EDO 2016: Arc. Ilenre Austin Emuan`s Fame Threatens others.

By Cyril Okosun.

QUE: On how can you move Edo State forward if elected especially now that the price of crude oil drops? 

Arc.Emuan: “There is hope for Edo State beyond oil, because apart from oil, our state is still blessed with enormous solid and mineral resources which are yet largely untapped. Nevertheless, it should be noted that our best resources can be found in our human resources, our geography and our culture. We have not yet been able to tap even 10% of our resources. Part of the problems lie in the undeveloped infrastructure. For instance, our soil can produce enough food to feed Nigeria, but without rural roads, agriculture cannot develop.

I know that the only thing missing is how to put all of these things together – a good road linking all the local government areas, rural areas and also linking other states. This is the missing backbone. These are strategic roads that will make Edo State easily accessible. 

This will be among the top priority projects if given the mandate. Furthermore, we will do a structural engineering in our rural communities to create development consciousness among our people. We shall encourage the formation of cooperative societies and help them to access funds for development both from the federal government and the international community. I have already put certain things on ground. Once I am sworn in as governor, I shall train 10,000 Volunteers for capacity Empowerment and Financial Intelligence with access to Associate Memberships in Networks and cooperatives. I shall also create 1,000 online and offline cooperatives. Our narrative will change. Everybody will begin to talk the language of development”

Adolor Of Uromi Title Is Honorary Says Uromi Palace

Onojie of Uromi & mike onolememen

The Uromi Traditional Council, yesterday, debunked statements credited to Mr. Peter Enahoro, younger brother to late Nigerian nationalist, Chief Anthony Enahoro, that the Anthony Enahoro’s title, Adolor of Uromi is hereditary, clarifying that it is not hereditary, but honorary.

The Uromi Traditional Council was reacting to the eye-brow raised by Peter Enahoro, over the decision of the Onojie of Uromi and the entire Uromi Traditional Council to confer the title “Adolor of Uromi” previously held by Late Chief Anthony Enahoro, on the new holder, Dr (Arc.) Michael Oziegbe Onolememen.
A statement signed by the Secretary, Uromi Traditional Council of Chiefs, Chief F. Ozah said: “The attention of the Uromi Traditional Council has been drawn to publications in some national newspapers notably Page 41 of The Sunday Vanguard of March 27, 2016 with the title: “Tony Enahoro’s Adolor of Uromi Title Hereditary: Bidders Beware.

“The write-up signed and purportedly authored by a respected son of Uromi, Mr Peter Enahoro, also formed the basis of another report titled “Edo Chieftaincy Title: Enahoro Spoils for War” on Page 3 of The Sunday Sun edition of the same March 27, 2016 respectively.

“In the aforesaid publications, Mr Peter Enahoro sought to assail the decision of the Onojie of Uromi and the entire Uromi Traditional Council on the conferment of the title “Adolor of Uromi” previously held by our revered son Late Chief Anthony Eromonsele Enahoro, on the new worthy holder Dr (Arc.) Michael Oziegbe Onolememen, which Mr Peter Enahoro characterised as “grubby, money-seeking enterprise” and an attempt at “erasing the memory of Chief Anthony Enahoro”.

“Much as we are not inclined to joining issues with Mr Peter Enahoro’s vituperations on his wrongly perceived ‘injustice’ to Chief Anthony Enahoro, we are constrained to counter the brazen misconceptions, innuendoes, spurious and defamatory allegations purportedly made by Mr Peter Enahoro on four broad points:

“One, that the title Adolor of Uromi is Hereditary: Nothing can be farther from the truth – the Adolor title is not by primogenitor but honorary! Before Chief Anthony Enahoro, there was no such title as the Adolor of Uromi. If it were hereditary as wrongfully adduced by Mr Peter Enahoro, then Chief Anthony Enahoro would have inherited the title from his own father Mr Okoutako. However, the Adolor title was specially created by the then Onojie of Uromi in recognition of Chief Anthony Enahoro’s giant strides in Nigeria’s political evolution and his spearheading of infrastructure development in Uromi and Esanland.

“Two, that the Adolor of Uromi title was Gazetted: Again, Mr Peter Enahoro was not properly briefed. Gazetting of titles is significant only to afford the holders official recognition and enable holders draw stipends from the local government at that time. In any event, gazetting was carried out in the title; not in the personal name of the holder. Chief Anthony Enahoro’s worthy qualification for the title Adolor of Uromi was nevertheless impinged by such discretionary decisions of the Onojie of Uromi.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the hereditary titles in Uromi in seniority order are as follows: The Oniha, The Iyasele, The Ezomon, The Ezana, The Edohe (traditional head of Onewaprincipality), The Uwangue, and the Edaiken (the heir apparent).

“Three that the Adolor of Uromi was Sold to the Highest Bidder: Even Mr Peter Enahoro should be ashamed of this libelous statement and attempt to denigrate the status, powers and decision of the Uromi Traditional Council in its rightful choice of an honorary chieftaincy title. The Traditional council will take appropriate decision on the abominable sacrilege.

“Four, Attemp to Erase the Memory of Chief Anthony Enahoro: There can be no reason for any Uromi blood to attempt to undertake such an ignoble act. Chief Enahoroof blessed memory was much loved by the entire Uromi people and his colossal legacy lives on,” the statement added.

