The Eagle Gate

Tag: Edo 2016

  • INEC acted as Judge on PDP Matters

    INEC acted as Judge on PDP Matters

    By Omololu Ojehomon-Ogbeni

    Having read the statement made by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu as published by the Nation Newspaper, titled “Court will decide Edo PDP candidate – INEC chairman”, on August 21, 2016, I became concerned about the explanation he gave to wave off the grave error done by his establishment as it concerned the elections in Edo State based on the list it published on its website.

    One thing I have understood, is that when it suits us we have selective amnesia, we choose when to acknowledge or ignore facts.

    This is the statement that worries me, “We have to submit the name of a candidate by the 11th of this month. But, when we did so, we put in bracket, court order. Again, Ize-Iyamu has dragged INEC to court and was granted an interim injunction by the judge saying that we should maintain status quo. So, apart from the leadership tussle in the state, there is this one about candidacy in Edo State.”

    How possible is this when there was an existing order On July 28, 2016, Federal High Court in Abuja sacked Markarfi as National Chairman and reaffirmed Sheriff as the national Chairman and held that every action the committee had taken since it emerged through a convention the party purportedly held in Port Harcourt on May 21, amounted to nullity. And that having regard to the order of the court, PDP had no lawful authority to hold the convention that led to the emergence of the Markarfi-led Committee.” It went on to say, “The convention was unlawfully held and the caretaker committee was unlawfully and illegally appointed and could not take any legal decision for the PDP in view of the subsisting order of the Lagos Division of this court. Consequently, any action taken by the Markarfi-led Committee, including the purported mandate for legal representation in this matter is hereby declared illegal. Parties have an uncompromising duty to obey court orders until it is set aside. The Lagos Division made order on May 12 and 20, forbidding the PDP from removing the Sheriff-led Caretaker Committee. That order is still subsisting.” And that Ali Modu Sheriff is the National Chairman of the PDP. Any decision NOT taken by the Sheriff-Led Committee is NOT binding on the PDP.

    What Status quo? The one that originated from an illegality, and a court order no one but the INEC was served, where they failed to publish the case number and date, where such order was given and by whom. And why was the other faction of the PDP not joined.

    It is true that the INEC are no police neither do they have police according to Prof. Yakubu, however, it is my belief that he found it necessary to make this statement to cover up for the error done by the INEC and to justify the action by one of their own who may have from all indication been on the take.

    So my concern remains the same that if in fact a final judgement comes will the Independent National Electoral Commission decide to do the wrong thing because of corrupt influences or will Prof. Yakubu do the right thing and maintain his integrity.

  • Sheriff and PDP – The facts

    Sheriff and PDP – The facts

    By Omololu Ojehomon-Ogbeni

    It doesn’t take a genuine to know that the amendment made to the PDP’s constitution was to create a balance of affairs within the party.  Even though the North wanted the presidency in 2015, the party had agreed to return Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as president. It meant the position of National Chairman was zoned to the North, the term for this office ends in 2018.

    After the elections the party was in crisis, Muazu was removed and was replaced by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff from the same zone in March 2016 as stated in the party’s constitution, the same constitution also states that the replacement serves out the existing term. Sen. Sheriff was perfect for the party, they needed someone who could take over the financial responsibility of the party and take care of its debt, which he did, paying backlog secretariat salaries for up to six months and handled all maintenance and party problems.

    On May 12, 2016, Judgement was granted in favor of Senator Sheriff and two others, for the following, the position of National Chairman is not vacant until 2018 and the positions of National Secretary and National Auditor are not vacant until 2017. This was not appealed by anyone singularly or collectively as the PDP and the Judgement held.

    On May 21, 2016 during the Port Harcourt Convention was stopped by a court injunction filed by a faction of the party which also tried to hold its convention in Abuja a similar court injunction also prevented them from holding and agreed to reconciliation. It was Senator Modu Sheriff who notified the press of this injunction and that the convention could not hold because of it.  However, there was a turning point when Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State as the convention chairman moved a motion to have a caretaker committee which brought in Senator Markarfi as Chairman.

    On June 3, 2016, Premium Times Newspaper reported on a conversation on Ray Power FM Radio Station Program “POLITICAL PLATFORM” on the Port Harcourt convention in which the INEC’s Deputy Director for Public Affairs, Nick Dazang was guest.

