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Unpaid Salaries: Intervene In Welfare Issues Bedeviling Us, Usen Poly Workers Appeal To Obaseki

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Staff of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, have appealed to the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to urgently intervene in a series of welfare issues which, according to them, are demotivating them in the discharge of their duties in the institution.

In a joint press briefing held in Benin on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, the polytechnic workers said it would be a thing of joy to them if Obaseki could use his good office
to resolve “welfare issues demotivating and dampening morale of workers at Edo State Polytechnic” before “exiting as Chief Executive of the state.”

The polytechnic workers comprised Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics(ASUP), Usen chapter;
Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), Usen branch; Non-academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (NASU) Usen Branch.

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READ ALSO: Nigeria Has Disappointed Africa, Black Race – Obasanjo

Addressing newsmen on behalf of other unions, Chairman, ASUP, Dr. Akhere Ekhomum, said “Edo state Government is adjudged to be one of the few states in the country that pays salaries to workers on or before 26th every month, yet the last salary received by Edo State Polytechnic workers was in May, 2024, paid only on the 9th of September, 2024.”

He added: “Recently, Edo State Government approved Seventy thousand (N70,000) naira only as
minimum wage for the workers. The core civil servantS and some Tertiary Institutions (College of Health Technology and College of. Agriculture, Iguoriakhi) are already enjoying this wage increase to the exclusion of Edo State Polytechnic workers.”

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According to him, “Edo State Government paid Thirteenth (13) month salary to all workers towards the end of 2023, to the exclusion of Edo State Polytechnic staff.”

READ ALSO: Edo Govt, APC Transition C’ttee Heading For Showdown

“Sufficed to state here that, Edo State Polytechnic staff have never benefited from any upward review of salary wages done by Edo State Government,” he said.

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The ASUP Chairman who said “Edo State Polytechnic, Usen was established by an act of parliament over Eighteen (18) years
ago,” disclosed that “it is shocking to know that the polvtechnic is the only Edo State Government owned establishment that is not enjoving pension till date.”

Ekhomum, who said the “briefing is neither for blame game nor to paint the image of the current Government in bad light,” stated that it was “rather to make a passionate appeal’ to His Excellency, Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin
Nogheghase Obaseki to hear our cries.”

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YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

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The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.

“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.

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READ ALSO:Edo SWAN Distances Self From Online Publication Against Enabulele

He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.

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Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.

READ ALSO:How Enabulele Is Driving Okpebholo’s Agenda In Edo Sports Commission

He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.

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The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.

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MOWAA: Okpehbolo Receives Edo Assembly Resolution Indicting Obaseki

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, received report and resolutions of the Edo State House of Assembly which indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel projects.

Recall that the Edo Assembly raised a five-man committee to investigate funding and ownership of both projects following a request by Governor Okpebholo.

Okpebholo, who spoke after receiving the report said its findings and recommendations would be fully implemented.

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Okpebholo said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be invited to further examine issues raised in the recommendations.

READ ALSO:MOWAA: Why I Will Not Appear Before Edo Assembly Panel — Obaseki

According to him, the Edo State Government has significant stakes in the MOWAA and Radisson Blu hotel having invested ₦3.8bn respectively in both projects.

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He said changes in the structure and nomenclature of the MOWAA project made the investigation unavoidable.

Okpebholo said it was unacceptable to suggest Edo State has only 10 per cent stake in the Radisson Blu hotem despite investing over ₦28bn.

Edo State has spent over ₦3.8 billion on this project, yet some people are saying the state has no stake in it. That is totally unacceptable. I will work with your recommendations and forward them to the relevant authorities to investigate what truly happened. We will also involve the EFCC.

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READ ALSO:MOWAA Controversy: Edo Assembly Threatens Arrest Warrant On Obaseki, Others

“Our investment in this project is over ₦28 billion. We must invite the EFCC to step in and determine if this is how businesses are conducted in Nigeria,” he said.

In its recommendations passed by the Assembly, the five-man committee headed by Hon Addeh Isibor, urged the Edo State Government to take possession of both projects.

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It asked Governor Okpebholo to contract competent hands to complete renovation of the Hotel and take all steps to put the Hotel to use.

The recommendations urged the Edo State Government to revoke “the fraudulent Certificate of Occupancy to the property issued in the name of Hospitality Investment and Management Company Limited and revert same to the Edo State Government that purchased the property.

READ ALSO:Edo Assembly Charges Contractor Handling Ekekhuan Road To Accelerate Work

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“That the Edo State Government initiate legal action and work with relevant Anti-graft Agencies to retrieve both the complete statement of account and the balance of the Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N17,500,000,000.00) Bond proceeds still in the possession of the Escrow Agents. Meristen Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.

“The title to the MOWAA Property having never been revoked, same remains the property of the Central Hospital, Benin City

“That the Edo State Government immediately takes all necessary step to put the property to good use in the best and overriding public interest of the people of Edo State.”

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Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said the facts about MOWAA and Radisson Blu Hotel were now clearly documented in resolutions and outcomes.

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Sheikh Gummi Sues Two Over Alleged False Facebook Publication

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Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, has approached the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna, seeking the issuance of a criminal direct complainant summons against two Facebook users over alleged criminal conspiracy, attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation.

The application, filed at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, listed the defendants as George Udom and Bello Isiaka.

According to him, the defendants allegedly published a “Breaking News” statement on their respective Facebook pages on December 23, 2025, between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, attributed to him, threatening that the family of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not stopped.

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Gummi alleged that the publication was falsely attributed to him, as his photograph was allegedly used alongside the statement, giving the impression that he issued the threat against the Defence Minister.

READ ALSO:Nigeria Army Alone Cannot Defeat Bandits — Sheikh Gumi

The Islamic scholar stated that following the publication, he received numerous phone calls from concerned members of the public who believed he authored the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Minister of Defence in the discharge of his official duties.

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He further maintained that the publication portrayed him as a troublemaker and a threat to public peace, despite his long-standing reputation as a cleric known for preaching peace and harmony within and outside Nigeria.

The complainant argued that the alleged publication was capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly Southern Kaduna, and could expose him to danger by presenting him as a prime suspect in the event of any attack on the Defence Minister’s family.

READ ALSO:Insecurity: What Sheikh Gumi Told Me After Visiting Bandits Hideouts — Obasanjo

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He also contended that the actions of the defendants amounted to an attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of his character.

Dr Gummi told the court that the alleged acts contravened Sections 59, 57, 372, 116 and 117 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a team of lawyers led by Suleiman Danlami Lere, with the complainant urging the court to summon the defendants to answer to the allegations.

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