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Obaseki, State Assembly At Loggerheads Over Vehicles, Renovation Of Legislative Quarters, LG Deductions

Published

3 years ago

October 28, 2023

While the dust seems to be settling over the crisis that erupted recently between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, another chaos is simmering in Edo State.
This time, the Edo State House of Assembly has accused Governor Obaseki of misappropriating funds approved for the purchase of vehicles for assembly members, renovation of their official quarters, and illegal deductions from local government accounts, among others. The situation is getting to a boiling point, as the assembly members have not been provided with official vehicles four months after their inauguration.

A member of the State Assembly who pleaded anonymity for now disclosed to this medium that since their inauguration in June 2023, the assembly members have been forced to lodge in hotels, except for those who already had personal accommodation in Benin City before their swearing-in. This arrangement has left the assembly members dissatisfied, as they are required to use their meager accommodation allowances to cover the costs.
The Assembly member claimed that some of his colleagues took loans from the banks to pay for their accommodation. “As of date, half of the assembly members are indebted.

Responding to these grievances, twenty-two (22) members of the House of Assembly, representing both ruling and opposition parties, this medium has learned to have united to protest the governor’s handling of the situation. They have resolved to withhold their attention from any Bill sent to the House by Governor Obaseki until they are provided with official vehicles and suitable accommodation.

To underscore the seriousness of their stance, the twenty-two (22) protesting Assembly Members have signed a formal notice, which has been presented to the Speaker of the House for delivery to Governor Obaseki.

Speaking further, the Honourable member said “As the Assembly Members await the governor’s response to their demands, it is crucial to emphasize the necessity for Governor Obaseki to respect the independence of the Legislature. He must ensure that assembly members are not treated as mere errand boys but as vital stakeholders in the governance of the state. It is imperative that he honors the approvals granted by the assembly and refrains from misappropriating State resources for personal gain.

“This chaotic situation in the Edo State House of Assembly highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and the separation of powers in a functioning democracy. It serves as a reminder that elected officials must fulfill their responsibilities and obligations to the people they represent. The governor’s alleged misappropriation of funds designated for the assembly members’ vehicles and renovation of their official quarters is a breach of trust, which must not be taken lightly.”

Also, the Member alleged that in a brazen show of fiscal rascality, Governor Obaseki in addition to illegal deductions from Local Government Accounts, deducted 45 million naira each from the 18 Local Government Areas for October. “It is also important to bring to the attention of Edolites that the local government chairmen are being burdened with levies by way of contributions to sponsor the ongoing Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament (BOWFT). This has crippled the effective functioning of this crucial arm of government which is saddled with the responsibility of bringing governance closer to the people, especially in our rural areas.”

“Governor Godwin Obaseki must urgently address these issues and work towards a resolution that respects the rights and needs of the state House of Assembly members as well as allows our local governments to work with their allocated funds. Only then can stability and productivity be restored to the Edo State,” the parliamentarian asserted.

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Musawa Seeks Broader Significance for June 12

Published

20 hours ago

October 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., says June 12 must be remembered as a sacrifice that gave Nigerians democracy, beyond its status as a public holiday.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the Senior Assistant Media & Publicity to the Honourable Minister,Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze Ph.D in Abuja.

Musawa stated this at the national premiere of “MKO”, a film on Chief Moshood Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

She said 33 years after June 12, 1993, many young Nigerians know it only as a holiday, but the film turns it back into memory.

“For too many young Nigerians, June 12 is simply a public holiday. This film tells them that our democracy did not arrive by chance. It was fought for. It was defended. It was paid for. This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993 and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today,” the Minister said.

Musawa hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Host, for his participation in the June 12 struggle and paying the price in exile, adding that Nigeria’s creative industry will keep telling the story of its democracy with courage.

“Through film and the creative economy, Nigeria will preserve its history. A nation that forgets its past loses its way to the future. Nigeria has a story and our story deserves to be told,” she said.

Earlier, the director of the investigative documentary, Ose Oyamendan, said the film was in honour and memory of heroes who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.

“There was Hope ’93 and now there is Renewed Hope. There was a man who sacrificed his life so we may have democracy and there is a man who almost lost his life fighting for democracy who is now helping build a lasting democracy.

“There was a great man called Bashorun MKO Abiola and there is now another great man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democrats. Nationalists. Nation builders. Leaders of men and women. We must never forget our story. We must always honour and remember our heroes,” Oyamendan said.

Top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the wife of the President Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila, state Governors, members of the National Assembly, Ministers and other distinguished dignitaries attended the premiere.

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