    He was quoted as follows: “We sent a high powered team led by a National Commissioner to monitor the convention. They have submitted their report as at now, but the Commission is yet to take a position in terms of who is supposed to be the chairman of the party. I expect that a very responsible party, a formidable party of that matter like the PDP will put its act together in time for it particularly to collect the forms for those that will conduct the elections in Edo and Ondo and also to conduct the primaries that will lead up to who will now be their standard bearer for Edo Governorship election to be conducted on Saturday, 10th September.  The Primaries are supposed to take place between 2nd June and 4th July, so we expect that between now and then the PDP should be able to resolve some of these issues in the interest of that election.”

    On June 20, 2016: Edo State primaries to elect a candidate of the party was conducted by the illegal Markarfi – Led Caretaker Committee.

    As regards the conduct of the primaries in Edo State there were at least three PDP constitutional violations as follows.

    1. That one of the aspirants Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu who participated was not qualified to participate in it.
    2. He had not done two years in the party which disqualified him.
    3. He did not have a waiver from the National Chairman which also disqualified him
    4. The state Chairman violated the party’s constitution when he refused to conduct new congress for the primary which will produce the delegates that will vote, rather used the doctored listed of the state congress that returned him to office.
    5. Senator Markarfi cannot conduct primaries in Edo State when there is a judgment from May 12, 2016 that retains Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the Chairman of the party until 2018 as is constitutionally correct.

    On June 21, 2016 the Sheriff-led NEC of the PDP declared the June 20, primaries conducted by the Markarfi – Led Caretaker Committee as illegal and set June 23 – 29, 2016 as dates for PDP congress in Edo State. Media reported this was communicated to the Chairman of INEC.

    Vanguard Newspaper Headline, “WE CAN’T MONITOR SHERIFF’S SHOW – INEC, on June 27, 2016 quoted Nick Dazang of INEC as saying, “INEC is yet to take a decision on that, even though I learnt Alhaji Modu Sheriff has written the Commission to say that he intends to hold one (primary), and that even though INEC monitored the recent PDP primaries, it is awaiting the judgement of the Appeal Court scheduled for 4th July. The judgement will determine which faction the Commission will recognize and was reported to have said that who made the position of the commission known, noted that timetable and schedule of activities of Edo Governorship provides that primaries are to take place between June 2 and July 4th. He said that the Sheriff’s faction had fallen short of the requirement for 21-day notice to INEC.

    On June 29, 2016, the Sheriff-led NEC of PDP conducted Edo State gubernatorial primaries and Hon. Matthew Iduorieyekhemwen was declared winner and candidate of the party.

    On July 1, 2016, Justice Okon Abang – Led Federal High Court in Abuja granted an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting list of candidates for the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo from other leadership of the party, except from the Ali Modu Sheriff-led National Working Committee (NWC).  The presiding judge directed INEC, the party and their agents to “recognize, deal with and accord all facilities required by law to the Modu Sheriff-Led NWC in the conduct of Edo and Ondo governorship elections. Injunction published in the national dailies.

    On July 4, 2018, A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt purportedly declared the May 21, 2016 National Convention of the PDP was duly constituted that elected the unconstitutional Markarfi – Led Caretaker Committee. Please keep in mind that there was an injunction stopping the convention which was honored by Senator Modu Sheriff, the PDP National Chairman. Therefore, anything that happened at that was convention is illegal, null and void.

    On July 9, 2016, Nick Dazang of the INEC stated that the Commission had not taken any decision on which candidate to accept and also said, “…as at now we have not received the certified true copy of the July 4 judgment of a Federal High Court, Port Harcourt on the matter. We are waiting for that judgment and other judgments so that we can study them. The commission, after studying the judgment and the advice from its lawyers, will then take a position, but we are still waiting for the last judgment which was the one on July 4. It will be like from next week by the time we receive them and when the commission sits, a position will be taken. It is when the commission has done that that it will then decide on any faction or candidate it is going to accept.

    On July 12, 2016, Media reported that the INEC had rejected the Sheriff-led NEC list because on July 11, 2016, Nick Dazang of INEC was reported to have said that the commission had rejected the list because it did not monitor the primary that produced Hon. Matthew Iduorieyekhemwen. On July 18 a list purportedly signed by INEC’s legal services, Mr. Matthew Ugwuocha in Benin was made available to News Agency of Nigeria according to media reports for 19 political parties.

