is happily married and blessed with four lovely Children.

Qualifications Dates:

Duro Oye-Doyin Primary School Ijesha-Tedo, Lagos.

Primary School Leaving Certificate 1979 -1985.

Ijesha-Tedo Boys Secondary Ijesha- Tedo, Lagos ..

Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSCE) 1985 - 1989.

Ambrose Alli University (Edo State):
BSc Accounting (Second Class Upper Div.) 1990 -1995.

University of Benin:
Masters in Banking and Finance 2005.

Professional Qualifications Dates:

• Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA).
•  Fellow of the Institute of Finance & Control of Nigeria (FIFCN).
•  Fellow Institute of Government Research & Leadership Technology.
• Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria .

Academic Awards & Honours Dates:

• Best Graduating Student Dept. of Accounting, Edo State University 1995.
• Best Student in Intr. to Bus. Methods Ijesha-Tedo Boy School, Lagos 1989.
• Award of Excellence by Ambrose Alli University Alumni Assoc. 2010.
• Award of Excellence by Niger Delta Student 2011.
• Award of Excellence by AAU Accounting Students Association 2012.

His primary and secondary school education were in Lagos from 1979 to 1989. Thereafter, he gained admission into the then Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State) in 1990 where he studied Accounting.  John graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree with second class upper division.

In 1996, He served the nation under the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in Takum in Taraba as a school teacher. During this period, John had the first-level opportunity to contribute his quota to nation building in various capacities.

His love for Accounting, finance & management were key factors that endeared him to study a Master degree in Banking & Finance at the University of Benin in the year 2005.

Prior to his appointment as the Commissioner of Finance in 2009; a position that he currently hold till date, John had an exciting career in the banking industry where he served in various capacities at Standard Trust Bank Ltd (now United Bank for Africa), Oceanic Bank International (now Eco Bank), Bond Bank Limited (now Skye Bank PLC) and Skye Bank PLC.

He is a technocrat and a professional with vast experience in all facet of finance from operations to marketing and sales, investor relations, team building, leadership and business development in general.

Adding to the success achieved in the private sector; John has contributed immensely in the last 10 years to the development of Edo State and the nation at large. He is a member of the Commissioner of Finance (COF) Forum at national level and a front line executive in resources management in Edo Sate.

As Chairman of the Commissioner of Finance forum, John was able to bring to national focus the infamous petroleum subsidy fraud as he consistently queried the rationale for subsidy deductions which rose at a geometric pace at the time without adequate controls.

This culminated to a major national discuss which led to the formation of various committees by the government to investigate and re-engineer the process of subsidy payment.

He is the longest serving Commissioner of Finance in Edo state and probably the country at large; holding his position for two tenures (that is, during the first and second term of Ex- Governor Adams Oshiomhole) while the third term is currently ongoing with Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state. There is no gain-saying that his level headedness, Competence, Integrity and professionalism are major factors that has helped him retained this position.

Leveraging on his background as a Chartered Accountant and an astute Banker; John has consistently ensured that the state financial dealings are published on a yearly basis and in the last three years, Edo State has maintained the lead as the first state that published her financials coming from the backdrop of a state that couldn’t produced financial statement for 6 years (that is, between 2002 & 2008).

Notable to mention are the sound financial / fiscal reforms, accountability and transparency implemented by John which has seen the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State grow from an average of N250million to  N2billion monthly.

Based on the aforementioned; the World Bank (WB) took interest in the state and John as the COF was also to hold constructive engagement that enabled the state benefit from the WB rare lending window. With this, the sum of US$225million was availed by WB to the state for direct budget support out of which tranche disbursement of $150million has been disbursed and made availed to finance various developmental projects.

As an experienced Commissioner and a core member of the current administration.  John Osagie Inegbedion is a part of the various teams in the state that are pushing boundaries for economic prosperity. Some of the initiatives that are currently being implemented are; the $500m Benin River Port, Benin Industrial Park, Edo modular Refinery etc.

John has exceptional entrepreneurial & inter-personal skills which are shown in his day-to-day engagement with all and sundry. These are contributory factors that have enable him retain his position in government for the last 10 years. Notable to mention is his role as the COF in Edo Sate are:

 Formulation of the Edo State Economic Development Framework 2010-2020 which introduced the culture of strategy, dialogue and retreats in planning.

 Capital Raise – Led, arranged and secured the $225 million concessionary rates development loan from the World Bank which has been a major funding and stimulus for the current infrastructure development initiatives in the state.

 Capital Raise - N25 Billion infrastructure development Bond from the Nigerian capital market in 2010.

 Hosting successfully sector-based economic summits and policy dialogue series including the power round table in 2010, Education round table in 2011 and 2012  Agribusiness round table.

 Secured funding for the State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) projects worth over $350m aimed at financing developmental projects.

 Managed both local and international engagement / funding for Long term and capital intensive projects for the State- Power, Refinery, Industrial Park, Roads etc.

|CORE COMPETENCES|

Portfolio Management | Capital Raising | Business Development | Investor Relations | Commercial & SME Banking | Team building & Leadership | Corporate Culture Change | Banking Operations | Transaction Banking | Regulatory Compliance & | Treasury Services| Relationship Management.

Employment History Dates: 

-Work Experience in the Banking Industry – 1997 to 2009.

• Standard Trust Bank Limited 1997 – 2001.
• Head of Operations & Customer Service Manager (Warri, Delta State)
• Oceanic Bank International 2001 - 2004.
• Head Credit & Marketing – (Warri, Delta State)
• Bond Bank Limited 2004- 2006.
• Head Credit & Marketing – (Benin City, Edo State)
• Skye Bank Plc 2008- 2009 .
• Senior Manager (Area Manager Benin City, Edo State).
• Honorable Commissioner of Finance (Edo State) 2009 to date .

Originating and executing profitable transactions for retail and commercial customers which include Trade Finance (importation and local purchase) of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), using risk hedging instruments such as Letters of Credit (LC), Bank Guarantee (BG), Performance Bonds, Payment Guarantees etc.

 Asset & working capital finance to provide cutting edge advantage and economies of scale for customers.

 Product paper design and implementation in line with set standards to meet financing needs for services companies, contractors, suppliers and trading companies.

 Creating quality risk asset to meet the Banks income target through structuring credit facilities for specialized companies and ensuring timely liquidation of same.

 Deal origination, execution and documentation in line with the Bank and regulatory standards.

 Set Market, business development agenda and directions for specific regions (Edo & Delta).

 Marketing the cocktail of different products available to enable customers review available investment options.

 Advising customers on the most appropriate investment for their funds depending on their line of business. This includes profitability and risk analysis.

 Generating cost effective deposit mix to enhance the Banks operating efficiency and profitability.

 Weekly and Monthly review/reconciliation of the group’s balance sheet for quality assurance and monthly performance measurement to reflect actual performance in line with set targets.

 Identifying business opportunities in strategic territories to market the Banks consumer products.

 Define market plan and create measures to accommodate customer’s needs while building and maintaining successful business relationships.

