Tag: Oshiomhole

  • “Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, Asserts Confidence in PDP Governorship Candidacy”

    “Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, Asserts Confidence in PDP Governorship Candidacy”

    By Milcah Tanimu

    Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has expressed unwavering confidence in securing the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming 2024 election. Making his intentions clear on Monday, Shaibu, with three decades of political experience, emphasized his eligibility, having worked alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki for the past seven years to enhance the state’s progress. He assured that his name would be included on the ballot, backed by thorough consultations.

    During an appearance on Channels TV Sunrise Daily, Shaibu acknowledged his cordial relationship with Adams Oshiomhole, referring to him as a political father. Despite their affiliations with different political parties, Shaibu expressed intentions to apologize to Oshiomhole for previous statements made during the election campaign. While recognizing the nuances of political alliances, he reiterated his steadfast support for Obaseki based on what he considers a divine directive. Shaibu detailed his cautious approach to political dynamics and signaled his readiness to engage with Oshiomhole.

    In his formal declaration on Monday, Shaibu boldly stated, “Nobody can stop my ambition.” He pledged to deliver practical governance if elected as the governor of Edo State in 2024, outlining a vision for the state’s continued development.

  • Oshiomhole: Tinubu’s Government Not a Magical Solution, But a Courageous Path for Nigeria

    Oshiomhole: Tinubu’s Government Not a Magical Solution, But a Courageous Path for Nigeria

    In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Adams Oshiomhole, the former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, emphasized that Nigerians should not expect miraculous solutions from President Bola Tinubu’s government. Oshiomhole firmly stated that Tinubu is not a “magician” who can instantly resolve the country’s issues.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) did not promise magical or overnight solutions during its campaign, as Oshiomhole clarified. He challenged anyone to produce a document that guarantees specific quick fixes within a short time frame.

    Instead, Oshiomhole praised Tinubu as a courageous leader who has demonstrated the willingness to make tough decisions and face the consequences head-on. He commended Tinubu’s approach in addressing the impacts of the subsidy removal on petrol and implementing measures to manage those consequences.

    During the interview, Oshiomhole also criticized the current N30,000 minimum wage, labeling it a “criminal wage” due to its inadequate purchasing power when considering inflation and exchange rates. He highlighted that the value of the minimum wage has significantly eroded over the years.

    In conclusion, Oshiomhole’s message revolves around urging Nigerians to exercise patience with Tinubu’s government and acknowledge that solving the nation’s challenges requires courage and steadfastness, rather than relying on quick miracles.

  • Oshiomhole finally breaks silence on Gov Obaseki’s victory

    Oshiomhole finally breaks silence on Gov Obaseki’s victory

    Immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole, has reacted to the Governor Godwin Obaseki’s victory at the just-concluded governorship election.

    Recall that Governor Obaseki was re-elected on Sunday after polling 307,955 to defeat his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who garnered 223,619 votes.

    Governor Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, won in 15 Local Government Areas of the State while Ize-Iyamu, who was backed by
    Oshiomhole won 3 LGAS.

    Reacting, Oshiomhole in a viral video released on Wednesday, expressed gratitude to the people of Edo State.

    Oshiomhole, who stated that in life you win some and lose some, added that contrary to claims that he is unhappy about the outcome of the election, he remains strong and healthy.

    In the one minute video, the APC chieftain said “In life, you work hard and leave God for the outcome. You do your best and trust God to bless your efforts. I feel good, I feel strong, thank God. In life, you win some and you lose some but life goes on”, he philosophised.

    He further stated that he was moved to tears and inspired by the determination of the aged and nursing mothers who endured the harsh weather to cast their ballots.

    “If septuagenarians were not frustrated because card their card readers are not working, it inspired me that if at their age they don’t give up, why should I give up.”

    “And I ask our people to have faith in our country because we are not going to have another one. This is our country and we must make it great. We must strengthen democracy, we must improve on it.