Adolor Of Uromi, Anthony Enahoro’s Title is Hereditary not Honorary

Late Chief Tony Enahoro

BY PETER Enahoro

It has come to the knowledge of the immediate and extended family of the late Chief Anthony Eronmosele Enahoro, Adolor of Onewa/Adolor of Uromi, that the Onogie of Uromi proposes to invest a former Minister of Works, Mr Michael Onolememen, with the title of Adolor of Uromi at a ceremony on Easter Monday.

I advise the would-be recipient once more, as I’d previously done in private, that the title of Adolor of Uromi is hereditary and subject to the rule of primogeniture.

The Enahoro family respectfully and most emphatically appeals to those invited to the Easter Monday event not to inadvertently give support to the ceremony.

I continue to urge all who, by text message and email, have pledged their support that it is our intention to counter this initiative with a peaceful resolution. We know also that there are political elements in the issue whose approval is predicated on their belief that only by erasing the memory of Chief Anthony Enahoro can their own legacy enjoy a lease in Uromi.

It is narrated here, in its full some ingloriousness with reluctance, because until my hand was forced to issue this statement, the Enahoro family strove to keep a lid on an artificially framed crisis deliberately created to pervert the legitimate succession to Tony’s title of Adolor of Uromi.

Tony is no longer with us. It is my duty to lay the facts bare to the people of Uromi; indeed to Nigerians at large, to whose causes he gave himself, his family and even his health at times when it was fragile.

We members of his immediate family may be chided for not reacting immediately when rumours began to circulate that the succession to what we knew to be a hereditary title — a hereditary title that is subject to ages-old rules of primogeniture — was being given to somebody outside the family. Here a history of the title becomes necessary.

Tony was in his late 20s or early 30s when he became a star in the cabinet of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group Western Region government. Newspapers fondly branded him “Stormy Petrel of the Action Group”. He quickly became one of the leader’s favourites. Politics, being what it is, he was resented by some colleagues who reached into their pockets to play the ethnic card. It was a time of an explosion of honorary chieftaincy title awards to political leaders by traditional rulers seeking favours from newly enthroned political decision makers with patronage galore to dispense.

Tony was plain “Mr Enahoro” for the wrong reason, in an Assembly packed with newly elevated chiefs laden with coral beads in varying degrees of relevance. Snipers, who did not know the system in Tony’s Uromi homeland, among the Esan clan, tended to snub the young Minister at social gatherings. What they did not know was that Tony, who could trace his lineage back to the first Onogie of Uromi in the Eleventh Century AD, was excluded from the chieftaincy class by custom, being an “Omi-Erhanme” (royal aristocrat). His mother was the daughter of Onogie Ogbidi Okojie, the last in modern history of Uromi’s warrior princes. Tony’s father was a great-grandson of Onogie Okolo father and immediate predecessor of Ogbidi.

Oba Akenzua’s permission.

Tony reported his growing annoyance in Ibadan to his uncle, Prince Uwagbale, the reigning Onogie. It was agreed that an exception to the rule be made for him; hence a suitable chieftaincy title was sought for Omi-Erhanme Tony Enahoro.

Someone came up with “Adolor”. The name best summed up Tony’s service to his people. Close English language translations are “he who sews” as in tailoring; “repairer” as in reconstruction or “redeemer”. There was a hitch, however. Adolor was the name of one of the most effective Obas of Benin and custom forbade anyone to use the name of an Oba living or dead in the kingdom.

Permission of Oba Akenzua, father of the present paramount ruler, was sought and granted to Tony. It was a personal favour by Oba Akenzua whose sympathy toward the opposition NCNC, the AG’s bitter political enemy, was well-known in NCNC-voting Benin City.

Tony may have had a foresight of a future that no one else apparently foresaw at the time. He became Adolor not only of Uromi but also, separately, albeit simultaneously, Adolor of Onewa, his paternal family village in the federated principality of 21 “villages” that make up Uromi, today a local government in its own right. The attempt to foist a candidate from a village other than acknowledge the Adolor of Onewa as Adolor of Uromi was another point to the issue at hand.

A 1979 Government Gazette of Bendel State, which inherited the authority of the Midwest Regional Government, which inherited it’s authority from the Western Regional Government, the governing administration at the time Tony was created Adolor of Uromi, is clear on the structure of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in the State. In the Second Schedule (Section 39 (2) ) of the Edict, it lists the Adolor of Onewa and the Adolor of Uromi among the 48 Uromi Traditional Chiefs. No other village has a chief bearing the title Adolor. Furthermore, it places the Adolor of Uromi in third place at the top of the list.

It is obvious that the newly installed stool was consciously intended to occupy a highly placed position in the hierarchy.

The incumbent Onogie of Uromi maintains that the Adolor of Uromi title is honorary, which would be extraordinary protocol — that an honorary chief would be promoted third in rank, above holders of ancient titles with territorial responsibilities at that.

The time came, however, that somebody was reportedly found to dislodge Tony’s legitimate heir, my nephew, Kenneth Enahoro. In the sleight-of-hand manner in which the matter was handled, official confirmation was not made until the week before this Easter weekend. It was an ambush. It made the chances of mounting a public outcry incredibly tight.

Reward;

I had thought it fortunate that a well-meaning intermediary brought me together with Mr Michael Onolimemen, the Onogie’s choice of a new Adolor of Uromi. The man had served in President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration as Minister of Works, which speaks volumes.