 Secured loans for low-end commercial customers to meet their short-term needs while producing incremental interest income for Bank.

Work Experience in Public Service – 

Honourable Comm. Of Finance, Edo State; 2009 to date:
John Osagie Inegbedion is a three time Commissioner of Finance (COF) for  10 years in Edo State; groomed with exceptional skills in finance, management and leadership. He has served in various capacities in the state and his role and responsibilities are pivot to the various developmental projects that have been achieved within and outside the state.

Some of his core functions as the state COF include:

Revenue Generation, expenditure control, funds management, capital raising (debt and/or equity), Investor relations, state master plan, advisory and port-folio management. Notable to mention are the various the various committees that he is part of:

•  Chairman State Tenders (Former Member 2009 to 2016).
•  Member (Former Chairman Commissioners Of Finance Forum May 2015 to Nov 2016). Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).
•  Member FAAC Post Mortem Committee Representing South-South Region.
•  Member Edo State Executive Council.
•  Member Edo State Economic Team.
•  Vice Chairman Edo State Task-force on Revenue Generation.
•  Vice Chairman Edo State Tax Assessment Review Committee (TARC).
•  Member State Budget Planning Committee.
•  Member World Bank SEEFOR Projects Steering Committee.
•  Member NACOFED Planning Committee Representing South-South.
•  Member FAAC Special Task-force on NNPC Reconciliation.
•  Chairman Commissioners of Finance Forum (May 2014 To Nov 2016).
•  Treasurer Commissioners Of Finance Forum (Oct 2011 To May 2014).

Trainings:

 Basic human relation management and interpersonal relationship in work place.
 Basic credit analysis and evaluation –Austo and co
 Professional Selling Skills- konsultserve mgt. development.
 Customer service Improvement
 Financial crimes and money laundering- Aglat consult Nigeria limited.
 Finance & Credit Analysis
 Trade Finance
 Team, Leadership & Project Management
 Private Equity Strategy in Emerging Market
 KYC, Customer Due Diligence and Money Laundry

Research work & Interest:

As part of the requirement to secure his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting; his research work was centred on “Budgeting as a means of achieving financial objectives in an organisation”. The knowledge learnt from this exercise has contributed immensely in his current role as COF in the State. John is fun to be with and his personal interest include; networking, reading, playing scrabble & watching football.

Clarion Call - To represent Edo Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly:

The call to represent Edo Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly is borne out of the desire of the populace in the region for better representation at the centre stage.
Hence, leveraging on John Osagie Inegbedion experience in both the Private and Public sectors are his veritable tools that will help in changing the narrative and deliver the much needed sustainable growth & development in the district. With this in mind, we therefore call for support from all well-meaning indigenes and stakeholders within and outside the state in the upcoming elections as official Edo Central Senatorial candidate for the Senate under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hon. John Osagie Inegbedion
Hon. COF, Edo State
Nigeria

PRESS RELEASE. Re - Attack On Governor Obaseki

Gov Obaseki

It has come to our notice, the Chief Francis Inegbeneki Support Group, (FISG), about a grand plan by some All Progressives Congress, (APC), Leaders and  Government officers in Edo state, of a  plan to maliciously frame up our Leader,  (Chief Francis Inegbeneki), in a cunning way to pitch him against the Governor with the aim to keep him out from contesting the forth coming election having recognised the incontrovertible fact that Chief Inegbeniki is certainly the most popular Esan man for Senatorial contest in 2019.

We condemn in totality the cleverly scripted but pointless plan by the leaders and their accomplices who do not want the progress  of our great party and of Esanland.

We state categorically that Chief Francis Inegbeneki is a law abiding citizen and a faithful member of our party, the APC.

We are surprised, and disturbed, that those who are in the party as spies and can not give the party the votes are the so called Leaders looking for ways to disrupt our efforts.

We appeal to our National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, the Governor of Edo State, Dr Godwin Obaseki, and all well meaning party stakeholders to please use their good offices to intervane in this matter.

The Francis Inegbeneki Group, (FISG), totally condemn the attack on the Governor and his entourage at IRRUA by some miscreants who hijacked the peaceful protest by the Youth of Edo Central Senatorial District.

We hearby appeal to party members to ensure that our imminent party primaries is conducted peacefully without crisis.

We also call on the Leaders and the National Chairman, to please adopt the Direct Primaries option in our Constitution, so that the People can elect their representative to the various positions from the State House of Assembly to the National positions. We need popular candidates who can not only win the election for the party but also help in garnering more votes to deliver the Presidential election for the Party.

We humbly call on the Nigerian Police to fish out those miscreants who may have been hired to soil our amiable leader's name by attacking the Governor.

Once again we beg everyone member of  our great party to let Peace reign.

Signed.

Evans Ilozobhie
(President)
For: Francis Inegbeneki Support Group, (FISG)

Politics: Esan West Local Government Chairmanship Aspirant, Kelly O. Udebhulu, talks tough.

Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu

EKPOMA-Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu is a young vibrant chieftain of the All Progressives Party (APC) in Edo state. He is from UROHI (ward 8 ) in Esan west local government of Edo state who has not be able to produce the council's chairman since the creation of the council. He plans to contest the forthcoming local government council's elections in the state. In this interview, the illustrious son of Ohon, Urohi speaks on his experience in the last general and governorship elections in Nigeria, the proposed primary and other issues.

How would the APC leaders in Esan west local government and Edo state in general manage the crowd of aspirants that have shown interest in the ticket?

We are from one family of APC. Our leaders are experienced personalities that have seen the black and white of politics. All of us (aspirants) submit ourselves to the process, and for me, if you submit yourself to a process, you have to abide with the outcome of that process. Who ever the party process chooses, all others would support for the final election.

What particular lesson did you take away from the experience of 2015 and 2016?

Thank you for this question. I was with Chief (Dr) Francis Inegbeniki as media icon during the senatorial campaigns and election. The major lesson that I took away from the election is that, on the last day, particularly on the day of election, you need a core of dedicated people to serve, whether as agents or representatives, or to do things for you. You cannot afford to leave that important aspect of electioneering in the hands of people who are not committed to your cause or the party. Pathetically, people are simply after money. When you have people who are more or less traders, then you are in trouble. So, on my election, we would go ahead to get people who believe in our cause. Any dedicated party man would be willing to sacrifice anything for the success of his party. That is one particular lesson that I have learnt, that you don’t go around with people who don’t believe in your cause.

...to be continued.

Breaking News! Fulani herdsmen Attack Urohi community in Esan west local government.

Kelly O. Udebhulu reports.

EKPOMA-Today, 26th November, 2017, the fulani herdsmen completely blocked the road leading to Urohi community from Ekpoma, the local government headquarter, robbing all motorists and bike riders. These attacks have become a daily occurrence that the people of Urohi now sleep with both eyes open.

In the months of June and July, 2017, there were series of attacks on Urohi community by Fulani herdsmen. These attacks came on the heels of bloody invasions and killings in Esan west local government where several residents were killed and several others were raped and farmlands destroyed by the marauding herdsmen.