    On July 28, 2016, Federal High Court in Abuja sacked Markarfi as National Chairman and reaffirmed Sheriff as the national Chairman and held that every action the committee had taken since it emerged through a convention the party purportedly held in Port Harcourt on May 21, amounted to nullity. And that having regard to the order of the court, PDP had no lawful authority to hold the convention that led to the emergence of the Markarfi-led Committee.”

    It went on to say, “The convention was unlawfully held and the caretaker committee was unlawfully and illegally appointed and could not take any legal decision for the PDP in view of the subsisting order of the Lagos Division of this court. Consequently, any action taken by the Markarfi-led Committee, including the purported mandate for legal representation in this matter is hereby declared illegal. Parties have an uncompromising duty to obey court orders until it is set aside. The Lagos Division made order on May 12 and 20, forbidding the PDP from removing the Sheriff-led Caretaker Committee. That order is still subsisting.” And that Ali Modu Sheriff is the National Chairman of the PDP. Any decision NOT taken by the Sheriff-Led Committee is NOT binding on the PDP.

    On August 9, 2016, INEC notified the public of plans to release the final list of gubernatorial candidates of Edo State September election. On August 11, 2016 INEC released on its website the list which included Edo State – Osagie Ize-Iyamu (by Court Order) signed by the secretary, Mrs. Augusta C. Ogakwu. Till date there is no court order supporting this sham and a clear violation of the judgment on July 28, 2016.

    Recently on August 17, 2016 Justice Valentine Ashi had in his judgment nullified the 2014 PDP Constitution amendment upon which Senator Sheriff is said to have been appointed as PDP Chairman. The court described the amendment of the party’s constitution as illegal and a violation of the Electoral Act and, therefore, declared all actions carried out with the document including anybody parading himself or herself as officer of the party as illegal.

    He went to say, “However, the court voided the said amendment on the basis that there was no compliance with mandatory provisions of Article 66 (2) and (3) of the PDP constitution.”

    Now, we must believe that this matter starts from the time of Adamu Muazu, it was this amendment that brought him in as the PDP National Chairman, and Sheriff was not in position then, everything that Mauzu did based on this amendment is illegal, including the nomination of the president, the governors, National Assembly members, the Edo State primary, etc.

    Whether PDP will remain as a party is another matter, because for obvious reasons it seems the center is falling apart.

  • I Remain in Politics – Philomena Ihenyen

    I Remain in Politics – Philomena Ihenyen

    Princess (Mrs.) Philomena Okojie Ihenyen, PDP South-South Secretary was on Monday, May 9, 2016 a guest speaker at the ITV Town Hall Meeting. She delivered her lecture on “Women Participation in Politics (The Road to 2016 Election in Edo State)”.

    Mrs. Ihenyen advised those present that she was here as a voice for all Edo women. Her lecture which brought to light women from past who had added value and changed history throughout the course of time in Nigeria, she also highlighted the contributions of women who had been appointed to positions of great responsibility since the second democracy which began in 1999.

    She noted that those discussed were “carefully selected not just for their personal attributes and political sagacity, but for the conservative, strong, cultural and traditional societies of their origin in which male chauvinism is a trademark. Yet in spite of these cultural and traditional gender prejudices prevalent in their times and places of origin as barriers, they were undaunted and against all odds and drawbacks, excelled in their given opportunities to make the difference that have now become legendary landmarks in the political history of their nations, communities and the world at large.”

    She then charged those present with the following reflections:

    • When will the Nigerian woman politician be recognized on her own merit to vie for legislative and executive offices at the highest level, as now happens in the judiciary?
    • When shall a level playing field come to be in the Nigerian political terrain, that women politician will be motivated to dare on their own to seek election to any office of their choice without looking over their shoulder to a looming male shadow?

    Mrs. Ihenyen then explained that she remained in politics not to seek personal comfort, but to work hard towards the enthronement of a just social system, where hard work is adequately rewarded and poverty is alleviated to tolerable limits; to mobilize and educate every Edo woman to be politically conscious and emancipated to the point of realizing the true value of her vote and not to sell it cheaply for a “mudu” of rice or garri; to push for electoral reforms such as to establish a level playing ground for all eligible candidates irrespective of gender, tribe or status; to see that true democracy is entrenched in our body-polity, such that the very brightest and best amongst us emerge to leadership position at various levels; and finally to see Edo state translate its enormous potential into reality and become truly the heartbeat of the nation.