    “No matter the outcome of an election, or a particular edition of a process, have faith in God and have faith in our country.”

    RELATED POSTS:

    ‘I’m not down’ Oshiomhole breaks silence

    Edo 2020: Obaseki scores zero in Oshiomhole’s polling unit

    Most Ex-PDP governors can’t walk on the streets without being stoned – Oshiomhole

  • Most Ex-PDP governors can’t walk on the streets without being stoned – Oshiomhole

    Most Ex-PDP governors can’t walk on the streets without being stoned – Oshiomhole

    Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole has stated that many former Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot walk freely on the streets without being stoned.

    Oshiomhole said this in an interview with Channels Television while recounting how he walks freely on the streets of Benin, capital of Edo state. He dared PDP Governors to do same. 

    He said; 

    “If you play back PDP mega rally, their flag off and see the reaction on when their new member entered. People are like – hired as they were, who is this?

    “Now look at when I entered the University of Benin stadium. Look at the reaction of the ordinary people. You must have watched or I will show you the video. When I walked down the streets of Benin. How many of PDP former governors, whether in this state or in any other state, can walk freely without people stoning them?”

    RELATED POSTS

    Oshiomhole, Kano and Kogi state Governors reportedly on US Visa ban list

    Edo election: Two policemen dead as Oshiomhole escapes death in car crash

    Oshiomhole, Gambari ‘Arrest’ Video Is A ‘Patchwork Of Mischief’ – Presidency

  • Oshiomhole, Kano and Kogi state Governors reportedly on US Visa ban list

    Oshiomhole, Kano and Kogi state Governors reportedly on US Visa ban list

    A former governor of Edo State and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, is reportedly among top Nigerians slammed with a visa ban by the United States Government on Monday February 14.

    According to a report by Sahara Reporters, Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, are reportedly among those affected by the latest US sanction.

    Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna on the other hand had his own visa ban extended. He has been banned from entering the US since 2010 over a graft case.

    Recall that the US government on Monday, September 14, issued US visa ban on Nigerians found guilty of rigging the Kogi and Bayelsa state governorship elections held in 2019 as well as other Nigerians engaging in illicit practices in the run-up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo states elections.

    According to US officials, more Nigerian politicians may be included on the visa ban list after the Edo governorship election if they are involved in electoral malpractice. A statement released by the spokesperson for the Department of State, Morgan Ortagus, said those issued visa bans received the sanction for undermining democracy in Nigeria.

    “In July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections. Today, the Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa states elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo states elections.

    These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles.

    The Department of State emphasises that the actions announced today are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people. This decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian Government to realise its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights.” the statement read

  • Edo election: Two policemen dead as Oshiomhole escapes death in car crash

    Edo election: Two policemen dead as Oshiomhole escapes death in car crash

    A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, on Tuesday, escaped death in a car crash.

    However, two policemen attached to his convoy were confirmed dead.

    The accident happened when an articulated vehicle lost control and ran into the Oshiomhole’s convoy near Oluku junction in the Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

    Oshiomhole was on his way to Usen, to join the APC campaign train for the September 19 Governorship Election. This led to the party candidate’s, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, calling off his rally.

    A statement signed by Oshiomhole’s media aide, Victor Oshoke, read in part “Some minutes after 12pm on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, there was a motor accident involving the convoy of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, along Benin-Lagos by-pass before Oluku junction.

    “We are sad to report that two police personnel in the Toyota Hilux truck lost their lives, while two others are in critical condition receiving treatment at a hospital in the state.”

    It confirmed that “Oshiomhole and other persons in the convoy did not sustain any injuries” and that the case was has been reported at the Ekiadolor Police Station and investigations are ongoing.

  • Oshiomhole, Gambari ‘Arrest’ Video Is A ‘Patchwork Of Mischief’ – Presidency

    Oshiomhole, Gambari ‘Arrest’ Video Is A ‘Patchwork Of Mischief’ – Presidency

    The Presidency has refuted claims that a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari has hatched plans to arrest opposition members ahead of the Edo Governorship poll.