Sadly, the invasion of these hitherto peaceful community have continued unabated despite the outcry that trailed the unprovoked invasions and attacks. Today, majority of the inhabitants of Urohi community in Esan west local government have become refugees in their own land, abandoning their large scale farming activities which the people are known for.

Unfortunately, the people have also been abandoned to their fate by the government.
From Urohi to Egoro Naoka, Uhiele to Urohi, it’s the same sad story of bloodletting and devastation that has left hundreds killed, property destroyed, and farmland and food barns razed. The developments have also affected farming activities in the local government. Most farmlands have been deserted.

Regrettably, the blood thirsty herdsmen have now bared their taste for blood on Urohi community unabated, a community regarded as the food baskets of the state. They are known for their massive production of yam tubers, pineapples and grains sold across the country, but with the attacks the economic fortune of Esan west local government and Edo state in general is heading for the rocks.
Surprisingly, hardly has a day passed now without reported cases of invasions and killings in Urohi particularly Ebute metta village in Urohi by herdsmen. According to the inhabitants of Urohi community, this ugly trend will no longer be condoned, the bad side of it is that these attackers came in with their cows from neighboring towns in disguise and unleashing mayhem on the people. The government should come to the aid of these communities to avoid these fulani herdsmen attacks daily.

President Robert Mugabe's letter to his exit appealing to black Zimbabwean citizens..... You Will Appreciate Me More When I Am Gone.

Mugabe

My fellow Zimbabweans, I am writing this letter and hope that all of you will read it and share it.

My days on this earth are numbered, But I know that once I am gone, You and your children will never forget about me.

I want you to understand that the reason I have stayed long in power, 36 years on, Is because I want to empower all of you my fellow black Zimbabweans, No other president in the entire continent of Africa has done what I have done for you, But you continue to take me for granted.

Do you know that in the whole of Africa, Zimbabweans are the only blacks who own their land? We are the only blacks who own and run means of production, We own our own companies and our own land, That is the true meaning of independence. Political and economic independence. I have fought tooth and nail my entire political life to ensure that all of you have both political and economic independence, I don’t hate white people, No, Not at all. What I hate is their thinking that they are better than us, That they can just come to our country and take our resources and our land, And tell us what to do, To that I say no, Today, I am happy that almost all the land is in black hands.

It's up to you to use the education I gave you to develop the land so it is productive so you can feed yourself, One thing I am proud of is that I worked hard to ensure our natural resources and our land was given back to its rightful OWNERS: You the black people of Zimbabwe.

Go to other countries in Africa, Right here just across Limpopo, In South Africa, Mandela sold out and gave all the land and economy to the whites, The blacks in South Africa will be slaves to white South Africans forever, As long as land is not in the hands of its rightful owners, The Africans, The black man will continue to suffer in his own land.

The real wealth is now in your hands, I wrestled it away from the white people who came to steal it from you, Yes, The world was angry at me and punished the whole country with sanctions, But I don’t care because I know I was doing the right thing, I was empowering my people, You should take care of the land and the industries I have given you.

I did my part, The ball is now in your court, Do your part, You will remember me and appreciate me for what I have done for you when I am gone....

Your president and leader of Africa for Africans!

-Robert Gabriel Mugabe!!

Nigeria has the Resources to Grow, Tap the Human and Natural Resources Rightly–Arc. Emuan.

Arc Emuan

By OJIEVA EHIOSUN.

Architect (Dr) Austin Ilenre Emuan, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was a governorship aspirant on the platform of the party during the 2016 election in Edo State. He spoke with OJIEVA EHIOSUN on sundry issues.

Excerpts…

How would you rate the performance of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, now that it is a year since he came to power?

The journey so far with Obaseki had been smooth. His government is poised in the right direction and it is obvious that he is also defining the right paths that will gravitate Edo State towards the aspirations of our people. However, one year into the tenure of four years might be premature to judge him. My consolation is in the fact that Obaseki is capable of taking Edo further on the path of meaningful developments, from where Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, his predecessor anchored it.
Obaseki hit the ground running, the gains of which are obvious in infrastructural and general economic development. I am not surprised Edo public have already nicknamed him as the ‘Wake and See Governor’ because one moment you see a dilapidated road or infrastructure only to wake up in the morning to see a brand new one in its place. This alacrity of dispatch is commendable.

More than two years into the APC’s tenure, do you agree that Nigerians are passing through hardship as against what they experienced in the past?

Amongst the most disciplined, overboard, selfless and well-meaning Nigerians, Buhari stands out as one of the first of the firsts. To be able to advance towards our destination and aspirational goals as Nigerians, we desperately needed a man like Buhari on the rostrum of governance.

Let’s not forget so soon that we were angry about the way our patrimony was recklessly managed and this, made us hungry for a solution; hence we all supported and voted massively for him.
He has since set out to do the needful which requires making painful structural changes that must be supported by us all through deliberate attitudinal change, for the benefit of us, all. Unfortunately, Nigerians don’t seem to be ready to bear pains and make sacrifices.

We like the Jews want to go back to Egypt amidst deliverance from slavery. The earlier we realized that no one can make omelets without breaking eggs, the better for us because we cannot build a foundational economy by living on rents like in the days gone by but only through productivity whilst building strong institutions. I think this is the first lesson that the “Change” philosophy of this administration stands for. Also, President Buhari’s saying that “the change we need begins with you and I” is an undisputed fact. He cannot do it alone. Let’s support him.

APC has presided over Nigeria in the past two and half years. How long should the people wait for dividends of democracy?

I am yet to see any true gains without pains. Show me any star and I will show you his or her scars of sacrifice. Nigerians should bear the pains of strong-nation building right now, if they cherish to live a future life full of bliss. No great nation today or before was built in a day.

Nigerians should be patient with President Buhari as his Change mantra and associated policies and programs when supported, would take the country out of the woods, and relaunch it on the narrow path of greatness.

Thank God; government and economic experts uphold that the tough realities of Nigeria’s economic recessions are now giving way to recovery and prosperity. Sure, Buhari loves Nigerians but will not compromise where bitter pills have to be taken to cure the root cause of our persistent and nagging ailments.

Buhari had been criticized for spending more time attending to his health overseas, than the needs of Nigerians. Isn’t that worrisome?

Buhari is human and being a leader does not preclude him from falling ill. Indeed, it was a tough period for Nigerians, But, he was ably and effectively represented by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Nigerians must however be commended on their prayers and support for Mr. President during the trying period. Now that he is back on his feet again, I implore Nigerians to rejoice and support him in rejigging our political economy so that our resources can be administered fairly to all in accordance to the will of God.

You make reference to God. Should Nigerians just fold their arms and leave everything to God.
Definitely, God rules in the affairs of men and nations. All the sacred books, uphold that God enjoins men and nations to help themselves, and that He would bless the good works of their hands. It will be foolhardy and stupid for anyone to think that all we see and feel in nature came by accident. They are the product of a mastermind. Call HIM God, Allah, Olorun or Osalobua etc.,

HE lives and that is why we can all exist and face tomorrow. Tai Solarin was a great Nigerian patriot, though unfortunately an atheist, believed that fairness to all was a universal law demanded of us by forces of nature. That Force is God! In the times of trials, God has been very helpful to Nigerians and their leaders, as indicated by Buhari’s recovery. No doubt, God received the supplications of all Nigerians and we have him back hale and hearty.