    She emphasized that with the large number of women voters, more women can be elected into office.

    Mrs. Ihenyen is a well-rounded individual and she remains active in politics. She is tagged by a large following of women who believe in her ability to function as deputy governor of the state.  Mrs. Iheyen is fully equipped with the background, qualifications, education and meets all constitutional requirements to be the deputy governor of Edo State as was seen in Ekiti State and now Rivers State. She also comes from the Edo Central Senatorial District where the Peoples Democratic Party zoned the position of Deputy Governor.

    Also present at the town hall meeting were, Mrs. Lindsay Sorae, the PDP State Women Leader, Mrs. Okosun, the PDP Edo Central Senatorial Women Leader and Mrs. Maria Osamoje, PDP Edo North Senatorial Women Leader and many others.

    May God bless Edo State.

  • ITV Town Hall Meeting: Edebiri does it again

    ITV Town Hall Meeting: Edebiri does it again

    The Independent Television/Radio Benin held a Town hall session today, May 9, 2016, at the Wesley Hotel in Benin, titled meet the Aspirants, the Theme “My Vision for Edo State”. Representing the Peoples Democratic Party was the front runner and currently leading aspirant in the contest for the seat of Governor 2016, Chief Iyobosa Solomon Edebiri among six other aspirants from the All Progressive Congress.

    Chief Edebiri was classic and raised the bar with his speech “Building a Corporate Edo State and becoming a wealth generating state”. Those present in the hall could not contain themselves as they gave a standing ovation for at least one minute in respect to the brilliance of his delivery.

    Once again Chief Edebiri makes the party proud and we continue to wish him well in his aspiration.

    PDP, Power to the People

    God Bless Edo State

  • FAREWELL GREAT OBA EREDIAUWA

    FAREWELL GREAT OBA EREDIAUWA

    I, Chief Dr. Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri, JP, MON, the Ikuobasoyenmwen of Benin Kingdom join the entire Benin people to commiserate with the Crown Prince, Ambassador Eheneden Erediuwa on the glorious ascension of our great father and dignified King, Omo n’Oba n’Edo, Oba Erediuwa GCFR.

    Umogun, your reign was remarkable, eventful and your majesty’s impact on the progressive development of the kingdom and its people is unforgettable, we are all proud to be called your children because you led us on the path of honour, peace and unity. You were a bridge builder, a philosopher king and a fountain of wisdom.

    Farewell Ekpenede, Oba nogie’Edo Oba ghato kpere, Ise

  • PDP Edo 2016: Edebiri begins Party Tour

    PDP Edo 2016: Edebiri begins Party Tour

    Chief Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri visited the State PDP Secretariat yesterday, Monday, April 25, 2016 to officially inform the State Working Committee of his intention to contest the forth coming gubernatorial election on the platform of the PDP.

    In his speech, he took the members of the State working committee down memory lane indicating that the ideals upon which Edo State was founded from the defunct Bendel State has been lost to bad governance.

    He lamented that all the industries inherited by Edo state such as Bendel line, Edo Pharmaceuticals, Bendel Insurance and Bendel United amongst others have become moribund, a situation he described as unacceptable due to job losses which has put indigenes of Edo State under severe economic pressure.

    He promised to reverse this trend if given the PDP ticket which he promised will become a winning ticket with him as flag bearer. ‘If you give me a basketball, it is just a ball, but in the hands of Michael Jordan it is a basketball worth millions of dollars. A tennis ball in my possession is worth nothing but worth millions in the hands of the Williams sisters. A football on my foot is worth nothing but can be turned into millions when given to Osaze Odimengie. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, a PDP ticket in my hands is worth victory for the PDP.’

    Chief Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri promised to be a true party man and a unifier.

    Responding, the State PDP chairman commended Chief Edebiri for his matured and intelligent speech that was issue based and devoid of personal attacks on other aspirants and admonished him to continue in that path as he goes about his sensitization tour of the State. He noted that Chief Edebiri was the first aspirant in the history of the party to start his sensitization tour from the State Secretariat; a situation he described as admirable. He pointed out that with the credentials, intelligence and maturity of Chief Edebiri, he was qualified to vie for the position of President of the country.

    Chief Edebiri also visited the Secretariat of the State Youth Council where he was received by the Chairman Comrade Ajayi.  He expressed to the Youth Chairman of his desire to help sensitize the youths to abhor electoral violence because the youths were the ones who are the victims of such violence.

