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Okpebholo’s Outburst Against Obaseki A Show Of Shame, Recipe For His Defeat In Sept 21

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A two time ex-governorship aspirant in Edo State, High Chief Jacob Egietseme Idinye has expressed his support for the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki for positively boosting the socio-economic development in the state, despite attacks from his detractors especially the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Monday Okpebholo.

Okpebholo in his recent statement had said his administration will right the many wrongs of the PDP administration should he win the Saturday, September 21, 2024 governorship election in the State.

Taking a swipe at Okpebholo over his tirade against Obaseki, Idinye took time to dismiss the allegations against the Governor as false and part of a well-sponsored plot by his enemies in Edo State to discredit and malign him. He described Okpebholo move as a show of shame.

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According to him, Obaseki played a pivotal role in building trust between the three Senatorial Districts in the State, and has worked tirelessly in lifting the bar of governance across board to the admiration of both the elites and the masses.

He added that the peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Barrister Asue Ighodalo is the man to beat in the coming guber poll. He noted also that a thorough bred technocrat as PDP candidate showed the party’s urgency in ensuring the next governor of Edo State is a round peg in a round hole.

High Chief Idinye made the remarks at Transcop Hilton hotel on Friday in Abuja during a chat with some senior political correspondents. The Etsako born politician and media personality said:

“I am really impressed with the success stories, and great milestones of my leader, Governor Obaseki of Edo State for adding value to humanity, especially the people of Edo State, posterity will surely be kind to him. Despite the challenging economic crisis fueled by the removal of fuel subsidy, Edo State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) positively rose by over 40 percent in 2023, recording N17bn increase from the N45bn generated in 2022. Okpebholo move to discredit our Governor is a complete show of shame to say the least.

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“Without being frivolous, the Governor has phenomenally raised the bar for good governance socio-economically in Edo State and Nigeria by extention. Governor Obaseki is not owning workers the records are there. Okpebholo should get his facts right, a man who wants to be Governor isnt even aware of happenings in his environment. Mr. Governor always pay workers’ salaries every 26th of every calender month.

“Politicians should know that every information given out to the public must be fact checked so that the public would not be misled. APC flag bearer must always ensure he cross checks every information, before going to the press, his handlers also need to guide him accordingly more gaffes and mumbo-jumbo statements.

“Frankly, Okpebholo judging from his questionable antecedent is in no position to demand for accountability of N5 billion approved by the Federal Government as palliative to cushion the hardship on civil servants in Edo State. Everyone knows that Obaseki has strong penchant for integrity, high moral rectitude, accountability, probity and transparency and of course public funds are always safe in his care, these are facts that can never be controverted not even by Okpebholo or his paid masters.

“Politics is no more business any longer, any politician who wants to do business within the political system should be prepared to see the anti corrupt agencies. The verifiable records are there, Governor Obaseki even paid 13th month salary for workers in 2023. I have people working for the state especially teachers, they often commend the Governor for his benevolence and magnanimity towards workers. When Lagos was paying 35,000 as minimum wage, Edo State under the leadership of Obaseki was paying 40,000. Now Edo is paying 70,000, no state can match him. What about others what have they done differently to outmatch Obaseki? Abia said they can not pay and many other states in the country are also giving excuses.

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“Okpebholo is only smart by half, he hould tell us about the value he has added on the people of his Senatorial District, he should tell us about his constituency projects how accessible is he to his constituents? He should tell us about the quality of his representation at the red chamber, the motions he is moving, the Bills he is sponsoring, his oversight functions and other statutory legislative assignments. He is even no match with our candidate, Asue Ighodalo let alone our amiable and quintessential Governor.

“As we speak, people are leaving APC in droves, which shows the party has completely lost it. Recently Barr Daniel .A. Osa-Ogbegie a very strong ally of Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu resigned from the APC and several others are still leaving, dropping the party like hot potato.

”Those that are after Obaseki and are seeking his downfall are only labouring in vain. I have known him for many years. He is a profoundly good man, and he is known for excellence, even during his private practice before delving into politics, he recorded many enviable milestones, that is Obaseki for you.

“However I look forward to September 21, when by God’s grace, PDP as a party and our candidate Barrister Asue Ighodalo will win the guber election. Asue is a man who has explored all economy solution as a lawyer and financial expert, as a founder and partner of Banwo and Ighodalo law firm, providing first class legal advice and adding much values to our economy.”

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He further said, ”Asue Ighodalo who obtained his first degree in law, Ibadan and also Economics in London is the best hand for the job, also as a corporate and project finance, capital market, energy, natural resources merger in banking and securities, etc; Edo people should be rest assured of the good pilot that can steer the state to greater height.”

Idinye equally urged the people of Edo State to vote en mass for Barrister Asue Ighodalo as the governor of the state in the September 21, 2024 election being the “best man for the job”.

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Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

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In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

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He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.

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Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.

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This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.

During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”

The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.

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Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:

  • Federal Medical Centre, Bida
  • Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
  • Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
  • Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
  • Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
  • Federal College of Education, Yola
  • Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
  • Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
  • Federal University of Technology, Minna
  • Cross River Basin Development Authority
  • Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
  • National Examination Council (NECO)
  • Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
  • Presidential Amnesty Programme
  • Galaxy Backbone
  • Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals

Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.

The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.

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Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability

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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has called for the revitalization and strengthening of the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.
Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the joint sitting of Public Accounts Committees of Senate and House and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC at the National Assembly on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Public Accounts Committees at both federal and state levels.
Formed in 2014, NAPAC comprises 38 chapters nationwide, including the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate, House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rep. Salam noted that the Association has been dormant in recent years, necessitating urgent action to restore its relevance.
He stated, “This Association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the Association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.
“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the meeting of NAPAC.”
Salam outlined committee’s objectives, including reviving NAPAC’s activities, adopting innovative strategies to combat corruption, and collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the media.
He also stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and regional associations such as AFROPAC, WAPAC, and SADCOPAC for capacity building and knowledge sharing.
“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed,” he added.
In an interaction with journalists, thr Committee chairman, stressed plans to engage with the Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“Of course, Nigerians should expect that we’re going to have more productivity, especially in consideration of the report of the Auditor General,” he said.
He noted that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions. Salam expressed the committee’s determination to ensure Nigeria catches up with the 2022 and 2023 reports by next year.
He added, “We’ll also be able to bring more of these agencies of government in line to ensure that all monies appropriated by the National Assembly are spent judiciously, efficiently, and in a lawful manner.”
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