Don’t you share the views of some pundits who postulated that the country would break up?

I believe in God and His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ and I have seen God’s hands mold individuals and nations into wonderful shapes of profound purpose. Nigerians are very good people and deserve a leader who has the fear of God to lead them. One whose leadership is not self-serving but one that is able to see leadership as the moral image of law, the civic face of order and symbol of justice.

Buhari’s falls in lines of these qualities and they propel him to fight corruption with all zest and zeal. Do not mind those prophets of doom, who see nothing good about Africans and Nigerians. If their doomsday prophecy on Nigeria’s breakup in 2015 did not come to pass, it will never.

Buhari, as impeccable as he you are saying had been accused of condoning corruption. Isnt that true?

Now, if your reference is corruption allegations leveled against his former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and others like Maina very recently, have all been test of will and I think the president has done the needful with his decisive sack of the former SGF and others.
Nigeria is not a failing state, but a state in transition. My quest to know why nations fail challenged me, so much that I had to pursue a doctorate degree in the International Relations- Business-Major in one of the American Universities and I can tell you that nations fail when they have weak and extractive institutions. Before now, we were treading that path but not anymore with the APC led government under Buhari.

Are you not disturbed that the Avengers, the deadly Niger Delta militant group is again threatening to resume the bombing of oil installations in your region?

At this era, when the global oil price is appreciating, Nigeria could do a lot with oil proceeds to address many critical areas of intervention and needs towards making life meaningful for all Nigerians.

Again, now that the scourge of climate change is devastating the world, further bombings by the militants could further imperil the immediate environment, the people and livelihood of the Niger Delta.

The South-South Professionals that I belong are always opposed to such acts of aggression and sabotage as it breeds nothing but ills. Time has come for our people to embrace economic activism and advocate peacefully on how to positively transform our economic horizon rather than otherwise.
I humbly appeal to the militants to join hands with this government to create peace that we all know sets the right stage for meaningful economic development.

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has just marked his one year on throne. Being the sponsor of the Oba of Benin Green Award, what is your view on this occasion?

I am proud to be an Edo man, I am proud of our Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare n’ Ogidigan II, and as already expressed through key media pronouncements by me and my organisations, during his coronation and the most recent anniversary, I re-affirm that our Oba is very dynamic and disposed to serving his people to bequeath an ideal Edo; a legacy much better than the one he inherited.

Remarkably, with the social- cultural reforms he has embarked upon, he is already living up to his name of Oba Ewuare (the Great) Ogidigan II, with inherent potential of surpassing the solid transformation of his predecessors. Interestingly as always, the things of God are not mistaken, as they come in due time and season.

I think it is an act of God that Oba Ewuare II and Governor Obaseki have come at such a time, when the current Edo people, just like the old Bini era of Oba Ewuare n’ Ogidigan I, through cultural revival, re-established the kingdom to greater heights, in the then African and global arena.
With the symbiotic mix of combining traditional and governmental elements to re-invent the Edo people by the duo of our present Governor and Oba, Edo is set to see history repeat itself, but with higher intensity., I encourage all Edo people to support this great opportunity to advance our dear state.

Anambra Decides: Full Updates Release.

AKWA-Some election observers, who monitored the governorship election in Anambra on Saturday have expressed mixed feelings over the exercise, newsmen report.

LoudNewsToday reports that voting ended at exactly 2p.m, and counting of votes immediately commenced in the polling units where accreditation and voting commenced between 8a.m and 9a.m on Saturday.

It reports that INEC has 4,608 polling units across the 21 local governments areas.

In most polling units located in Orumba, North and South, Aguata, Awka South and Awka North local government areas, counting of votes was still in progress as at 2.30pm.

Mr Samuel Itodo, the Executive Director, Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA), told the News Agency of Nigeria that materials and personnel arrived various polling units late. Itodo said 28 per cent of polling units recorded arrival of materials and personnel as at 7.30 a.m., except im Awka North and Awka South Local Government Areas where materials and personnel arrive before 7.30 a.m.

“Apparently, as at 10 a.m., 75 per cent of the polling units were opened while voting started about 30 minutes later.

 “That is disturbing but as at 12 noon, 92 per cent of polling units were opened.

“We asked INEC to extend the deadline from 2 p.m to 4 p.m to enable people vote,” Itodo said.
The executive director also said there were issues with card readers being unable to authenticate finger prints, saying the development raised issue of integrity of the exercise. According to him, it is too premature to make statements on voter turnout.

 ”We are still studying our data so as to make official statement on that later.”

On his part, Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, Chairman, Partners for Electoral Reform, said voting started late, especially in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

Nwagwu said security agents have been civil and professional in their conduct, adding also that voters have equally behaved themselves. However, he said there were high cases of “vote buying” recorded in some parts of the state.

 Mr Harry Putker, an observer with the Embassy of Netherlands, said his group would make its observations public at a later date, which would  include some minor challenges which INEC needed to work on.

 Another observer group, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Election Working Group told newsmen in Onitsha that the exercise began on a good note as the process started early with arrival of materials.

“All the materials, including ballot boxes, card readers, result sheets are intact and working in good condition,” Coordinator of the group, Mr Adewale Ademola, said.

He also commended the presence of security personnel, saying “everything went orderly and  was transparent”.

Full Updates:

Anambra election – Strong politicians from different political parties, Saturday, won their respective polling units in the Anamber governorship election.

At Nnewi, home of the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu‎, despite his son’s defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA won Umudim central school polling units. Result from the three polling units in the primary school indicated‎ that APGA scored 261 votes, APC 98 and PDP 80.

 Emeka Ojukwu Jnr was absent at the polling unit, but late Ojukwu’s widow, Bianca Ojukwu was present at the venue and said she would follow the result of the election to ‎its conclusion. ‎Posters of APC candidate, Tony Nwoye, his running mate, Ikedife with Ojukwu’s picture inserted, littered in front of Ojukwu’s family house in Nnewi.

At Aguluzoigbo in Aniocha LGA, home of the former National Chairman of the Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, in the votes counted at Uzuanunu polling unit in Aguluzoigbo‎ ward, APGA scored 68, APC 8, PDP 1 and NCP 1. Umeh said he expects the votes margin to be wider in the rest polling units.

“We insist the INEC should maintain what happened here in the day time to also take place at night when the rest of the results will be collected,” Umeh said.

He commended INEC and security agents for ‎maintaining peace, adding that the election went well, except the initial hitch when few card readers malfunctioned but were resolved.

At Ekwueme hall polling units of Ukpo, Dunukofia LGA, home of Prince Arthur Eze and the sponsor of the APC Candidate, the APC scored 409 votes, APGA 102 and PDP 15.

