Politics

Who But Ighodalo Can Make Edo People Smile Again?

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2024

By Elvis Osarogiagbon

When the lawyer and development savvy technocrat, Dr Asue Ighodalo, told his media dominated gathering that his decision to rest his plump positions in different blue chip organisations to contest the Edo governorship seat was deliberate and well-thought out, not one person in the audience had a single doubt in their minds that he wouldn’t be able to use his thoughts and ideas to help Edo State hit the ambitious socio-economic development targets he had set.

Boldly stating his desire to move Edo State from her status as a third world subnational into the first world is as daring a campaign statement as they come.

And with recent political events where the main opposition party in the state demonstrated political rudderlessness and an embarrassing lack of tact as an unrepentant godfather selected his unprepared godson; one is led to believe that the political runway is now clear for Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s ambition to serve Edo people, to take off.

The intrepid reader is enjoined to look around; for a moment. Now answer this: Who among these aspirants – without any bias – has the national and international exposure like the frontline PDP aspirant to deliver on their verbose promises? Which of them can boast of higher levels of competence or compassion?

Apart from Ighodalo, who among them has shown the tenacity and clarity of vision needed to govern successfully in times as difficult as these?

While the so-called opponents, have no verifiable credible socio-economic development achievements in whatever manner particular, either in the local, national and international arenas, Ighodalo’s avalanche achievements speak volumes of his capacity and capabilities to deliver any day on his set goals and objectives.

There is an adage in Bini that says it is that man who is overfed and has enough to throw around that will show willingness to share. Obviously, Ighodalo – bursting at the seams with experience and intellect – is the quintessential Edo man that typifies the adage.

Yet Barr. Ighodalo is the model of humility. There is no air of entitlement around him. Perhaps that is why he appears to be the only aspirant reaching out to meet the people where they are – in their markets, schools, churches, weddings, funerals. Like the popular MTN advert, one finds him ‘everywhere you go’.

So perhaps it is this cornucopia of characteristics; his humility, competence, capacity and compassion; that have propelled the former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc and Nigerian Breweries into the hearts of Edo people as they prepare to elect their next governor on Sept.21.

Asue Ighodalo’s penchant for success through cutting edge tech solutions, became visible once again when he assumed board membership of the Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC.

Variable statistics show that
in the first nine months of 2023, the company’s profit after tax grew to N20.9 billion from N18.1 billion in the same period of 2022.

According to Mr. Chukwuebuka Omerole, the company’s secretary, turnover increased to N60.1 billion from N50.2 billion

Only a man with the midas touch such as Asue Ighodalo, unquenchable drive to excel, is ready and willing to bring such expertise in the area of corporate and project financing, securities and capital markets, energy and natural resources, mergers and acquisitions and banking and securitization to turn the fortunes of Edo around for the better.

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Politics

Jonathan’s Ex-aide Dumps PDP For APC

Published

14 hours ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

A former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Waripamo-owei Dudafa, has formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the All Progressive Congress.

Dudafa, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, announced his resignation from the PDP in a statement he issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.

In the letter of resignation addressed to the Chairman, PDP, Southern Opokuma/Ayibabiri Ward 8 in Kolokuma Opukuma Local Government Area, he stated that his decision to quit the PDP followed a period of deep reflection and consultation with his political associates, supporters, and family members.

The letter read in part: “It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party effective immediately. Throughout my time with the party, I have been deeply committed to our shared values and goals, and it has been an honour to work with so many dedicated individuals.”

Dudafa stated that the unresolved disputes, particularly at the national level, “have significantly impeded our ability to move forward, rather they create an environment of conflict that’s no longer conducive to advancing the shared values and objectives.”

He said: “While this decision has been difficult, I remain committed to serving the best interests of our people, motivated by my dedication to their welfare and progress.”

Announcing his decision to join the APC, he said: “After careful reflection and consideration, I have decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), a platform I believe offers renewed hope, unity and a stronger foundation to address the challenges facing our dear state.”

To the members of the APC, Dudafa wrote, “I look forward to working alongside new colleagues who share this vision.”

He expressed appreciation to the PDP for the relationships and experiences he gained during his time in the PDP and wished the party well in overcoming its present challenges.

Political observers are of the opinion that his resignation could signal realignments ahead of future political developments in Bayelsa State and at the national level.

Politics

Why Wike Is Always Attacking Peter Obi — Obidient Movement

Published

2 days ago

October 17, 2025

Editor

The Obidient Movement has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments describing Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, as a “social media president.”

Wike had, on Thursday, accused Obi of playing politics with national issues after the former Anambra State governor visited a local authority school in the FCT and lamented the poor condition of public facilities.

“I hear one of the social media presidential candidates went to a local authority school and said the government has abandoned public schools. His name is Mr Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike had said.

However, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, dismissed Wike’s comments, saying they were aimed at keeping the minister in the news.

“How will Wike sell his market if he doesn’t mention Peter Obi?” Tanko asked. “As I am talking to you, you need to see the mammoth crowd we have in our town hall meeting here in Nnewi (Anambra State).”

Tanko further dismissed the FCT minister as the least of the Obi and his followers’ worries and defended Obi’s comments on the state of public schools in the country’s capital, insisting that the Wike merely drew attention to a national concern.

He stressed that Obi’s comment on the state of public facilities in the FCT was to point out that they are in dire need of attention, saying, “I was there on the ground and saw those dilapidated buildings. We also visited a clinic where only one nurse was on duty. Even the roads to the place are not easily accessible.”

Politics

JUST IN: Rivers Cancels N134bn Secretariat Contract, Demands N20bn Refund

Published

3 days ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled a ₦134 billion contract awarded by the former sole administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (retd), for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt.

The contract, awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation during the period of emergency rule under Ibas, was nullified by the Council at its meeting on Thursday.

Following the cancellation, the Council directed CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee already paid for the project.

Also, the Council approved the constitution of a six-member committee chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu to assess and recommend suitable locations for the construction of Computer-Based Test centres across the state to support external examinations.

The Council also mandated the state’s flood control committee, also headed by Odu, to take urgent measures to mitigate flooding in affected areas, while cautioning residents against blocking drainage channels.

More to come…