NEWS Curve

By Lucky Isibor The Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Clifford Odia, has refuted the allegation trending on social media that he invited soldiers to disperse peaceful protesters who  blocked the Benin-Auchi road on account of its deplorable state.                     Senator Clifford Ordia Speaking to newsmen in a telephone interview, Senator Ordia debunked the allegation that he brought soldiers to disperse the peaceful protesters noting that he was surprised at the insinuations describing it as unfounded. The Senator described the allegation as "misleading accusation which is grossly deficient in social and moral capital which only succeeded in exposing the Intellectual paralysis of of its proponents.” According to him, "accusing me of inviting soldiers to disperse a peaceful protest aimed at attracting the APC government’s attention to its responsibility of providing social amenities for my own constituency t

By Lucky Isibor The Edo State chapter of   National Association of  Auctioneers inaugurates a new Executive officers to pilot the affairs of the association for the next four years. Speaking at the event which was held at the Central Hotel in Benin City, the Edo State capital recently, the Chairman, Board Of  Trustee of the association, Alhaji Sule Musa, admonished the newly elected Chairman and his exco to remain focused and diligent  in the discharge of their duties, stressing that the Auctioneering business has  been in existence for the past 70 years, adding that the body is purely for business of helping the federal, state and local government in enhancing internally generated revenue through auctioning items the government would want to dispose of. He said the association is devoid of tribal, religious nor cults affiliation. He advised the new EXCO to continually educate the government functionaries they interface with on the laws and principles guiding the Auctioneer

  By Criticism is one of the most outstanding features differentiating a military regime from a democratically elected government. It is also what distinguishes a tyrannical regime run by a potentate from a democratic government with adherence to the rule of law and tolerance of all shades of opinion. In a military regime, criticisms are not tolerated, while praise singing is accorded the highest form of reward whether the said praise singing is justified or not. Criticism could be in form of a cerebral analysis to arrive at balanced judgement, or an outright hostile attack on a government to score cheap political point. Criticism from social critics who mean well for the society are constructive, meant to evaluate and improve governance process for the citizenry. In the case of the criticisms against the present People's Democratic Party (PDP) government led by Governor Obaseki of  Edo State, there is nothing to show thus far that criticism of the policies and programm

By Lucky Isibor The Edo State chapter of   National Association of  Auctioneers has inaugurated a new Executive officers to pilot the affairs of the association. Speaking at the event which was held at the Central Hotel in Benin City, Thursday, 25 August, the  national patron of the association admonished the newly elected Chairman and his Exco to remain focused and deligent  in the discharge of their duties stressing that the auctioneering business has been in existence in Benin for the past 70 years, adding that the body is purely for business of helping the federal, state and local governments in enhancing internally generated revenue through auctioning items the government would want to dispose of. He said the association is devoid of tribal, religious and cult affiliation. In his inaugural address, the newly elected Chairman of the association, Elder Anthony Orukpe Ebhoteme, thanked all present for finding time to come to identify with members of the association on the

By Lucky Isibor The Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Programme (RoLAC) has tasked the Edo State Police Command on the use of the newly built Statement Taking Room it donated to the command. The Edo State Coordinator of RoLAC, Miss Uche Nwokedi gave the charge on Wednesday, 24 August at the commissioning and handing over of the ultra modern statement taking room RoLAC built for the Edo State Police Command. DCP Dantawaye Millar Gajere, representing CP Abutu Yaro cutting the tape to declare the Police statement taking room open while Hon. Justice Mary Itsueli looks on. RoLAC programme in Nigeria is financed by the European Union and implemented in some states, including Edo, by the British Council. The RoLAC Coordinator pointed out that the setting up of the statement taking room is aimed at ensuring that statements of suspects in criminal matters under police investigation are recorded electronically and that interview of suspects are done in compliance with standard procedur

By Lucky Isibor. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) active in oil and gas producing areas and members of oil and gas industry host communities have called for synergy with members of the private sector to encourage the implementation of the Community Content Guideline in line with the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGID) Act 2010. This call is contained in a communique issued by participants at the end of a two day training workshop  on the use of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Coalition Guide for CSOs and Private Sector, organised by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), the anchor organisation of the anti-corruption cluster of the Strengthening Civil Advocacy for Local Engagement (SCALE) project supported by USAID through Palladium and her Resource Partners on 4th-5th August 2022, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for CSOs active in Oil and gas producing areas, and impacted communities. After extensive

…gives 7 days ultimatum to retract and tender unreserved apology By News Curve Members of Godsent Foundation have threatened to drag a Nigerian, Belgium-based Mrs. Kate Edo Usman to court over defamatory remarks against some of their members. Founder of the Foundation, Dr. Osarodion Osagie, through the Foundation’s Counsel, Chief (Sir) Enemhinye Ehigiator, in a notice to Mrs. Usman stated that they will have no option than to push for legal action if the false defamatory, libelous and slanderous publication against their members is not retracted and also tender unreserved apologies to these characters. The notice as sighted by News Curve reporter reads, “there is also no gainsaying the fact that the false allegations you have leveled against our client is weighty. “These allegations would have demanded a greater degree of circumspection, sobriety and deep reflection from you before rushing to the public domain for one who is purportedly educated. “You are fully abreast of t

