The Government Of Anambra State Sacks 228 Workers. Read More...

 The Anambra State Local Government Service Commission has sacked six directors and 222 other staff members.

According to Leadership, they were fired for possessing fake certificates with which they gained employment into the commission.

Chairman of the Commission, Mr Vincent Ezeaka disclosed the scandals to newsmen at the Commission’s office in Awka on Thursday.

In the same vein, two former staff members, one of whom was found to be working with the state owned Nwafor-Orizu College of Education at Nsugbe, and another with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, Awka, who were said to be collecting salaries for four years have been directed to refund the illegal salaries they received to the commission.

Ezeaka said that the sad developments were discovered in the ongoing verification and staff biometrics identification exercise being conducted by a four-man committee headed by a retired Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Ndidi Onuigbo.

He added that the exercise is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration’s agenda deliberately initiated to sanitise the local government workforce.

Ezeaka further explained that between January and April 2024, a total of 222 ghost workers have been discovered and weeded out of the local government service commission.

He said from the verification exercise the bonafide staff members of the commission currently is about 4, 300, adding that they are the workers in the payroll of the commission pending when the verification committee would conclude it’s assignment.

He stated that the state government is taking serious steps towards ensuring that communities and local government areas are sanitized for things to get better...

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Must Read: Who Sued The Oba Of Benin To Court And Full Theory Of The Story...

 

Reporting: Hon. Osasuyi

Was the Oba of Benin sued to court? - Yes

Who sued the Oba to court - Two enigie (Enogie of Abudu/Evbuobanosa and Enogie of egbaen-siluko) who were suspended by the Oba.

What is their case - That the Oba does not have the legal and constitutional power to suspend them as Enigie.

 They contend that only the state government has that power according to law.

The issue started in 2022 when some enigie in Edo south (Benin kingdom) headed by Prof Gregory Akenzua, the enogie of Abudu/Evbuobanosa and a paternal uncle to the Oba of Benin, wrote to the Edo state government to implement a 1979 edict on chiefs and traditional rulers in the state. They urged the government to create traditional councils in the 7 local government in Edo south so that each local government traditional council can administer the affairs of its enigies. It should be noted that this is the system being practised in other part of the state except Edo south. The whole of Edo south only has the Benin traditional council headed by the Oba of Benin. The BTC is responsible for all the enigie, chiefs and other traditional functionaries in Benin kingdom. 

The governor granted the enigie an audience and promised to look into the matter.

 The governor noted that if implemented, the system will enhance local government governance. The government purportedly later issued a statement approving the requests of the enigie but it was never implemented because when the Oba was consulted, he disapproved, calling it an attempt to divide his kingdom. So, in respect to the Oba, the governor aborted the implementation. Thereafter through series of events, the Oba suspended the leaders of the Enigie while others out of respect for the Oba, denounced the group. The two suspended enigie then decided to sue the Oba to court to challenge the authority of the Oba to suspend them.

Were they right to sue the Oba to court - According to Benin traditions and customs, they are wrong to sue the Oba. 

The  fact  is that traditional considers it an abomination to contend with the Oba. Afterall, Aiguobataikpen, Aiguobatile and Aiguobasimwin. This is why all sons and daughters of Benin are condemning the act and are speaking out in solidarity of the Oba. 

To the Benin people, the Oba is a god and cannot be wrong. No one dares challenge his authority. He owns everyone and everything. He is the sovereign and the people are his subjects.

Do they have the right to sue the Oba to court - Under the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, they have a right to seek redress in court for any matter and against anybody. The only people with immunity are the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors.

 Unfortunately, traditional rulers are not included.

 *Do they have a legitimate case* - The legitimacy of thier case will be decided by the court. Constitutionally and legally, there seems to be a law backing their contention. However,  the creation of the title Enogie(Dukes) is a precolonial and a pre constitutional phenomenon. They are subjects of the palace of the Oba of Benin and as such derive their authority and legitimacy from the palace. The traditional implications is that they are created to serve at the pleasure of the Oba. So the Oba has authority to suspend or even scrap an enogie title. However ,  Benin is under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and only the court can decide what is legal and what is not.