One of the endearing good fortunes of not meeting certain Nigerians face-to-face is that you can live happily in a peaceful delusion. Onolimemen sounded on the phone like a man in whose mouth butter would not melt. I have never set eyes on him, but he’s a fine talker on telephone!

He said he’d been in the US completing his doctorate thesis. On the day of his return home, a convoy of cars waited to escort him home. Instead of heading toward his Ivue-Uromi village, the lead car surprised him by driving straight to the royal palace. Awaiting him was the Onogie attended by his chiefs.

The Onogie told the former Minister of Works that Uromi was grateful for all the wonders he had performed in the principality. In recognition of the achievements, he would be rewarded with the chieftaincy title of Adolor of Uromi.

On the contrary, when I gave a brief history of how the title came into being, my new friend sounded vexed. He told me of his last encounter with Tony. He’d had a fulfilling day listening to Tony’s wisdoms. He said he would phone the Onogie and make clear he would not be involved in what now suddenly seemed to him a move against the memory of the late Chief Enahoro.

Onolimemen is an aspiring politician. He had nursed a thought of governorship of Edo State. Provided he played his cards right when he was in the Ministry of Works, why not? A chieftaincy title would be an added fillip. And Adolor of Uromi: Tony Enahoro’s title? Brilliant!

I have only recently learned of Onolimemen’s connection with my extended family. His daughter, I’m told, is married to the son of one of our myriad royal family first cousins. Until the sheer accidental offer of the Adolor title to him, Onolimemen was best known in Uromi as a protégé of Chief Tony Anenih, another of my kinsmen, through my maternal grandmother.

Such are the complexities of Uromi society that what may seem an advantage in one district could be seriously disadvantageous in another Onolimemen will need more than a godfather to appease the restiveness brewing against him in certain quarters in Uromi. That is why I appeal to the Onogie and members of his Traditional Council of Chiefs who may have committed themselves to this misdirection to find their way out of the hole they’ve dug themselves into.

They cannot win.

Another title

One person who can put an end to the anomaly that is going on is Onolimemen simply by picking his phone and calling the Onogie.

His admirers can create another title for him in an instant. Uromi must treat the memory of it’s proudest son this way.

Our newspaper commentators quite rightly complain of the paucity of role models in Nigeria. Tony Enahoro was a role model – jailed three times in his young days by the British colonial masters; kept in detention, sentenced to 15 years years’ imprisonment after independence for which he had given so much of his young days and more, harassed by one military regime after another, twice forced to flee abroad in self-exile where, on the first occasion, he suffered the humiliation of prison detention in England, but, on a second time, he continued the struggle in NADECO, and we should not forget the role he played in keeping Nigeria together before and during the Civil War. You may call it a colourful life. I say my brother never gave up on Nigeria right up to his death.

It is appropriate that he is immortalised in Benin City, the capital of Edo, his home state, with the House of Assembly complex named after him; appropriate that one of Abuja’s residential crescents named in his honour; and appropriate also that the Lagos State government named a sprawling residential estate in its capital, a city he loved, in his honour. His name is irrevocably enshrined in British law under the Fugitive Offender’s Act which today benefits fugitives arriving in Britain, who have escaped political persecution in their Commonwealth country.

At his funeral, six years ago, glowing tributes were paid to him not only in “In Memoriam” columns but also in the impressive turn out of leaders at his graveside. Let the voices of those leaders ring out again, this time with hurt and outrage.

Invitation is out to VIPs to present themselves at the ceremony planned for Easter Monday in Uromi. If that still goes ahead, those VIPs who turn up cannot escape a charge that they have given moral support to a ceremony that hurts the memory of Anthony Enahoro.



Anthony Enahoro was proud of his home town. Now let Uromi show that it is proud of his memory.

EDO 2016: TRADITIONAL RULERS ENDORSE ARC. ILENRE AUSTIN EMUAN FOR EDO STATE GUBER

Traditional ruler, chiefs & Emuan

EKPOMA-The governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state, Arc. Ilenre Austin Emuan, received massive boost on Saturday as he got the unanimous endorsement from the Egoro kingdom Council of Chiefs.

The endorsement came during a meeting of Arc. Emuan with the traditional rulers and chiefs at the Palace of the King- his home town.

At the event, the Enojie joined by some political leaders in the state described Arc. emuan as a worthy son who is set to take our people  and the entire state to a new level of excellent governance.

The people of Egoro kingdom, who were also at the palace, repeatedly hailed Arc. Emuan as the “incoming governor”.

An elder statesman, retired judge of the high Court  in the state  and a foremost leader in Edo north, Justice Ude, added more steam to the grand endorsement by stating that Arc. Emuan has long been singled out for excellence from the entire crop of Edo State gubernatorial aspirants, largely because of his competent and benevolent antecedent, adding that he has rightfully earned the endorsement.

His Royal Highness, Zaki T.I. Osobase 11, led other royal chiefs to bestow blessings on the APC gubernatorial aspirant. The prayers rites continued for almost an hour and it depicted the depth of faith and confidence the royal fathers have in Arc. Emuan`s leadership capabilities.

 His words;

“Arc. Emuan is our son, we send him this day to go above all as the eagle bird will always excel higher than all other birds. This blessing is forever …” he said.

EDO 2016: EASTER MESSAGE BY ARC. ILENRE AUSTIN EMUAN, APC GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANT.

