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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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AWESSA 2026: Customs Assures Border Cooperation for Women Entrepreneurs

Published

8 hours ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

By James Samuel, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service has said the nation’s borders must become gateways of opportunity for African women entrepreneurs, not obstacles that kill their businesses.

This was disclosed at the African Women’s Economic Sovereignty Summit and Awards (AWESSA) 2026 held at the Customs House, corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, his representative, an Assistant Controller, said hosting the summit inside Customs premises was deliberate.

“That this summit holds within the Customs premises is no accident. It is a statement of intent,” he said.

“The border is where the promise of every African trader either comes alive or dies quietly. And the men and women of this Service have resolved that for every woman entrepreneur of this continent, that promise will never die.”

He said women account for an estimated 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa and over half of agricultural labour, yet they face documentation, standards, finance and harassment challenges.

“Too often she meets the border as an obstacle rather than a gateway. Because she trades in small volumes, in cash, in informality without formal papers, capable business women are now trapped in informality, invisible to trade statistics,” he noted.

He added: “AfCFTA will not be delivered by treaties alone. It will be delivered at border posts, in conference halls, and in market stores.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by a Director, said women are central to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

According to her, NEPC’s focus is now on building export- ready competitive enterprises through programmes like the Women in Export Initiative, Export Clinic, and Zero to Export.

“Our focus is no longer on encouraging exports alone, it is on building competitive export-ready enterprises. We are supporting women to move beyond production into value addition, quality assurance, standard compliance, branding and market positioning,” she said.

She said AfCFTA offers a market of over one billion people, but women need knowledge, certifications and institutional support.

“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective tools for achieving poverty reduction, food security, job creation and inclusive growth,” she stated.

The Convener, Helen Okon, who is the Publisher of Business Review Africa & Africa Today Magazine, as well as representatives of NAFDAC DG and NEXIM Bank MD, reaffirmed commitment to supporting women-owned businesses access standards, certification and finance.

The summit, with the theme of positioning women as drivers of trade and sustainable development, is part of activities marking the International Year of the Women Farmer.

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