 What is the role of Gov Obaseki in the case?                   Did Obaseki sue the Oba to court -?      According to the court summons, Obaseki did not sue the Oba to court. In fact the enigie did not only sue the Oba, they also sued the state government headed by Obaseki to court too. So the case is between the 2 enigies on one side and both Edo state government and the Oba of Benin on the other side. If at all, Obaseki Is a co- defendant to the Oba in the case.

The stories going round states that  Obaseki  sued the Oba to court - It is believed that this narrative originated from some politicians. They are intentionally misinforming the people so they can turn them against the governor and by extension his party because of the coming elections. They know how highly the Benin people revere their Oba and anybody seen as an enemy to the Oba is automatically an enemy of the people. They are trying to take advantage of this for political gains. It is very dangerous, reckless and irresponsible. The Oba is apolitical. He is the father of all. To drag his name into their political propaganda is callous and condemnable. The issues leading to this case has been on for over 2 years. It is only now drawing this much attention  because it is only now the politicians have decided to get involved. 

The Oba has come out in the past to thank the governor for defending the traditions and customs of the Benin people by taking his side in this matter. The Oba said it was Obaseki who prevented the group of enigie headed both Enigie who are now in court from creating  parallel traditional councils in all local government areas in Edo south. So it is shocking that it is the same Obaseki that is now being accused of being against the Oba. Unfortunately, majority of the people will not fact check any information before running with it. Hence the widespread misinformation on the matter.         

 It is important to set the record straight.

Oba gha tor kpere iseeee.

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Sweden Announces Return Of 39 Pieces Of Benin Artefacts. Read More....

 The Swedish government has finalized plans to return 39 pieces of Benin Artefacts in her Museum to the custody of Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin.

The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Annika Hahn-Englund, conveyed the Swedish government decision when she paid a courtesy visit to Oba of Benin Palace in Benin City, Edo State.

Ambassador Hahn-Englund informed the Royal father that Sweden and Nigeria, which is the second largest market in Sub-Sahara Africa, are trading partners, including infrastructure, Telecommunication, Energy and other businesses that supported the economies significantly.

The Swedish envoy, said, “also, I would like to mention that with cooperation, we have in Culture, Education with Nigeria; I would like to mention the decision of why the Swedish government has to return 39 Artefacts to Benin Kingdom.

“So, your Majesty, I am very honoured to be here tonight”, Ambassador Hahn-Englund said this while paying respect to Oba Ewuare II.

Responding, Oba Ewuare II on behalf of Edo people also welcome the decision and expressed his deepest gratitude to the Swedish government for the intervention.

The Benin monarch recalled how he made a request through the Swedish monarch in 1998 to return Benin Bronzes in Sweden during his courtesy visit to him as Nigeria Ambassador to Scandinavian Countries.

The traditional ruler disclosed that the federal government-backed Benin Royal Museum project is still on course, and commended partners for their support and devotion towards the project.

The Oba also lauded the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), which is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, responsible for the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The Oba who prayed for members of the Diplomatic Mission, shared a captivating tale of his Diplomatic exploits as Ambassador in the Scandinavian Countries, noting that the remarkable reign and enduring affection of the Swedish monarch, His Royal Majesty, Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus remain indelible.

According to Oba Ewuare II, the demand for the return of looted Benin Artefacts has been on since the reign of Oba Akenzua II, “and you are here today telling that it has been approved. This has been my request long time ago. God’s time is always the best”.

To underscore the significance of the historic visit to the Palace, the Ambassador in the accompany of her husband and a member of the Diplomatic Mission,

presented a souvenir to

Oba Ewuare II, who in turn gave a copy of the federal government Gazette on all Benin Artefacts to the envoy in appreciation.

Recall that the Federal Republic of Nigeria Gazette No. 57, Volume 110 at pages A245-247 issued on March 23rd, 2023, recognized ownership and vesting Custody and Management of repatriated Benin Artefacts in the Oba of Benin....