Minister for Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige in his home, Nkwoide ward 1 consolidated his stronghold with is party, the APC scoring 152, APGA 68 and PDP 22.

At the Nneofor hall polling unit in Otolo-Nnewi ward an agent of the APC ‎allegedly attempted to snatch uncounted ballot box which brought about scuffle. The incident caused commotion as supporters of other political parties resisted the attempt. Security agents on the ground arrested the agent and sent him out of the polling unit.

 Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Dozie Ikedife whose son is running mate in APC, commended the idea of voting immediately after accreditation‎.

He said it was an improvement in the electoral process, adding that even the IPOB threat did not work much. Ikedife alleged there were inducements in pockets of areas but gave the election a pass mark.

He however demanded that polling booths should be made more secrete that were experienced, noting that some people watched others vote.

Politics: Gov. Obaseki is driving our economy towards industrialization and entrepreneurial development- Kelly O. Udebhulu.

Ikpea Osas reports.

Benin City-The most outspoken, vibrant and popular Esan west local government council' s chairmanship aspirant in the forthcoming council elections in Edo state, Kelly O. Udebhulu, congratulates Edo state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his one year anniversary in office as executive Governor of the state.

In his direct message to all citizens of Edo state and beyond, Kelly O. Udebhulu appeals that the governor needs our prayers and moral supports to actualize all his good plans for the state.

“We should keep praying for our Governor Obaseki. He is doing a great work in driving our economy towards industrialization and entrepreneurial development. In the coming years as he remains the executive Governor, with our prayers and cooperation, he will certainly succeed in taking our state higher than he met it,” Udebhulu said.

He further stressed that;

"In the just concluded Alaghodalo Summit in the state, most Nigerians and even foreign investors said that Edo state is the safest, peaceful, most organized state in Nigeria for investment.
“We should pray for our governor Obaseki. Leadership comes from God. He needs our prayers for him to remain focus and continue to succeed in all his plans to lift the state higher,” Udebhulu concluded.

Happy Birthday: Bright Osemudiamen Kelly is Plus one Today.

Osemudiamen

By Uchendu Onuoha Precious.

FOOTBALL-The best way to success it is said is to follow the footsteps of those who have successfully journeyed before us. And that is exactly what Bright Osemudiamen Kelly, who turned 12 years today, October 26, 2017, is out to accomplish in far away Bundisliga (Germany).

Having started early, and was discovered at the same age and almost the same manner Leo Messi was discovered and groomed, Osemudiamen may end up becoming another whiz kid footballer. Affectionately called “Kelly” by his fans, friends and handlers, he was the latest sensation in the U13 Bundisliga where he plays as top striker for his new club, Fortuna Dusseldolf ( Germany). He is presently the top striker in his new club, KFC Uerdingen 05, krefeld-Germany 2018/2019 football season

This football wonder kid has left no one in doubt that he has been anointed and called to play the round leather game as the spirit of football is upon him. The field is his pulpit, his Bible is his legs, and his message is the gospel of football delivered through scoring goals to the ovation of his spectators whom the stadium is their temple. Once he steps into the field of play, he becomes possessed with the football spirit as the round leather obeys his commands as he meanders his way through like water in a creek, creeping through and tearing the opponent’s defence apart to score goals.

Ose is an embodiment of striking skills. A talented top striker and star in the making. A fast striker with an insatiable appetite for goals, he is aided by an excellent sense of positioning. He possesses the energy and technical skills of CR7 of Real Madrid, the mesmerizing runs of Messi of FC Barcelona, and the lethal finishing of Samuel Eto’o.

This star in the making is a delight to watch during soccer matches where he scores fantastic goals for his club.

Happy birthday!

Breaking: Super Eagles qualifies, ready for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup

UYO-The Super Eagles of Nigeria, at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday. trashed the fearless Chipolopolo of Zambia 1:0 hence becoming the first African team to advance to Russia after taking an unassailable lead atop Group B.

It will be their sixth World Cup finals appearance.

A 73rd minute goal from Alex Iwobi ensured that the Super Eagles would be at their record sixth appearance at the World.

Odion Ighalo, who was the main striker was not clinical in front of goal and a lot of chances were missed.

A moment of brilliance however ensured that Iwobi scored. A lack of concentration by the Chipolopolo saw Iwobi with space and he put the ball in between the legs of goalkeeper Mweene.
The Super Eagles have an unassailable 13 points.

They will play the final match of the group against Algeria next month.

Insecurity: Udebhulu Urges Obaseki To Stop The Kidnapping, Robbery & Killings Of Edolites.

By Ejogbe Vincent.

Benin City-The chairmanship aspirant for Esan west local Government, Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu has called on the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to show firm commitment to the protection of lives and properties in the state stating that it is the number one priority of all established government in the World.

In a statement released to press men in Benin City, the state government was called on to urgently address the alarming security situation in Edo state as a result of Fulani herdsmen atrocities, Kidnappings, assassinations and robbery cases noting that the situation is currently affecting the social and economic lives of the people
.
He said that the frequency of mindless killings by suspected Fulani Herdsmen,  kidnappers, robbers and assassins whose victim offences are only going about their lawful businesses have become worrisome and needs urgent intervention by the government. Time for blame games and defensive statements by politicians are over now.

“Edolites are been harassed, brutalized, killed, kidnapped, terrorized, maimed and traumatized on a daily basis by the ravaging herdsmen, kidnappers, robbers and assassins and it appears that there is conspiracy of silence from the security agencies in the state who have failed to act decisively to check the activities of these criminals only to go after "yahoo boys" and young edolites driving  flashing cars in the state." He stated.

Prince Udebhulu reminded the Governor that as the Chief Security Officer of the State, his primary responsibility is to ensure that Edolites are secured.

“I therefore call on Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, who is the chief security officer of the state, to rise up and tackle the barrage of security challenges that have made Edolites to now sleep with one eye open.

On Tuesday 3rd October, a renowned Edo State-born musician and social critic, Ambassador Osayomore Joseph, was abducted by kidnappers in Benin City and his wife, who tried to beg for her husband, was shot in the head at about 10 P.M. at Orovie village off Upper Ekewan Road, Benin City.
Again on September 24, three policemen stationed at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park were killed by kidnappers, while the Managing Director of the Zoo, Dr. Andy Ehanire was abducted. Andy, brother to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, is yet to be released by his abductors.

Also, on 24th September, a popular showbiz icon in the state, Prince Isaac Eromosele popularly known as "Golden Child" was robbed and shot severely in his residence at off Lucky Way in Benin city and his toyota land cruiser jeep taken away by the hoodlums which was recovered by the Esigie police station two days later.

Another sad news was that a lecturer in the Engineering faculty, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Paul Otasowie has reportedly been killed by armed men in his Benin city home.
According to reports, the late Professor was gunned down by men on his way back from work around the ever busy Ekehuan road.

There are numerous cases of robberies, killings by fulani herdsmen and other criminal activities across the state.

CRIME REPORT: Ambassador Osayomore kidnapped, Prof. Otasowie assassinated in Edo.

