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Orbih Mocks APC, Says ‘I Have Called Obaseki, Oshiomhole For Settlement’

Published

4 years ago

January 11, 2020

Editor

…2020 Election Walkover For PDP-Ex-Senator

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dan Orbih, Friday, January 10, mocked the ruling APC in the state, saying he had invited governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to settle their political fight but they have refused.

Orbih made this mockery statement at Afuze, Owan West Local Government Area of the state during Edo North Local Government Area of the state during Edo North PDP Leaders Tour which kick started yesterday.

He noted that the Tour was an indication that leaders of Edo North PDP have decided to unite in their efforts to rescuing the state.

Leaders of the PDP in Edo North during the sensitisation tour at Afuze, Owan East

“Two weeks ago, I issued a public invitation to Adams Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki to come before me so that I can settle them in their political fight, but they have not answer our patriotic call. With all this, you will agree with me all is not well in Edo State”, he added.

A cross section of members and supporters of the PDP during the Tour at Afuze on Friday

Orbih, who called on Edo people to embrace the PDP in the forthcoming election for job employment and provision of social amenities, lamented that public schools and hospitals have been abandoned by the present administration hence are in pitiable state.

“Today, state of our schools in the state is one that one cannot be proud of. Here in Afuze, the promises made to the good people of Afuze by Godwin Obaseki during his campaign tour have become mere promises. He has neglected the College of Physical Education. Our hospitals are worst than mere consulting clinic”, he said.

Speaking on accountability in governance, the PDP chairman urged Obeseki to immediately investigate and prosecute those behind “the fraud of award and execution of multi-billion naira Edo Central Hospital.”

He said, “I want to use this opportunity to call on Godwin Obaseki to immediately swing into action and bring to book all those responsible for the fraud of award and execution of our Central Hospital, Benin City.

Another cross section of members and supporters of the party at Afuze, Owan East on Friday during the Tour

“They spent billions of our public funds to build that hospital. More than Three years after that hospital was commissioned by president of this country, it is still under lock and key. Those behind the award and execution of the hospital contract must be prosecuted.

“Let me also say this, we must not play politics with public institutions. One would have expected by now that hospital and our other public institutions should be working perfectly, but what do we have, nothing.”

A cross section of supporters and members of the party at Sabongida-Ora, Owan West local govt during the sensitisation tour on Friday

Speaking on the forthcoming gobernosrhip election in the state, former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yisa Braihmor said the election would be a walkover for the Peoples Democratic Party.

The former Senator who represented Edo North in the Red Chamber, assured party faithful that the PDP is regaining power through the next gobernosrhip election.

A cross section of supporters and members of the party at Sabongida-Ora, Owan West local govt during the sensitisation tour on Friday

“My message to you my people is that this is the year of glory for PDP. By the special grace of God, we are going to Osadebey’s house come December 2020.

“The election coming August this year is a walkover for us“, he added.

According to him, the PDP has resolved not to give ticket to any defector who later returns to the party to pick the party ticket with the primary aim of contesting under the party.

He said, “No body will just come to our party and pick up ticket as contestant. No decempee (sic) will come and we make him candidate tomorrow. That era is over.”

A cross section of supporters and members of the party at Sabongida-Ora, Owan West local govt during the sensitisation tour on Friday

Chairman of the Tour, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi said the Tour was to unite the party the more with a view to coming out victoriously in the forthcoming election.

“I want to plead with all of you, eschew the bitterness of the past; forget what had happened in the past. Let us embrace each other; let us work together as one and leave a good legacy for children and the ones unborn. We need to forgive ourselves”, he added.

A cross section of supporters and members of the party at Sabongida-Ora, Owan West local govt during the sensitisation tour on Friday

The Tour well attended by party leaders and members covered Owan East and West today.

News

Coastal Highway: DStv, GOtv Customers To Experience Service Disruptions

Published

6 hours ago

May 5, 2024

Editor

DStv and GOtv customers in Nigeria have been notified to expect disruption in service from Sunday, May 5, to Tuesday, May 7, due to the ongoing construction project on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

In a notice shared on social media on Friday, DStv assured customers that its technical team will be working to relocate its facility and minimise service disruptions during the process.

The statement read, “Our uplink facility will be impacted by the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road construction project. As a result, we are forced to relocate.

“From Sunday, May 5, 2024 to Tuesday May 7, 2024, our technical team will be working tirelessly to relocate and minimise disruptions during the exercise.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period and remain dedicated to delivering the quality service and support you expect from DStv and GOtv.”

The PUNCH reports that demolition for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway commenced on Monday.

According to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, the duration of the construction is eight years, and it will be constructed for N15trn.