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JUSTIN: Singer Portable Has Been arrest By Lagos State Police Command. Read More....

 

Popular singer named Habeeb Okikiola a.k.a Portable, has been arrested in lagos over an alleged N14m unpaid debt.

The singer was said to have bought a Gwagon valued at N27m from a car dealer in lagos. 

It was stated in a report that Portable only paid N13m to balance N14m, which He has refused to pay claiming the value was bad.

The Lagos State Police command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed Portable's arrest in a statement to the press.

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Monday Okpebholo Blasts APC Leaders, Labels Them ‘Hungry Godfathers’. Read More.....

 

Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressive Candidate (APC) for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State has declared his resolve to defy the purported machinations of influential party figures, labeling them as “hungry godfathers” eager to plunder state coffers if he emerges victorious in the polls.

Speaking through a trusted aide, who chose to remain anonymous, the APC candidate unleashed a scathing critique of those rallying around him, alleging their ulterior motives and self-serving agendas. With candor, he dismissed their purported support as a thinly veiled guise to exploit the state’s resources for personal gain.

“The so-called godfathers hovering around me are not genuine supporters of Edo State’s progress,” the candidate asserted. “Their allegiance lies in fattening their pockets at the expense of our people’s welfare.”

Singling out prominent figures within the party, such as Pastor Ize-Iyamu and Acting Chairman Tenebe, the candidate accused them of lacking genuine commitment to the state’s development. He portrayed them as opportunists driven solely by personal enrichment, casting doubt on their professed intentions.

Moreover, the candidate expressed skepticism towards certain party stalwarts, notably Senator Monday Okpebholo, who harbored grievances against former Senator Oshiomole for perceived betrayal. Allegations of financial impropriety and undue influence were leveled, suggesting a fractious relationship within the party ranks.

Senator Okpebholo’s purported strategy to prioritize financial backers over entrenched party elites further underscored his defiance against traditional power structures. His emphasis on financial transparency and accountability resonated with his vision for a reformed political landscape in Edo State.

In a surprising twist, the candidate expressed admiration for Dr. Asue Ighodalo, acknowledging his competency and dedication to the state’s welfare. The endorsement of a rival candidate hinted at a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics and a commitment to meritocracy.

However, the candidate reserved skepticism towards Olumide Akpata, dismissing his candidacy as a mere formality lacking substantive political engagement. The critique underscored a commitment to principles of justice, equity, and fairness in governance, while subtly questioning the legitimacy of Akpata’s political aspirations....

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Breaking: A Gang Of Gay Which Specializes in Robbery, R+p And Extortion Of Their Male Victims Nabbed In Lagos State. Read More...

 

Eleven suspected terror gang who were arrest around lekki aces of lagos state state. They confessed to have belong to a gang which is involved in homosexuals that kidnap, extorts and rape only healthy male victims.

They were arraigned at the Lagos state police command, ikeja. They clearly stated that they never had any thing to do with any female victims.

Each of the gang members gave vivid details of how they became members and how they carry out their devilish activities against their victims. They said videos are always made during their sexual orgies with the victims which they later use to extort money from them.

One of the members which is also the oldest among them was identified as a practicing lawyer, tried to exonerate him self from their devilish activities saying he only he is only a bisexual and has feelings for both male and female.

The daredevil gang narrated to Lagos State commissioner of Police Special Squad led by CSP Kehinde Oni, how engage either their fellow gay of unsuspecting victims in any of their apartments within lekki, ajah through a gay app or advertisement acting as Realtors.

In a statement of one of they suspect, who's name was identified as, Esama Jeol, 28,  a POS operator around jakande estate lekki, " I am from Edo state, I dropped out from secondary school and relocated to lagos state where I got a job in a hotel as a chef. I was supplying liquid soap to the hotel and also owned the POS the gang uses to extort money from the victims. He claimed to have been introduced to homosexuality by one Edet. He said what they usually do is lure their victims to their rented Apartment, they force the victim to have sex with them. He further said during the s3x a member of the gang will start recording a video, which they use in blackmailing their victims to extort money from them.  Other members of the gang also gave their own story on how they operate.