Osayomore

BENIN—POPULAR Edo State-born musician and social critic, Osayomore Joseph, was Tuesday abducted by kidnappers in Benin, the state capital.

It was learned that his wife, who tried to beg for her husband, was shot in the head.

Osayomore was kidnapped at about 10p.m. at Orovie village off Upper Ekewan Road, Egor Local Government Area.

Recalled that on September 24, three policemen stationed at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park were killed by kidnappers, while the Managing Director of the Zoo, Dr. Andy Ehanire was abducted. Andy, brother to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, is yet to be released by his abductors.

 Also, on 24th September, a popular showbiz icon in the state, Prince Isaac Eromosele popularly known as "Golden Child" was robbed and received multiple severe gun shots in his mansion at off Lucky Way in Benin city and his toyota land cruiser jeep taken away by the hoodlums which was recovered by the Esigie police station two days later.

Meanwhile, a lecturer in the Engineering faculty, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Paul Otasowie has reportedly been killed by armed men in his Benin city home.

According to online reports, the late Professor was gunned down by men believed to be hired assassins, yesterday, on his way back from work around the ever busy Ekehuan road.

Until his death, the late Professor was a senior lecturer in the department of Electrical Electronics Engineering, faculty of Engineering, University of Benin.

Reacting to the abduction of Osayomore, Edo State Police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, said Police received report about the abduction at about 11p.m. DSP Nkombe said security operatives had been drafted to hot spots across the state, assuring that the Police will do its best to secure Osayomore’s release.

Meanwhile, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, has condemned his kidnap, describing the abduction as an abomination, noting that the veteran musician was abducted after he performed at the palace of the Oba of Benin.

State Chairman of PMAN, Eghenova Willie, in a statement called for the unconditional release of Osayomore.

Willie, who appealed to Governor Godwin Obaseki to beef up security in the state, said it was shocking that kidnappers had turned on musicians in the state.

 His words:

 “He should be released unconditionally. He is a musician and has done no harm to anybody. It is a taboo for somebody to be kidnapped after performing for the Oba of Benin. “He left the Oba’s Palace few minutes before he was kidnapped. The kidnappers should know that it was an abomination to kidnap him.”

Politics: Politicians that betray one another because of political positions lack ethics of politics-Kelly Udebhulu

Udebhulu

Ujiagbe Mike reports.

ABUJA-The All Progressives Congress's chairmanship aspirant for Esan west local government council in the forthcoming council elections in the Edo state, Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu pointed out yesterday at a consultative meeting with like minds and friends in Abuja that the major negative factors that have prevented development and stability in our political dispensation in Nigeria is politics of bitterness.

In his words;

"Often times I see politicians killing each other, betraying one another because of political positions or appointments.

"Does politics teach us to destroy one another? Is polities meant to eradicate integrity and love for one another?

"Politicians who destroy and betray each other do so because they lack ethics of politics and true meaning of politics. The fact that you have opponents in your political ambitions should not make you to develop hatred and bitterness towards your opponents.

"A true politician should constantly allow ethics in politics to guide his words and actions."
Prince Kelly Udebhulu stressed further that the essence of politics is to promote one another, enhance development in our society, promote peace and unity and motivate one another to higher heights generally.

"We fail in our political ambitions and positions because of wrong motives in politics. We should constantly emulate God who makes the rain to fall on the just and on the unjust. We should always learn from his faithfulness, love, mercy, and kindness towards his creatures." He said.

He advised that politicians who succeed in any Position should wish others well, overlook the mistakes and short-comings of others, see beyond the now and allow ethics in politics to guide their words and actions.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: Officer Ugowe Igbinazaka bags award of the most vibrant Police Officer of the Year.

By Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu.

LAGOS- Officer Ugowe Igbinazaka, the Commander of Intelligent, IGP Task Force on Petroleum, Bunkering and other related offences, was conferred with award of bravery, patriotism and the most vibrant Police Officer of the year by The City Pride Achiever's Award, a news portal of Daily Pride at Lagos on Saturday 23rd, 2017.

The award of the year according to the daily pride was in recognition of the selflessness of the recipient and to appreciate Mr. Ugowe’s enormous sacrifices, bravery and patriotism in leading the task force against bunkering and other related offences in Nigeria as well as the efforts of the IGP task force under his leadership to humble criminals across Nigeria since he assumed the leadership position of the IGP task force.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Ugowe thanked God and the organisers. Mr Ugowe Igbinazaka specifically thanked the IGP Mr Idris Ibrahim and CSP Maikaba Ibrahim his boss for given him the opportunity to prove his operational intelligence in bursting/prosecuting pipeline vandals/illegal burgers in Nigeria.

National Security: There is a deliberate sinister agenda by IPOB to provoke the soldiers into killing innocent people in retaliation-Presidency.

…there is a deliberate sinister agenda by IPOB to provoke the soldiers into killing innocent people in retaliation so that Nnamdi Kanu would use the pictures of the victims for international propaganda by the accusing the government of ethnic cleansing against the Igbos with the sole purpose of gaining sympathy.

…A president who has put the nation’s cash cows, the Central Bank and the Ministry of Petroleum in the hands of the Igbo; who has given four out of five states in the subregion senior cabinet posts in his administration, including Foreign Affairs; and Industry, Trade and Investment, and is constructing the Second Niger bridge after years of deceit and false starts cannot be called a hater of the Igbo.

…Malam Shehu wondered why Mrs. Ezekwesili “retreated to the background or lost her voice while IPOB supporters were violently molesting, harassing, attacking and jeopardizing the lives of indigenes and non-indigenes.”

He challenged Mrs. Ezekwesili to explain to Nigerians where the constitution of Nigeria, and international human rights law support the killing and molestation of innocent people in the name of advocacy for self determination.

According to him, “her hypocritical and timid silence while Kanu’s IPOB supporters were engaged in lawlessness and recklessness in violation of his bail conditions is a burden on her credibility as a national crusader who should be courageous to condemn criminality.

This art of using a raincoat while taking a bath is nothing short of self deceit.”

ABUJA – THE presidency Thursday night cautioned the Co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls Group, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, not to ammunition to any violent group that seems determined to pursue its separatist agitation through reckless and destructive methods.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu in a statement Thursday night told Dr. Ezekwesili to demonstrate a great sense of responsibility in the face of national security challenges posed by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB incendiary propaganda designed to cause civil unrest in the country.

According to Shehu, “a prominent influencer like Dr. Oby has a moral and patriotic duty not to give ammunition to any violent group that seems determined to pursue its separatist agitation through reckless and destructive methods.

 “While it is convenient for the civil society activist to condemn the military and the government of President Buhari, Mrs Ezekwesili didn’t find it appropriate, even once, to criticise the dangerous and violent propaganda being propagated by the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Oby, as they call her, tweets on everything. Why was she silent on this one?”

 He said that the attacks on soldiers and policemen by IPOB supporters “was most irresponsible, indefensible and reckless” and that nobody in her position “should elevate mobs to the status of rock stars for the sake of playing to the gallery.”