News

12 Years After: Ex-Eagles, Fans Celebrate Late Yekini

Published

6 hours ago

May 5, 2024

Editor

Former Super Eagles players and football enthusiasts on Saturday paid tribute to Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, Rashidi Yekini, 12 years after he passed on at 48 after a protracted illness, The PUNCH reports.

The late Yekini was reportedly kidnapped shortly before he passed away, and the cause of his death is still unclear.

Despite his sad ending over a decade ago, there is pride in the achievements of the 1993 African Footballer of the Year, yet sadness at his death and anger at the way he had been treated by the government and football authorities.

Super Eagles coach George Finidi, who made an assist for the late Yekini to score against Bulgaria at the 1994 World Cup in the USA, Nigeria’s first goal in the history of the tournament, said he still feels sad over his untimely death.

“His passing was sad for everyone,” Finidi said in an exclusive chat with Sunday Punch.

“Over the years, I have spoken about him, our connection on the field, and what he did for Nigeria as a player. May his soul rest in peace.”

Former Eagles coach and captain, Sunday Oliseh, a teammate of Yekini, also said his legacies will always be a benchmark for emerging Nigerian players.

“The late Yekini deserves to always be remembered for all he did for our country,” Oliseh told The PUNCH.

“He gave his all to our country, and his exploits are there for us all to see for others to emulate and learn from. May his soul continue to rest.”

“Yekini is definitely one of the best African players and legends to ever walk this earth. Rashidi was full of pace, had a superb shot, could jump very high, and was calm in front of goal. Above all, he was a very loveable person once you got to know and understand him.”

Ace journalist Oluwashina Okeleji also took to his X handle to eulogise the former Victoria Setubal striker.

“Today (Saturday) marks the 12th anniversary of Rashidi Yekini’s death.

“Football lost 1993 African Footballer of the Year Rashidi Yekini at the age of 48. He was Nigeria’s top scorer with 37 goals in 58 games. There was pride in his achievements, sadness at his death, and anger at the way he was treated by some.”

His former club, Gateway United, also joined other Nigerians in celebrating the legacy of Yekini.

Reflecting on Yekini’s illustrious career and his brief stint with Gateway United in 2005, the club’s acting general manager, Niyi Soleye, said, “Rashidi Yekini was not only a prolific goal scorer but also a gentleman that was respected by teammates and opponents alike. His 37 goals for Nigeria remain unmatched, a testament to his talent and dedication.”

Soleye fondly recalled Yekini’s time at Gateway United, describing it as a pivotal moment for the club and their supporters.

“I vividly remember his arrival like it was yesterday. As club secretary then, it was an honour to witness such a calibre of player joining us. He seamlessly adapted to our style, boosting morale both on and off the pitch.”

“While his passing in 2012 under controversial circumstances was tragic, his legacy continues to inspire future Nigerian footballers.”

News

We’ve Earmarked N1bn Naira Monthly To Feed Edo People – Obaseki

Published

11 hours ago

May 5, 2024

Editor

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, says his administration has earmarked nothing less than N1bn Naira monthly to feed vulnerable Christians in the state in the next three months.

This is as he said a similar programme has been mapped out for people in the Muslim faith in the state.

Obaseki disclosed this during the official flag-off of phase one of Edo State Food Support Programme also known as Christian Feeding Programme in Benin City.

The Governor, who said he was worried by the rising number of people who cannot afford a square meal in a day in the state, said he had to call Christian leaders in the state on how best to address the alarming situation.

Obaseki said in order not to make it look political, he decided not to involve political office holders, but Christian leaders in reaching out to vulnerable Christians in the state.

The Governor who added that the state government already had data of the vulnerable in the state database, said the means of reaching out to them maximally was the issue, hence using churches to reach out to them.

He said: “I was worried by the rising number of people who cannot afford a square meal in a day. So, I thought to myself how do we solve this problem. This is not politics I told myself.

“I then called the chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and some of the blockheads to a meeting and explained to them what I intended to do. So, that’s how we put our heads together to come up with this programme.”

Obaseki added: “I told them this is the amount of money I will be giving you every month. I’ll give you a billionaire monthly for three months first. At least, Let us try this for the first three months.”

The governor said the programme was not just to feed the vulnerable, but also together more data about people in the state on how the government can create employment for them and how the government can render help where necessary.

Earlier, in his remarks, Chairman of the Organising Committee who also doubles as the Chairman, CAN,
Apostle Irekpono Omoike, while thanking the governor for the initiative, said 10kg of 60,000 bags of rice have been purchased for onward distribution to the three senatorial districts in the state.

According to him, 27,000 bags of the 10kg would be distributed to the seven local government areas in Edo South, 15 bags to Edo Central and 18 bags to Edo North.

Further giving the breakdown, Omoike said 3, 000 bags would be distributed to each local government across the 18 local government areas, summing upto 54,000 bags, while the remaining 6,000 bags would be distributed to churches not captured under CAN.