Arc.Emuan

On this special occasion of Easter 2016, I wish to rejoice and celebrate with the good people of Edo State on the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ over death. This period of Easter brings one promising moment for sober reflection and a candid re-appraisal of our roles in shaping the history of our people and that of the world. It is especially a time to deeply assess our contributions in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and how it has positively impacted our world with a view to changing the destinies of fellowmen and re-order society for more positive values by placing it on a prosperous and progressive path. 

Jesus Christ walked the earth in flesh and blood about two thousand years ago. His works as recorded in the holy bible were basically captured in his self acclamation of the prophecy about himself:

“The spirit of the Lord is upon me,

Because He has anointed me

To preach the gospel to the poor,

He has sent me to heal the broken hearted.

To proclaim liberty to the captives

And recovery of sight to the blind,

To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord”;

Jesus Christ came to a world afflicted by the same social upheavals and the problems we as a people are facing today.

He brought the message of redemption and offered himself as the atoning bridge between God and man.

He preached peace and was critical of the hypocrisy glittering among Jewish institutions and authorities. He made the poor his friends, brought comfort to the heart-broken, set to freedom those held by the bounds of societal social injustice. Gave sight to the blind and illuminated the hearts of those that were held in the darkness of false teachings. He judged righteously for every oppressed of society and gave the people new lease of hope through the re-birth of society.

Nowadays, people are attempting to depart from the paths of peace and lay in our paths the choice of war and insecurity. I make bold to condemn these steps that have left us in a crucible of avoidable rancor. Let's learn to impact the amazing mind of Christ which guarantees enduring peace. If you select the paths of love, with it we can achieve some extraordinary results; save the people from despair, from hopelessness, from fear, from insecurity and a life of trouble.

Together, we can turn our unhappy society, into a happy one and eradicate abnormal eventualities that can best deliver a great majority of our people from hateful bondage and give robust social and economic health to our society. We can do it; yes we can, if we remove the ever present suspicions existing among us.

It is against the grain of this reality that I make bold to exercise the power of love to speak and offend a syndrome which is not honest in the pursuit of a faith to give the people not only what they want but what they critically deserve; the lifting and placing them beyond the cruel economic and social circumstances which they don't deserve to belong, because they deserve more better lives.

Speaking on the background of Christ's philosophy, fellow Edolites, I use this opportunity to promise you a new lease of life, a new hope, a refreshing and a life quite invigorated.

Looking at our solemn realities as a dear state and people today, I recall how I had conscientiously made myself acquainted with political and economic circumstances of other countries, with a firm determination to impact such models on my people one day. The time is now!

I am determined, imbued with an insight and very courageous to lead you with the fear of God. I am never known to be ambitious to power but have over the years worked hard to impute in myself a sense of patriotism that has not only made me a successful businessman and a season architect with much verifiable successful projects within the global sphere but popular enough to take our people to the expected levels of civilized governance. I am conscious of our present situation, conscious of our wealth. I am conscious of the opportunity that has offered itself and together we can seize on it to impress our visions to the chagrin of other states, developed nations and people.

Against the present spate of hostilities, I have a remarkable reputation, which if you as a people can believe in, I will bring myself into a work I find very crucial and its overall engagement very important to prosper a tolerable state full of neighborliness and a strong sense of brotherhood. Just as I love my dear state, Edo.

The decision which is to nominate and vote for me that I now call upon you to make can easily affect the welfare of our state and the anticipated even development. I come to it imploring unity and peace, love and brotherhood. It is essential that for Christ's work to be totally balanced in our midst, I view it as our duty to come together and usher into this state a leadership that will eliminate any cause of worry that may interfere negatively with the usefulness of all of us bound in a productive drive to grow and progress our dear Edo State, the heartbeat of the nation.

It is evident that I am the man. I have so much assurance and self confidence that we can be so quick to attain what we should be if we have decided to cast our lot with our very agenda and prosper our society through love and peace. The people can afford to decide on a change in their politics which will vitally affect the future prosperity of the land; and we can make the moment historic, by turning the spiritual instrument of this Easter into strong prayers for a change of our tomorrow.

I believe we will do it now, thinking of the coming change of which I am prepared to offer myself for greater services. Nominate me, Arc. Ilenre Austin Emuan as the All Progressive Congress Flag bearer in the forthcoming Edo state governorship election and vote en mass for me comes September 10th to become the next Governor, your vote will be a vote for freedom and development in our dear state. It is not by how many godfathers that back me but how many of my people will be happy and proud to have me as the next Governor, that I believe is our concern at this critical time of our history.

I come to you today preaching love, unshakable faith and hope in the new things to come. But we need a unity of purpose to make this come true. Am conscious of the desires of my people.

My people! come, let's unite as one and together we can succeed and ensure of a better future for our State, our youths and our children. Spread the message of love and not hate. To me as always, “Edo is One”

shalom! 

Arc. Ilenre Austin Emuan (MNIA)

Edo State All Progressive Congress Governorship Aspirant, 2016

EDO 2016: ARC.Emuan Advises Other Aspirants to Bow from the Race & Support Him- Arc.Emuan.

Arc. Emuan

Ehis Benson reports.

Benin City-Arc. Ilenre Austin Emuan, the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship hopeful in Edo State has promised to bring meaningful development to the state if given the mandate to govern the state in the forthcoming governorship election this year.