The presidential media aide said while the military are taking all precautions to observe the rules of engagement, “there is a deliberate sinister agenda by IPOB to provoke the soldiers into killing innocent people in retaliation so that Nnamdi Kanu would use the pictures of the victims for international propaganda by the accusing the government of ethnic cleansing against the Igbos with the sole purpose of gaining sympathy.

“A president who has put the nation’s cash cows, the Central Bank and the Ministry of Petroleum in the hands of the Igbo; who has given four out of five states in the subregion senior cabinet posts in his administration, including Foreign Affairs; and Industry, Trade and Investment, and is constructing the Second Niger bridge after years of deceit and false starts cannot be called a hater of the Igbo.”

The statement warned that the politicization of the ongoing military exercise in the subregion, itself in line with similar exercises in the five other geopolitical regions is inimical to the military readiness of the armed forces and the much-desired improved civilian-military relations in the country.

Malam Shehu wondered why Mrs. Ezekwesili “retreated to the background or lost her voice while IPOB supporters were violently molesting, harassing, attacking and jeopardizing the lives of indigenes and non-indigenes.”

He challenged Mrs. Ezekwesili to explain to Nigerians where the constitution of Nigeria, and international human rights law support the killing and molestation of innocent people in the name of advocacy for self determination.

According to him, “her hypocritical and timid silence while Kanu’s IPOB supporters were engaged in lawlessness and recklessness in violation of his bail conditions is a burden on her credibility as a national crusader who should be courageous to condemn criminality.

This art of using a raincoat while taking a bath is nothing short of self deceit.”

He reminded her that “if the Buhari administration could take tough action against the extremist religious groups in the northern parts of the country to preserve national security, it is ridiculous to accuse the President of sending soldiers to the Southeast because he hates the Igbos.

The Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari respects all citizens and will ensure that they are safe and secure wherever they reside.”

Shehu advised her to rise above pettiness and sentiments, and to resist the temptation to play to the gallery, when the country’s national security is under threat, adding that “seeking to make political capital out of a chaotic situation is highly unbecoming of her and of the reputation she has worked hard to build over the years.”

Edo politics: Daylight Robbery by an Enemy is painful in an Enemy's Mind.

Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu

By Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu.

The basic Esan requirement besides infrastructural development in its humanly meaning translates into the desire of the people of the Edo Central Senatorial District to be treated as part of the political caucus of Edo State. It is a call for justice, fair play, and inclusiveness to become the byline of Edo Ethno-organizational structure. However, and recently too, the Esan are being left farther and farther behind in Edo State. The administrative tripod that was "hitherto mutually" shared cum the Edo State House of Assembly's Speaker for the Esan people has been rudely taken away from the Edo central without signs of remorse or guilty conscience by the perpetrators. Even till this day, the victims and the robbers whine and dine joyously while the on- lookers hopelessly weep.

"I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves" - Harriet Tubman.

This is an offshoot of the enemies of Esan deliberate willingness to alienate the Esan and set them off against their bigger cousins, the Be­nin, to give way to the appearance that there exists a schism between the Esan and their natural allies, the Benin, and to perpetuate their cabals in the political reckoning.

In doing so, the enemies of Esan have forgotten one thing they can’t easily wish away, that the Afemai, Benin and Esan are really one. They have forgotten we are a delta of a single riv­er. We share the same heritage and culture. We share the same language albeit with some dialectical differences. We share the same historical experiences. Our destinies are inextricably bound together and we are the Edos.

Ironically, the enemies of Esan people do not see it this way. They see divisions among Esan political leaders and they are exploiting it to the fullest.

These enemies of Esan people have recruited a coterie of turncoat Esan political leaders to water down efforts by any outspoken Esan political leader or personality that would have fought them to their knees. Thus, you find purported political leaders of Esan within the ranks of the enemies of Esan people embarking on a campaign of calumny against their kinsmen and advancing the cause of the alienation of the Esan people from the political relevance professionally. Many today see them as leaders but of a truth, they are really traitors who are willing to wish away the Esan right and dream for their personal fiefdom and thus hardening the view that the Esan are not politically relevant in Edo state and should be waved aside much like the Igbos at the federal sphere who are perennially denied the presidency by the other major ethnic groups.

It is against this background that I must sound the alarm that unless we regain of agreed political share back and the speakership position given back to Edo central now, we are in for a long dry season. It would take a while before we ever come into po­litical reckoning again, if ever. There is absolutely no reason why any son or daughter should be afraid of the Esan growth and development. Edo is one.

WHEN HISTORY BECOMES WITNESS.

Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu

By Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu.

I shall continue to have a running gun-less battle with some Esan writers and opinion builders both at home and abroad on the choice of words they throw to the public space. I often reminded them that they are creating millions of enemies for our people and not fighting the war of marginalization from a strategic angle. Let ask ourselves these pertinent questions.

Where are our leading political parties' leaders that sit and dine with parties' state and federal stakeholders in this country? Have they made any collective press release titled for or against the marginalization of Esan people?

Some days ago, a friend reminded me of the tragedy of keeping quiet by men who should know better in times of crisis. He reminded me of the calamity that will befall a society when real men choose to be neutral and complacent in times of great moral crisis. He reminded me that evil triumph in every nation when good and thinking men do nothing. In the history book;

“The story is usually told of how years after the devastation of Germany in WW2. There was a meeting of German Egg Heads. And the question was how did it come to past that a nation that produced Great Thinkers like Friederich Niettzshe.. Karl Max …Albert Einstein….Bruno Bauer. Friederich Engels… Etc ..etc…get seized and goaded into ultimate destruction by a loony like Hitler… Who was not even originally German but Austrian! The thinkers came up with the conclusion that complacency and indifference until it became too late … Was the main cause!”

The blame was put squarely on the inability of the German political class and the elite to rise up to the challenges of Hitler and his collaborators. The consequences of their inability to call a spade a spade resulted in the death of 20 million people and the massive destruction of property worth several billions of dollars. The rest is now history!

Let me resist the temptation of harping on the missed opportunities before the present day marginalization of Esan people. In Nigeria politics, the Esan persons are the mathematical political Jews of Nigeria —gifted, aggressive, outspoken and intelligent. These attributes are more than enough to enable the Esan people to enjoy steady political power and development in Nigeria. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. The tragedy, regrettably, is that there is no tangible development in Esan land besides primitive accumulation of wealth by the individual politicians themselves.

In fact, it’s better to declare here, instead of begging the issue that the blowing wind has exposed the anus of the fowl for all to see- The neutral status of our political leaders in the face of Esan marginalization.

The free play ground exhibited by our political leaders for the perpetrators of the present day marginalization of Esan people especially the alarming disunity among Esan political leaders in all political parties across Edo state caused the continued oppression and intimidation that the Esan people swallow daily.

However, the Edo North and Edo South can rejoice today and dance to the "kukuruku music". A bad seed has been planted today and the Esan people is hard punched. Whoever orchestrated this plot should not rejoice for too long. Trust, Esan people has learnt their lessons and wiser now. When the tide change, prosperity will definitely remember this era in history. Oh! yes, "History is my witness."