    Rather, he admonished the youths to insist on a transparent process where credible candidates will emerge in all political parties. This he noted will make the issue of electoral violence a thing of the past. He promised to embark on serious capacity development that will make the youths economically dependent.

    The State Youth Chairman noted that Chief Edebiri is consistent in his beliefs and opinions which makes him a credible man with integrity. He wished him well and promised to embark on a state wide sensitization tour to educate the youths on the negative effect of electoral violence.

    Chief Edebiri was accompanied by members of his campaign organization during his visits.

     

    Mr. Omokhudu Odion

    Ag. Director of Publicity and Media

    ISE Campaign Organization

  • CHIEF EDEBIRI’S BIRTHDAY WISH

    CHIEF EDEBIRI’S BIRTHDAY WISH

    By Barr. Kingsley Idahosa

    Chief Iyobosa Solomon Edebiri, MON on Friday, April 22, 2016 rather than throw a lavish party for his birthday as is customary, preferred to spend his time with the less privileged and the disadvantaged in our society. He started his day by paying a visit to the Irrua Specialist Hospital where he met lots of indigent Edos who were unable to pay their medical bills and had been abandoned by their family and friends. Chief Edebiri as part of his good deeds helped pay off hospital bills so patients could be discharged. One of such cases was a three-month old baby whose mother had passed away during child birth and the father had abandoned in the hospital.

    Chief Edebiri also visited the Abeni Orphanage Home in Benin City and the Oronsaye Maternity and Orphanage Home where he donated cash and gift items to assist in the well-being of the children.

    ISE as he is fondly called visited the Oronsaye Skills Acquisition Center where he promised that the Solomon Edebiri Centre for Change will partner with them to help the youths acquire the needed skills to prepare them to succeed in life.

    Over the years, Chief Edebiri has distinguished himself as a politician with a difference and worth emulating by others. With the likes of him, the world will no doubt be a better place for mankind. A flash back on some of his activities over the years include but are not limited to the following: Between 2002 to 2003 Chief Edebiri gave more than 2 million Naira to support local farmers in Edo south; In 2012 he supported widows in Edo state with startup capital up to the tune of 2 million Naira; In 2012 immediately after the governorship election which Chief Edebiri lost to the incumbent governor, he bought drugs and paid hospital bills running into millions for indigent patients at both the Central Hospital in Benin City and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital; In 2013, Chief Edebiri sponsored more than 30 students from various secondary schools in Edo State to South Africa for a discovery tour.

    Between 2011 to 2013, Chief Edebiri sponsored the annual “Catch Them Young” Quiz Competition, an intellectual program worth 3 million Naira; In 2013, Chief Edebiri donated towards the construction of hostels at the Catholic Mental Health Challenge Centre in Esan West Local Government in Edo Central. In 2013, Chief Edebiri built a standard Student Common Room worth Millions of Naira for the College of Education, Ekiadolor, Edo state.

    Between 2011 to 2013 Chief Edebiri bought drugs running into millions for Sickle Cell patients in Edo state; More than 50 less privileged persons currently enjoy scholarship from Chief Edebiri. Chief Edebiri Solely organized the centenary celebration of the last independent Oba of the Benin Kingdom, Oba Ovonramen N’Ogbaisi in January, 2014. Chief Edebiri also donated towards the construction of the Auchi Polytechnic building for Catholic students in 2013.

    Between 2000 and 2004 Chief Edebiri solely sponsored Bendel United Football Club having over 300 Edo state indigenes on his payroll in Edo state. Chief Edebiri was also the sole sponsor of the then Edo Football League cutting across the 18 local government councils in an effort geared towards catching them young.

    As the President of the West African Welding Federation, Chief Dr. Solomon Edebiri used his position and influence in the organization to site the Nigerian Institute of Welding in Edo State currently under construction. The Centre will play host to most Welding activities in the West African Sub Region. It is Located at Obayantor near Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government area of Edo State. The Centre will be second to none in Africa when completed.

    Chief Edebiri is a known philanthropist per excellence no one can deny.

    We wish Chief Iyobosa Solomon Edebiri, Edo State’s illustrious son a happy birthday once again. It’s our prayer that God in His infinite mercy will preserve his life, grant his heart desires and give him many more fruitful years, in Jesus Name, Ise.