Arc.Emuan said the only support he needs was that of God who gives power to whomever he wishes, reiterating that come June 2nd for the party primaries, all and sundry would be in the state when he would be declared as APC governorship flagbearer of the state. That is God`s wish for the state.

The governorship aspirant stated this Monday at the reception organized by the Edo State Professional Congress (ESPC) in Benin City to show support to his governorship ambition.

While pledging his loyalty to his party and thanking the professional body, he said “I want to say, been here today is to show that I honour and cherish everyone of you so much and been the chosen governorship aspirant invited to visit you here that means I have clinch the seat already”, he said.

Arc. Emuan in his speech revealed his preparedness to govern;

“After my primary, secondary and various stages of university education, I have had a robust architectural and development practices, venturing into other areas as environmental and nature conservation, investment procurement, oil and gas business, publishing and several others. My various firms and practices, which have roots in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, have drilled me on real works and facts-finding expeditions around the length and breadth of the country, particularly the South-south geo-political zone where I come from. It has also taken me to several countries of the world, where I learned immensely and has now resolved to draw similar inspiration from the diverse institutions, cultures and peoples I have come across, for the benefit of my Edo people, back home and Nigeria at large”. 

Just as he seized the opportunity and called on other governorship aspirants to bow from the race and give their support to him as the pendulum was already swinging in his favour.

His words, “with the popular voices calling for me to be endorsed daily, my brothers who are running like me should see where the pendulum swings, they should come and support me so that we can make the state like the feasting world of Orlando where all the whole world goes to for leisure because we will turn this state around. This state will be a paradise on earth, Edo State will be a state that people will see and say thanked God I am from Edo State”. He said.

In his response, the Chairman of the PSPC, Chief (Dr) Osagie Igun assured Arc. Emuan that the congress would give him the needed support, calling on him never to abandon Edo state people once he becomes the governor.

Chief (Dr) Osagie Igun applauded Arc.Emuan for been a known professional architect, a vibrant young man who has respect for  humanity and for his support in seeing that the people of Edo state are not let in the hands of old politicians alone.

After a royal blessing from one of the elders, Chief Ojo Ijiezele that graced the occasion, he concluded;

“In your usual humility, go and ask for more votes, there is no cause for alarm”, he said.

The patron of the group, Otunba Akinyele Balogun urged his teaming supporters to be sincere with him while advising him on what to do to earn more votes, saying;

 “for those of you who are from the same axis, please I want to inform you that Arc. Emuan is my professional colleague and you have to be honest with him, follow him with all honesty and do what you think is right for him to win his election because I can see people here who can help him to win votes but I want to appeal to you to be honest to him when you are advising him”, he cautioned.

He also called on him to listen to the advice of his supporters as he could only see further with the advice given to him from within.

Some of his supporters and the public who spoke to our correspondent said, the governorship cap fits Arc. Emuan as he has all it takes to govern the state and take it to the next phase of development.

EDO 2016: ARC.ILENRE AUSTIN EMUAN, DE CHOSEN ONE.

Arc.Emuan

By Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu.

Let me now recur to the happening of how Arc. Emuan, the man many like to call ‘Mr Handsome’ was widely endorsed by APC chieftains among the plethora of APC`s aspirants numbering over 13 jostling for the candidature of the party in the coming elections in Edo state.

What are the compelling qualities that made Arc. Emuan the man of the people and the best choice? Why is everybody, both old and young, market women and students gravitating towards him like bees on the nectar?

Many people have said it is his profound love for his people. And I ultimately agree with this proposition, for he is exceedingly generous and kind. While others contend that he has both the genius and elan of a good leader, calm, cool, and calculative, with the soothed baritone voice of a seasoned administrator, and the amiable, perceptive, friendly and persuasive disposition of good salesman without cunning streak just to win the heart of people. He is presentable, bold enough to represent Edo state in all areas including if any, Governors` National Beauty Contest!

He is meticulous observer born out of his profession as an architect. And a man of faith, loyalty, courage and honor, values of Christian adherence that he imbibed from childhood that he dutifully combines with the resolve and piety of a true Christian. He recently told me in a church service in Abuja that each time he feels challenged in life; he rushes to kneel in petition before the Almighty God.

He is not an error; he is indeed the “CHOSEN ONE” as the next APC candidate come June 2nd party primaries for Edo State Governorship election 2016.

Rivers state REC debunks reports that fake election materials circulates.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers state, Aniedi Ikoiwak has confirmed the cancellation of election in four local government areas.

While addressing newsmen at the INEC Secretariat, Ikoiwak said youths who were allegedly sponsored by some politicians refused to allow INEC officials move elections materials from the RAC centres.

He pointed out that there is also the problem of violence in the affected LGAs.

The REC, who debunked reports that fake election materials are in circulation as alleged by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said the commission is certain about the authenticity of materials deployed for the elections.

His words, “Actually we deployed our electoral materials since Thursday and today we have had the experience that most of our materials were not allowed to move from the RAC centres and even when we tried to deploy to the RACs, we were accosted.

“In the overall, we are hearing reports that elections held. We had a situation where elections were not allowed to hold in some places.

“We need to let you know that election has been suspended in 4 local government areas of Andoni, Bonny, Khana and Gokana.”

Meanwhile, no date was given for the conduct of another election in the affected local councils.