...to be continued.

TERRORISM IN SPAIN: What happens in Barcelona.

-Spanish police kill suspects in second attack after 13 die in Barcelona.

Loud News Crew Report.

BARCELONA-Spanish police say they have shot dead five suspected terrorists in the town of Cambrils in a second vehicle attack, hours after another in Barcelona killed 13 people and injured dozens.

Police said the men were linked to the Barcelona attack, which so-called Islamic State said it had carried out.

Police are still hunting the man who drove his van into crowds on Las Ramblas in Barcelona on Thursday.

Spanish media have named Moussa Oubakir, 18, as the suspect.

He is the brother of Driss Oubakir, whose documentation was allegedly used to rent the van involved in the attack.

Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy has condemned what he called a "jihadist attack". He has announced three days of national mourning and a minute's silence was held at noon (10:00 GMT) on Friday.

What happened in Cambrils?

The vehicle overturned in the attack.

Seven people, including a police officer, were wounded when a car was driven into them early on Friday, Catalan emergency services said. One person is in a critical condition.

The attackers' vehicle overturned and when the men got out they were quickly fired upon by police, media say. One was reportedly brandishing a knife.

The men were wearing explosive belts, police said, and a series of controlled explosions was carried out. The belts proved to be fake, Catalan regional head Carles Puigdemont later told local radio.
Police say the situation in Cambrils - a popular seaside resort 110km (68 miles) south-west of Barcelona - is now under control.

What happened on Las Ramblas?

A rented van was driven down Las Ramblas, a popular street in the centre of the city on Thursday afternoon, mowing down tourists and locals.

What was it like to be caught up in the Barcelona attack?

Witnesses said the van deliberately targeted people, weaving from side to side.

The driver of the van, believed to be the sole attacker, fled on foot and is still being hunted by police.
Las Ramblas is a central boulevard that runs 1.2km (0.75 miles) through the centre of Barcelona from the city's Plaça de Catalunya (Catalonia Square) to the Christopher Columbus monument at the seafront.

A businessman from New Orleans, who was just arriving in a taxi in Las Ramblas, said: "I heard a crowd screaming. It sounded like they were screaming for a movie star.

"I saw the van. It had already been busted on the front. It was weaving left and right, trying to hit people as fast as possible. There were people lying on the ground."

Kevin Kwast, who is on holiday in Barcelona with his family, said: "I was eating with my family in La Boqueria market very near where the crash occurred.

"Hundreds of people started stampeding through the market... we started running with them going outside right into where casualties were already on the ground.

"Police pushed us into a money transfer shop and we've been sheltering there for over an hour."

Who were the victims?

Citizens of some 24 countries were killed or injured in the Las Ramblas attack, the Catalan government has said.

Spaniard Francisco López Rodríguez, in his 60s, is the first named victim.

One Belgian national has also been confirmed dead.

France's foreign ministry said on Friday that 26 French nationals were injured, with at least 11 in a serious condition.

A five-year-old Irish boy suffered a broken leg.

Hong Kong, Taiwan and Greece are among those saying their citizens were injured. German, Pakistani, Philippine, Venezuelan, Australian, Romanian, Peruvian, Dutch, Danish, Algerian and Chinese nationals were also among the casualties, officials said.

Have arrests been made?

Police released this photo of  Driss Oubakir, whose documents were used to rent the van
Two people were detained on Thursday over the Las Ramblas attack, but not the driver of the van.
One of those held is Driss Oubakir, whose documents were used to rent the van, local media say.

They say he is in his 20s, and was born in Morocco. However, latest reports suggest he has told police he was not involved, and that his documents were stolen.

Spanish media report that his younger brother, Moussa, rented two vans, the one used in the attack and another found hours later in the town of Vic, north of Barcelona, and intended as a getaway vehicle.

The second man arrested was born in Melilla, the autonomous Spanish city on the north coast of Africa. He has not been named.

On Friday, police announced a third arrest had been made in the Catalan town of Ripoll.

So-called Islamic State has said it was behind the Las Ramblas attack, saying in a brief statement carried by its Amaq news outlet that it was carried out by "Islamic State soldiers". The group gave no further evidence or details to back this claim.

What is the timeline of events?

Alcanar, Wednesday evening: An explosion rips through a house in the small town, 200km south of Barcelona. One person dies. Police chief Josep Lluis Trapero said it appeared the residents at the house had been "preparing an explosive device". A Catalan government official says a cell may have intended to use gas canisters in the Las Ramblas attack.

Barcelona, Thursday 16:50 (14:50 GMT): A white Fiat van drives down Las Ramblas in central Barcelona, killing 13 people and injuring scores. The driver flees on foot.

Vic, Thursday 18:30: Police find a second van, thought to be a getaway vehicle, in the town, 80km north of Barcelona.

Sant Just Desvern, Thursday 19:30: A car is driven into officers at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Barcelona. A man is found dead in the car but the interior ministry denies earlier reports he was killed by police gunfire. The dead man is not believed to be linked to the Las Ramblas attack, officials say, but investigations are ongoing.

Cambrils, Friday 01:00: A second vehicle attack takes place in the resort south of Barcelona. Police kill five terrorist suspects said to be linked to the Las Ramblas attack.

Politics: The Fat-Grown Houseboy Turns Legislator.

fighting session of legislators

By Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu. 

Firstly, the educational qualification of an average legislator in Nigeria according to our constitution is "at least school certificate level" but the grade of such school was silent.

According to Section 106 (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), any Nigerian citizen can be a member of a State House of Assembly provided such a citizen “has been educated up to at least the School Certificate level or its equivalent.” There is no additional information as to what the constitution means by “school” which suggests that persons educated up to the primary school level or possesses kindergarten school`s certificate qualify. This is a legal argument yet clarified.

The constitutional provision virtually allows anybody to be a member of the legislature in our nation called Nigeria. Under this provision, the rich citizens sponsor their wives, children, house helps, errand boys, relations, cooks and other malleable persons to the legislature to be used for selfish jobs. For such legislators, the content of a bill or motion on the floor of the legislature is not their business; theirs is to vote in favor of their sponsor’s position on any bill. If amounts to fighting, so be it.

Such legislators that front for a master can never consider the high degree of suffering occasioned by unemployment, economic recession in the country, decay infrastructure in their environments or communities, nonpayment of staff salaries, pension and gratuity of retirees in the state or Nigeria. No, what matters to the legislators is a befitting farewell package for themselves and their masters' interest.

Like the free for all fight that took place in Edo State House Assembly when the speaker, Hon. Justin Okonoboh was impeached yesterday,, 14th August, 2017, although state governor and other party leaders would try to dissociate themselves from such acts, they are never able to disabuse the minds of the public over rumors of how much each legislator got to function like an over-grown house-boy. It can't just happen in Nigeria for free. Material inducements must be involved and their alleged inducement often runs into millions of naira which I see as a recklessness which is part of what has brought our economy to its current recessional status.

…to be continued.