    The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had alleged that a video of Oshiomhole telling Gambari about “arrest” before his (Oshiomhole’s) meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari is a prelude to the arrest of some unnamed opposition politicians ahead of the September election.

    However, in a statement on Tuesday night, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, described the claim by the PDP as a “patchwork of mischief,” calling on Nigerians to dispel the “misguided” message.

    APC Veteran Adams Oshiomhole (R) and Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Gambari, at a State House corridor on August 17, 2020.
    APC Veteran Adams Oshiomhole (R) and Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Gambari, at a State House corridor on August 17, 2020.

    “It is equally a fact that various political parties campaigning in Edo have leveled accusations of violence against one another,” the statement said.

    “In such a heightened state of uncertainty, responsible leadership must ensure that elections are conducted in a peaceful manner and if warranted, judicious use of Law enforcement to protect lives and properties of citizens is mobilized thus preventing criminal elements from subverting the democratic process.”

    According to him, Oshiomhole and Gambari who have a track record of working to ensure the rights of Nigerians are protected and the poor are not marginalized, “will not be found encouraging any conduct that runs counter to these values.”

    The presidential aide reiterated his principal’s stance on a free and fair poll in the South-South state.

    “He does not support violence of any sort and its propagators will be brought to justice,” he added. “ELECTIONS MUST REFLECT THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE.”

    ‘The Laws Are Clear’

    Oshiomhole had during the meeting briefed the Nigerian leader on the happenings in Edo State ahead of the poll, restating Buhari’s quest for an exercise devoid of violence.

    “The President is excited at the prospect of having a free and fair election devoid of violence and the fact that the laws are clear; when people misuse firearms, the laws are clear as to what should be done,” the former Edo governor told reporters after the meeting.

  • I hold Oshiomhole in high esteem – DG PGF

    I hold Oshiomhole in high esteem – DG PGF

    The Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Dr. Salihu Moh’ Lukmam on Tuesday said he holds the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in high esteem and will not join issues with him.

    Reacting to the comments of the former APC chairman against his (Lukman) constant attacks on Oshiomhole and the ruling party, the DG PGF said he should be held accountable for all the comments made stressing that he was not a voice for any Governor.

    Speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, Lukman said, “You are all aware of the statement attributed to the former National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. I want to make two brief statements as a rider to what I will call an appeal. The first statement is to say very unequivocally that I hold Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in a very high esteem.

    “I respect him, not just as a leader of APC, but as a person. I have had very good relationship with him and my relationship with him is special. My relationship with him is not in the way people imagined. The question of agreeing or disagreeing has been part of our relationship. I respect him and I respect every leader of the party.

    “My prayer and hope is that our leaders will be able to have the needed large heart to tolerate one another and tolerate all of us because as human beings, God has created us differently. And it is the basis of the test of leadership – to be able to show an open, accommodating disposition to each one of us.

    “The second statement I want to make is that I grew up in a very complex extended family set up and one of the things it has done in terms of my personal make up is that it imposes on me to be accountable at every point in time.

    “When I commit an offence, based on my upbringing in that environment, I never transfer any of my offences to my parents or to any of my senior ones. I was always made to account and where there is the need as part of that accountability for me to be punished, I get punished. Having said that, I am open and ready to account for whatever I had said to the party and the leadership; if in the end the process of accountability requires that I get sanctioned, I will accept and I will remain in this party and continue to contribute in whatever way I can to help the development of the party.

    “I account for my ‘offence’. Nobody should transfer my offence to any other leader of the party. That is the reason why I said I don’t think it is a matter that we should belabour. I take responsibility and all that I have said, you all have it. It is written in ink. It is not verbal communication that I can dispute. They are written documents.

    He then appealed to party leaders to show some respect for resolving all the challenges facing the party for the sustenance of the party ethics.