Before now, the military had repelled attack launched by armed hoodlums at Abalama, Akuku Toru Local government area of Rivers state.

Reporters gathered that a man wearing Immigration uniform was hit during the shoot-out.

The Rivers state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike had earlier succeeded in casting his vote in the ongoing state and national assembly elections in the state. This was after the card reader had rejected him thrice. The Governor raised concerns about how the election is going

REVELATION-EDO 2016: EDO APC LEADERS ENDORSES ARC. ILENRE AUSTIN EMUAN.

Efosa Igbe reports.

Arc.Emuan & APC state leaders

In Edo State, there is anxiety in the camp of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following alleged adoption and denial of the chairman of the Edo State Economic Team by the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Some are believing him while others are saying is a puppy trap for other aspirants in order to relax their fights.

In all happenings now, the most discussed political issue in Edo State lately is the perception that some APC state leaders over the weekend have settled for the Arc. Ilenre Austin Emuan ambition as the person they will rally supports for to emerge as the candidate of their party, the APC, in the state governorship election slated for September 10th of this year. From journalists, who try to be on top of happenings in the state, to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, who should naturally be interested in the matter on what comes out from the APC primaries, and to the highly politically conscious people of edo state; the APC state leaders’ open- secret endorsement during the weekend topped political discourse in every beer parlor, motor parks and most especially among youths.

Arc. Emuan started gently his ambition to become the next edo state governor like a potential wildfire a couple of months ago. By January this year, Arc. Emuan had gained so much currency that it moved from mere words of the mouth to the media, with some people and groups expressing their approval to the plan publicly, and some others are offering material or tacit supports to his ambition. Many especially edo central political leaders thought that his ambition could died on arrival either based on lack of faith or personal interest but surprises he pulls daily before their very eyes. This has created a deep divide within the party’s hierarchy in the state, as the aspirant and his loyalists are looking forward to a win under a free and fair primary election.

Those with Arc. Emuan who officially endorse him during the weekend are Prince Musa Braimoh, a tactician and strategist from the same zone with the incumbent governor, Adams Oshiomhole, Mr Aiyegbeni, Mr Okosun Imanfidon, Alhaji Usman Dauda, Mr. Ogiuwa and other APC heavyweights who appear to be preparing for an onslaught with other aspirants` delegates at the party primaries. They look fully prepared to deliver their candidate.

Speaking to our correspondence, Prince Musa Braimoh assures delegates to the primaries to feel safe and protected as enough federal and state security apparatus will be on ground to oversee the whole affairs and promises enough supports from the edo north delegates.

“I decided to endorse Arc. Emuan because he is a new breed, very bold, vibrant, he is not coming into the race because one godfather wants him to contest and remain loyal to the godfather to the detriment of the state. Am from the same zone with our governor, naturally, people will expect me to follow his directives but my action today shows that am fully independent and all my supporters, party members and those that have seen and read about Arc.emaun in our edo north will surely nominate and vote for Arc.Emuan at the party primaries. One thing I love in him is that he is humble and purely professional who can take edo state to the next developmental level”, he said.

Also speaking to our correspondent, Mr Ogiuwa from Edo south;

“Am from edo south, we have endorsed Arc.Emuan because we believe in him. No single edo state so called godfathers will be bold enough to say today I brought him to us and must listen to him or share our state money with him to the detriment of the state development. He is our hope not those who have ruled and are still in the government and have nothing to show to our people, they have used us before but this time around, they cannot use us again”, he said.

Could it be that these APC leaders who decided to come as one body believe that any other aspirant is incapable of defeating their candidate? Many political analysts think so. It appears that unless the aspirants form a collective front, they are no match for Arc. Emuan again. One among other factors that favors Arc. Emuan is the zero possibility of an alliance among the leading aspirants. They are all after the same trophy and see no gain in working together. This situation, according to political analysts, will ensure that some delegates’ votes are divided among the other aspirants, while the targeted votes of Arc.Emuan remain intact, though, these aspirants are fully aware of the odds against them and are ready to make up with their financial resources but that seems to be hard if this new development for Arc.Emuan continues as other strong APC state leaders in the state are yearning to support Arc.Emuan so that they will not be caught between the fire and the deep sea if he finally becomes the next governor of the state. 

According to associates of Arc. Emuan, many APC state leaders including very influential APC women leaders are calling on Arc Emuan for public endorsement, expressing their dissatisfactions on the part of some APC state leaders who want to sideline them and secretly endorse Arc.Emuan before the party primaries, thereby making them enemies before him as he becomes the party candidate as power will no longer be with the incumbent governor Adams Oshiomhole after his tenure as the state governor. They vowed not to be the last to endorse him.

POLITICS: IT IS INEVITABLE BECAUSE THE YOUTH AT A CERTAIN STAGE, ARE THE INHERITANCE OF THE NATION; SAYS OYEGUN APC CHAIRMAN

Oyegun with media crew during interview in Madrid

By Uchendu Precious Onuoha (Special Correspondent)

The APC national chairman, chief John Odigie Oyegun was in Madrid Spain on March 4, 2016 to meet with the APC members Spain chapter. The group led by Comrade Stephen Adeayo Tella and their spokesperson and media director, Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu  hosted the chairman to a dinner party and press session. The press session was covered by the Daily Independent foreign correspondent, Uchendu Precious Onuoha, APC Spain media and Zenith magazine media crew. Below are the excerpts of the interview with chief Oyegun with the foreign correspondent in Spain.

