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EDO STATE GOVERNOR, OKPEBHOLO, TO PROBE OBASEKI OVER $10M SPENT ON OBSERVER NEWSPAPER

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has hinted at plans to probe the reported sinking of $10 million in the State-owned newspaper, The Nigerian Observer, by the immediate-past governor of the State, Godwin Obaseki. Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, in a statement, disclosed that Governor Okpebholo made this known when he led top officials of his administration on an unscheduled visit to the premises of the Observer titles to inspect facilities on ground. Itua stated that the Governor and his entourage were shocked as they could not gain access to the buildings where all the machines purportedly bought by the previous administration were kept. Fred Itua noted that Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, as well as the Publicity Secretary, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee and former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, were the foot soldiers used by Obaseki on the project. Itua stated that the once vibrant newspaper organization was closed by Obaseki for the purpose of revamping it and ensuring it competes favourably with other national dailies, but instead of delivering on his administration’s promise to Edo people, the media house has been worse off. Fred Itua quoted the Governor as saying: “I was in the premises of The Observer Newspaper company to see for myself the money claimed to have been spent by the former governor, Godwin Obaseki, on revamping the State-owned media outfit.” Fred Itua further stated that the Governor promised to revisit the premises again to inspect the buildings and see for himself the machines Obaseki claimed to have bought with taxpayers’ money. Itua noted that the Governor said: “Edo people need to ask what happened to their money spent in revamping The Observer Newspaper. I am here as their governor to provide them with the answers. Hence, the visit to the organization became necessary.”

EDO STATE POLITICAL FEUD: SHAIBU ACCUSES OBASEKI OF $300,000 DECEPTION

A high-stakes political feud has erupted in Edo State, with former Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu leveling explosive allegations against his erstwhile boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki. In a shocking revelation, Shaibu claims Obaseki deceived him out of $300,000, which he contributed to support the governor’s political ambitions. Shaibu recounted the incident, stating that Obaseki had requested the funds to lobby party leaders in Port Harcourt ahead of a crucial election, promising to add $700,000 to the amount. However, Shaibu alleged that the money was never used for its intended purpose and that Obaseki had essentially duped him. The former deputy governor expressed his financial struggles in repaying the $300,000, which he had borrowed. He also called on prominent PDP leaders to corroborate his claims, seeking to expose Obaseki’s alleged betrayal. Shaibu’s allegations come on the heels of his impeachment as deputy governor in 2023. He described Obaseki’s actions as “an act of wickedness,” citing the sacrifices he made for their political partnership, only to be repaid with deception and betrayal.

N96BN LG FRAUD: NAZI OBASEKI AND FELLOW TREASURY LOOTERS HAVE MURDERED SLEEP IN EDO STATE

By Fred Itua Governance at the grassroots level is the most fundamental pillar of democracy. When local government councils, which are closest to the people, fail in their responsibilities, the impact is felt directly by citizens through stalled development, poor infrastructure, and diminished public trust. This is why the recent report of the Investigative Panel on Local Government Finances in Edo State is not just another document; it is a call to action. The decision to set up the Investigative Panel was not arbitrary; it was necessitated by growing concerns over financial mismanagement across the 18 Local Government Councils. The alarming lack of visible developmental projects, despite substantial allocations, raised critical questions that demanded answers. It was in response to these concerns that the government, committed to transparency and accountability, constituted the panel to conduct a thorough investigation into the financial activities of the councils. With a mandate to examine revenue inflows, expenditure patterns, and the overall financial integrity of the councils, the panel embarked on a meticulous process, employing forensic analysis, document reviews, and interviews with key stakeholders. Although some challenges were encountered, including late and incomplete financial records, the panel was still able to piece together a revealing and deeply troubling picture. The panel’s findings are damning. Over ₦95 billion accrued to the councils between September 4, 2023, and the present, yet very few meaningful projects were executed. Instead, the panel uncovered widespread financial recklessness, including: The revelations in this report are not just numbers on paper—they represent stolen opportunities for development, broken trust in leadership, and a blatant disregard for the welfare of the people. To allow these findings to be swept under the carpet would be a gross injustice to the citizens who depend on local governments for basic amenities and services. Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration will take decisive action. This investigative report will not gather dust in government archives. It will serve as a turning point for local governance in Edo State. The government has taken a bold step by uncovering these irregularities, but it will further show its commitment to accountability in its resolve to act on these findings. Implementing the recommendations to the letter is not just an administrative necessity by the Okpebholo administration —it is a moral obligation to the people, and Governor Okpebholo is ready to act fast. The grassroots deserve better. The people deserve accountability. For Godwin Obaseki, PDP public funds looters and impeached local government chairmen, their sun will set at noon. Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor.

EDO YOUTHS TELL PDP TO ‘SHUT UP’ OVER OKPEBHOLO’S GOVERNANCE

A group of concerned Edo State youths has responded to a statement by the Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), criticizing Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration. Comrade Albert Nosa, coordinator of the group, described Governor Okpebholo as a law-abiding and focused leader committed to rescuing Edo State from the debt incurred by the previous administration. Nosa stated, “For the avoidance of doubt, the local government workers’ salary for January 2025 will be paid within this week. Due to the timing of the month-end and weekend, there has been a slight delay.” He also confirmed that funds have been sourced for the payment of local government workers in the state. Nosa quoted a source as saying that workers are committed to effective delivery in line with Governor Okpebholo’s vision to drive the state’s economy through local government councils. The youths, through Comrade Nosa, alerted Edo people to be wary of PDP’s “shenanigans,” which have exposed their ignorance of local government administration laws. Nosa said, “Let me tell you journalists, and again, you are living witnesses to the lawless era of Godwin Obaseki. He never obeyed any court order or judgment.” He commended the vision of the local government service commission members for changing the narrative of the commission. Nosa stated, “We can see that the workers are energized, committed to their duties, and willing to give their all in line with the Governor’s vision of Edo State is Rising Again.” The youths charged local government workers to remain focused and dedicated to moving forward.