Crime guard reports that the suspects were arrest after two victims complained they were kidnapped and robbed by the gang. The victims also narrated how they were held hostage in an apartment where their valuables and huge sum of money were collected from them through their bank accounts. The case was reported at Maroko police state in lekki, when it got to the State Commissioner of Plice, Adegoke Fayoade, He swiftly transferred the case to his special squad with with stern directives to crack the case and round up all the suspects. Investigations also revealed that they have international customers, especially from south Africa.

A police source said that the worse thing about the gang is not just only that they are gays but they kidnap, blackmail, extort and rap they male victims. Crime guard learned that after investigations, the suspects were transferred to Yaba magistrate court 3 on charges bothering on conspiracy, kidnapping, Rap and robbery.

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Edo Politics : PDP will Displace APC because Obaseki has kept faith with the people. Read More....

 Election seasons are interesting times in Edo. It is yet another election round in the State and the political landscape is expectedly filled with a cacophony of opportunists and merchants of pessimism and falsehoods, preying on the vulnerability of the populace with their narratives filled with lies, mistruths, vile and hatred.

In a most recent diatribe, another fly-by-night desperate pen pusher and self-acclaimed clergyman, Audu Micahel, attempted to denigrate the performance and success recorded in Edo State over the past seven and a half years under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, while ridiculing the statement by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to sustain the gains recorded over these years by the incumbent administration.

In the missive grossly lacking in facts and suffused with attention-seeking theatrics, the writer, to justify the dimwitted scribbling, turned a blind eye to the slew of attainments by the Obaseki-led government in the civil service, where the governor is running the most worker-friendly public service with workers earning at least N70, 000, the highest minimum wage in the country and discounted the achievements in the agriculture sector, where Obaseki is undertaking the most ambitious oil palm development programme in Africa, with over 70, 000 hectares of land allocated to investors.

In the education sector, it is an open secret that the governor has transformed the basic education sector, providing top-notch education to over 400,000 pupils who are now learning at par with their peers in advanced economies, while in the power sector, the government has established an independent electricity market, with the generation and distribution of 450MW from Azura and 95MW from Ossiomo Power.

It is, however, not surprising to see such a rambling from the faux, airheaded clergyman as he cannot see beyond his nose, which is why he and his ilk are incensed by the progress recorded in Edo in the last eight years.

As if that was not enough, Audu Michael in a desperate and futile attempt to tarnish the very cordial relationship between our revered monarch and the governor, attempted unsuccessfully to drag the highly exalted Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin into his brand of campaign of calumny and mudslinging.

It is instructive to note that the Royal Palace of the Benin Monarch has for decades remained insulated from partisan politics and all political actors must respect this neutral status. Audu and his ilk in the APC must be warned and guided by Edo sons and daughters, who know where to draw the line. We won’t continue to sit and fold our arms while he and his sponsors drag the Palace of the Benin Monarch into their dirty politics.

For whatever it is worth, Obaseki has run his race. His curtain is closing and amid the adversaries he had had to ward off in the last seven and half years, he emerged relatively unscathed. He’s got his second term, is superintending over the third fastest growing sub-national in the country with a slew of remarkable attainments that the majority of Edo people are aware of and have benefit from. His success trail is undeniable.

No gainsaying these attainments in education, arts, infrastructure, agriculture, education and manufacturing, among others that have continued to put traducers to shame will give him the upper hand again in September as the millions of Edo people whose lives he has improved will come out enmasse to reward him for standing with the people and championing the redistribution of resources from a few people with political access to the generality of Edo citizens. This will guarantee victory for the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

Edo people are wise and know that the PDP is the best choice for the sustained progress and prosperity of the State. They will not allow lies and propaganda by the fake clergymen like Rev Audu Michael to cloud their judgment and stop them from making informed decisions for a better future for themselves and their unborn children

On September 21, it is PDP or nothing and there is nothing the APC cannot do about it.

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