 Que.  As the chairman of APC the ruling party in Nigeria, what are your achievements and challenges so far?

Oyegun with media crew during interview in Madrid

Ans.  I would say am lucky and privileged to be the first national chairman of course there was one interim chairman before. It was a privilege to be entrusted with that respect. I am running a party that rose up from the ashes of 3 to 4 other major parties, the ACN, NDP, CPC, part of APGA and others. And they turned it into a fighting force, of course with the intense cooperation of a lot of other major stakeholders of the party; we were able to turn it into a fighting force that succeeded in upstaging the government that was in office at that time which a lot of people thought and believed until the last minute it was not doable. For obvious reasons, it has never happened before, because they had access to so much resources and patronage that a lot of people thought it was undoable. But the good thing is that at that time, the Nigerian public was generally fed up with 16 years of PDP government.

The Nigerian public wanted a new direction, the Nigerian public was yearning for integrity, they needed leaders they could trust in governance and leaders they could believe in. On top of the stage so to say was such a personality in the person of Muhammadu Buhari, who is now president of the nation. And it was  so clear, it was so obvious that he was the kind of person the nation needed at this period, a man who is transparent, obviously incorruptible, a man of very strong will and mind. And the only person who had the type of courage that it takes like we are experiencing today to tackle the MONSTER called corruption. I would say, it has been a pleasure, a wonderful experience, tough and difficult. I had to rely majorly on the compassionate cooperation of other stakeholders that together made the victory possible.

Andy Omoregie & Prince kelly

Que. Many Nigerians in Spain and diaspora are affected by the economic downturn of their host countries. Many are distressed and want go back home. Is there any plan on ground back home to rehabilitate such people?

Ans. I don’t know about rehabilitating those coming back home. But coming to join the struggle to change Nigeria, yes, and no question about that, they are very welcome. Talking about the economic downturn, it’s obvious that this is a worldwide phenomenon. Most nations of the world are experiencing economic difficulties. The Nigerian hazards originated from mis-government over 16 years ago. The lack of vision, the lack of direction, the lack of that will to build a nation and create something that was not there before. To be precise, the PDP government seems to have been contented within this period sitting on the resources that we have, distributing it, consuming it without creating for the future, without building for the future, without putting the economy on the footing for a sustainable growth. That was the period we have excess crude account. Meaning that we had more money coming in than we have planned from the price of crude our main export. The time crude was sold 130 to $140/barrel. We had that kind of money, but we did not plan, we did not build a single petro-chemical complex, we did not build a single refinery, instead even in the midst of plenty, we were still importing refined crude.

That was how visionless and totally plan less the situation was before APC took over. So to come back directly to your question, we too, apart from that plan less-ness, we also are victims of this major collapse of the price of crude from 140 to 30 dollars a barrel which is over 70% drop. So as fathers, just imagine what happens when you go to work and at the end of the month you come back with an income 70% less than what you have been used to. That has put us today in a situation of lack of infrastructures and total lack of facilities. So if you are coming, you know you are coming to join the major struggle to rebuild the foundations of our nation. Our nation is potentially great, make no mistake about that, we are resource blessed, there’s no question about that. And with the type of leadership we have now, we are going to rebuild that foundation. But what I emphasize is that, like you are experiencing here, these are hard times. So the choice is yours, do you want to come home, come and join the struggle there won’t be any bed of roses, one has to be practical, and there won’t be any soft landing. The foundations have been badly fractured that we have to rebuild. Once we get it right, the sky is the limit for Nigeria. That is the only thing one can offer.

Oyegun

Que. We have an array of Nigerian professionals in diaspora, how can the government harness this opportunity to turn the issue of brain drain in Nigeria into brain gain?

Ans. There is no question at all, those of you professionals abroad, this is really the time your knowledge, skills, experience and expertise  are required because this is not the age of professional politicians per say. We need technocrats to get us out of the mess the economy has been plunged into. So for those of you that have specialized knowledge and skills, this is the time and you must hasten otherwise we are not going to make the kind of progress at the rate we must put in place for our country to recover.

Que. What plans are in process for Nigerians in diaspora to vote in the next dispensation?

Ans. That time will come, it will happen. You have heard the commitment of Buhari’s administration to the slogan we are shouting everyday which is, change. Again we have to fundamentally change the society and our attitude to politics and re-establish respect for right and disdain for what is wrong. We must establish respect basically for due process and rule of law. You can see that the electioneering has just been through, some of the cases are just been concluded in Rivers state, Bayelsa, Abia, Akwa Ibom. Cases which were visited with a lot of violence. Most cases went to Supreme Court for those who lost because of the nature of the electoral process. To be plain, to venture into that it has to be technically fraught to dangers and abuses and not for politicians to reap where they did not sow. The change we are now beginning to put in place is one of the thing that will go pari-pasu when we start to respect right and condemnation for wrong. There is no question at all given the large diaspora population that we have. What I have noticed here is the kind of passion with which you people have embraced this idea of change. It would be wrong to say NO, we cannot extend the possibility of diaspora voting, but the time must be right and the atmosphere must be right.

Que. Do you think the new trend where election victories are decided by the courts will augur well for the Nigerian democracy?