    “I have said it over and over again and I will repeat it- I am a proud member of the APC and my membership of APC supersedes any other responsibility that I may be called to discharge. I believe today in Nigeria, APC is about the only political party where internal contestation is permissible and to some extent, people like me are enjoying that privilege on account of availability of such a space.

    “I have said it before that people can call President Muhammadu Buhari by any name, but I think the liberal environment we have in APC should be attributed to him because if he had conducted his affairs as the President of this country and being the leader of the party in the way, for instance, one of the former Presidents had conducted himself under PDP, we would not have had this freedom.”

    When asked if he is under threat of sack following calls for his sanction by some party chieftains, Lukman said, “No. I have said it before and even in the last statement in the submission to Gov. Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee, I am very proud to work for Progressive Governors and no doubt people would have individual positions on the position that I have taken but as far as I know, I think it encourages me that our leaders are truly disposed to engagement when it comes to issues of ideas on how to develop this party.

    “So, it is not a matter of running away from certain issues that I had raised. I talked about the dangers of a single story as espoused by Chimamanda and I did not want the story that is all over the air now around what Comrade Oshiomhole said to be the only or single story. I want people to hear from me. I mean, I respect him and that is it.”

    But when asked if the six months period given the Governor Buni led Caretaker Committee would be enough to accomplish its assignment and some of the DG’s recommendations in his letter to the committee, Lukman said he has confidence in the committee to deliver.

    “That is why I said that I have absolute confidence in the Gov. Mai Mala Buni Caretaker Committee. We are not God, so leave that, only God that is perfect. He has set out from the beginning and has an unhindered and problem free exercise. Especially on issues that will be contextual, it is going to be contested, so anything could happen. At the moment, I am confident about the Caretaker Committee. They are working and I am absolutely sure they will begin to address the issues in no distance time.

    “Whether they will have problem of time? We will cross the bridge when we get there. I think it is better to have that approach than to set out with the mindset that there will be problem, we will continue to be-labour the matter and that will distract them from focusing on getting initiated. That is my position.”

  • Obaseki disrespects Oba of Benin, says Oshiomhole

    Obaseki disrespects Oba of Benin, says Oshiomhole

    A cultural dimension has been added to the raging political battle of wits in Edo State ahead of the September 19 poll, following an accusation that Governor Godwin Obaseki committed a taboo by standing before Oba Ewuare of Benin wearing a cap.

    The allegation was made by his predecessor and now estranged political mentor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, while fielding questions on a talk-show on Arise TV.

    Last week, Governor Obaseki led a group of visiting PDP governors to the palace on a courtesy visit to the Benin monarch before proceeding to the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium to launch his campaign for a second term.

    The visit was, however, marred by violence, as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters clashed with All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters at the gate, as the governor and his guests were exiting the palace, resulting in gunshots.

    Speaking on Skype from his Auchi country home on the morning programme of Arise TV monitored in Lagos, Comrade Oshiomhole condemned Obaseki’s action as another demonstration of disrespect not only for the esteemed Benin palace, but also Edo tradition.

    “You call yourself a Bini man, yet you came to Bini palace wearing a cap in company of other PDP governors,” said Oshiomhole of Obaseki who hails from Oredo Council in Benin City.

    The ancient Bini customs forbid subjects from wearing cap before the Oba even while obliging them to kneel in obeisance.

  • BREAKING: Buhari, Gbajabiamila meet, Oshiomhole sighted at Kyari’s office

    BREAKING: Buhari, Gbajabiamila meet, Oshiomhole sighted at Kyari’s office

    The President, Muhammadu Buhari, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, have just met at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The closed-door meeting took place about 1pm.

    The agenda was not disclosed officially.

    Incidentally, as Buhari and Gbajabiamila met, Oshiomhole was sighted going to the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Abba Kyari.

    It was unclear why he went to see Kyari, as he did not speak with reporters.

    Details later…