Oyegun & Prince Kelly

Ans. Let me say this in general terms then I go back to the APC change, the general Mantra, the challenges that are presently facing the regime. What is important is that the president believes strictly in the rule of law, strictly in enforcing existing laws. I am sure those of you who visit very often must have come across this talk that the APC say they have won  the election but they are not behaving as if they are in power, meaning that people still have this old concept that power is having a sledge hammer and smashing everybody who is in your path. But the president is dedicating himself to due process and respect for rule of law. So he is shunning the big stick so to say and believes strongly that you can change society only when you have changed people’s attitude and it becomes second nature for them to do what is right and shun what is wrong. It’s going to be tough and difficult process, but it’s the only way we can depart from the past where might was right and unfortunately it sticked in the entire society. But the Buhari’s government is going to be very strict in enforcing due process, strict on the rule of law without respecter of persons. If you fail foul of the law, you pay the price whoever you are. There will be no exemptions and nobody is going to be too big to be touched. That is the only way change can become permanent. But it’s a longer route, the road we are travelling.

Que. Before coming to Spain, what was your impression about Nigerians in Spain?

Ans. I knew there is a very active and large Nigerian population here facing the struggles of life and the rest of it. I knew also there was an active APC wing here, one of the most active worldwide that I have experienced and that is why I chose to come here. I know that the economy worldwide is taking a tumble and I know you people are affected like people anywhere else. But the important thing is that in the midst of that, you have held your head very high and still truncating in social positive activities which are contributing in projecting the image of our country particularly at this time. So far I know it’s not yet “Uhuru” but I am impressed by the road that you are travelling.

Oyegun & APC Spain chairman, Comr Stephen

Que. As APC national chairman and leader what advise do you have for other leaders in implementing youth empowerment policies?

Ans.  The issue of youth is inevitability. It is inevitable because whether we like it or not, the youth at a certain stage are the inheritance of the nation. And everyone must endeavor to create opportunities for them and instill hope into their lives. Nothing like a youthful population that has lost hope. So they must always be engaged, they must always be challenged. The call in part of government is improving and restoring hope to the youths of the nation.

EDO 2016: ARC. Ilenre Austin Emuan Vows to Fight Crime, Introduce Community Security Marshal, Create Employment.

Arc.Emuan cutting the inaugural tape

Osamede Johnson reports.

Benin City-The All Progressive Congress (APC) Governorship aspirant, Arc. Ilenre Austin Emuan has vowed to fight criminal activities of kidnapping, armed robbery and other vices in Edo State if elected governor of Edo State.

Making the vow at the inauguration of Esan People Political Consultative Forum Secretariat at Irrua, Esan central local government of the state, Arc . Emuan said if elected as governor of Edo State, his administration would introduce a strategy of community policing which would involve employment of unemployed graduates to be known as Community Marshal to work in conjunction with the police in providing security in the nooks and crannies of Edo State communities.

Hear him, “My administration will come with a community policing strategy for the prevention of kidnapping and other vices in Edo State. We will bring all the unemployed youths from all communities who have graduated from higher schools, have them screened by the police, work with the police and provide registered arms for them. By so doing, there will not be any save haven for kidnappers because there is no where they will hide their victims as the Community Marshal will be on ground to smoke them out. If we have such people as the Community Marshall watching over these communities, there is nowhere for the criminals to operate. In essence, the programme will be providing jobs for the unemployed and also save guard life and property of the people of Edo State”

He further said that if he is elected, he would key into a programme of “Edo Beyond Oil” by moving beyond oil to agriculture.

“Also geared towards job creation, I want us to go back to agriculture. My top priority is that we want to key into a programme of “Edo Beyond Oil”. What I mean in effect is that we shall move beyond oil. After all, before discovery of oil we were living very well on agricultural production. I will want us to take our mind away from the lazy culture of waiting for derivation fund to fund every activity and go back to what we know best which is agriculture. By so doing, we will be creating jobs for the people.

“Like what I said earlier, the government of our amiable Governor Adams Oshiomhole had done so well on the issue of insecurity in Edo State as he has reduced crime to its minimal level. He has also performed creditably well in his agenda, but someone has to continue from where he will stop and take Edo State to the next level. The person is me, Arc. Ilenre Austin Emuan. My government will continue and conclude every project Governor Oshiomhole started if not completed before he leaves office. There will not be any case of abandon projects during my tenure as the next governor of Edo state.”

Galvanizing for more supports, he stresses further;

“My people, I know that with your supports, I will win and I will come back again to tell you my people I have done it and how do we proceed?” he assures.

It is of note that the brain behind Esan People Political Consultative Forum secretariat that was launched at Irrua is Hon.Thomas Itua, an accomplished gentleman, a politician and scholar.

Responding;

“This is your place. We know ourselves very well. We belong to the same race. It is on record that in politics you must work hard. You have already started working hard. I will tell you to work harder and harder. Politics is not only about money. If you do not plan well, if you do not know the game, the money will go into drain. I have to congratulate you on the courage at which you started this. Politics is something you cannot stop until you get what you are looking for. So I do not have anything against your ambition. Congratulations in advance” he said.

Also speaking was Mr. Jeremiah Okojie,

“I want to also praise you for the quality of people you have picked to go round with you. The qualities of a good leader depend on the quality of those working with him. We pledge to be with you both in the public and wherever we go henceforth. We are proud to have you as a governorship aspirant” he said.