By News curve Divergent views have been trailing the news of the redeployment of the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC), Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem to Cross River State. While some political parties and political gladiators may be jubilating and celebrating the redeployment of Dr. Sinikiem as Edo State INEC REC, some are accusing INEC of bias in their decision. These divergent opinions must have arisen as result of the several controversies that have dogged the monitoring of the recently conducted political party primaries wherein their candidates emerged for the 2023 general elections. While some of the political parties and aspirants in the party primaries are giving kudos and commendations to the Edo State INEC REC and his men for monitoring the primary elections in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, others are giving the electoral umpire knocks and accusing the INEC REC of bias and alleged complicity in the organization of parallel

By Lucky Isibor The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU has called on the Edo State goverment to increase its subvention to the Ambrose Alli University, AAU Ekpoma to arrest what the union described as the University's monumental slide to perfidy.   ASUU Benin Zone which comprises of University of Benin, Benin City, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Delta State University, Abraka; Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun and University of Delta, Agbor made the call at a press conference addressed by the union to draw the attention of the Edo State goverment and stakeholders in the education secctor to the issues confronting the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.  Addressing the press, the Coordinator of the Benin Zone of ASUU, Prof. Fred  Esumeh who read from a text signed by all the branch chairmen of the Benin Zone of ASUU said the

By Lucky Isibor  The managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Blumeth Water, Mr. Benjamin Iluore has described the astronomical and unabated increase in cost of production in Nigeria as stifling and inhibiting the survival of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country. He particularly noted that the cost of production materials of table water has increased unit price of table water in the market and appealed to governments at various levels to see how they can assist SMEs to survive. Iluore made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Benin City on how his company, Blumeth Water manage to remain in the market amidst high cost of production and the need to continue to produce safe drinking water for the populace.  While enumerating the challenges faced by water producers and other SMEs to include power shortage, astronomical cost of diesel to power generators, galloping inflation, unstable foriegn exchange rate among others, Iluore said:"The major cons

By Lucky Isibor The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ has publicly disclaimed  one Abdullazeez Bako, the founder of the Center for Citizens Rights, Lafia, Nasarawa State who has been  arrested for being in possession of E-Wallet payment cards of the National Cash Transfer Programme in Nasarawa State, stating that he's no longer an agent of ANEEJ in the monitoring of the disbursement of Abacha loot. In a statement signed by ANEEJ Communication Officer, Hussein Adeleye and made available to newsmen states that the said Abdullazeez Bako is neither a staff of ANEEJ nor was he or any of the organisation's monitor authorised to carry out any further monitoring of the returned Abacha loot beyond the MANTRA project field monitoring. According to the statement, "Our attention has been drawn to the arrest of one Mr. Abdullazeez Bako, Founder of Center for Citizens Right by security agency allegedly for being in possession of yet to be ascertained

  By Lucky Isibor The Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has not known peace since the commencement of the nomination process ahead the 2023 general elections.  The party has since been bifurcated into two factions, the old PDP also known as the Legacy PDP and the new PDP consisting of all those who came into the party alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020. It is a matter of public knowledge that the two sides have been at daggers drawn since the commencement of the process leading to the congress of the party for the nomination of candidates for the 2023 general elections. The two factions went ahead to organize separate primaries and submitted results to the party national secretariat.  However, the Legacy PDP went to court to seek an order validating their factional primary as the authentic primary, a prayer that was granted by an Abuja Federal High Court. The court also ordered the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission

By Lucky Isibor. A veteran journalist and former Adviser to former firmer Governor Igbinedion, Mr. Sylvester Okharedia-Ihimekpen is dead. He died last Thursday after a protracted illness. Sylvester Okharedia-Ihimekpen was Special Adviser to former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion on Media and Communication.  A a chieftain of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, prolific writer, social critic and crusader, Okharedia-Ihimekpen floated several local tabloids which he used to propagate his call for good governance and the enthronement of an egalitarian society. Late Sylvester Okharedia-Ihimekpen. In a statement by the Ihimekpen family of Ekpoma signed by Akhere Ihimekpen said the burial of Sylvester Okharedia-Ihimekpen has been fixed for Friday the 19th of August at Emuhi, Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. He was aged 65.

Enogie denies allegation. By Lucky Isibor A section of Ukhiri community in Ikpoba okha Local Government Area of Edo has accused the Enogie of the community, HRH Godwin Osayande Aigbe of allegedly being responsible for the series of killings, intimidation of  citizens and  illegal possession of firearms in the community.                        HRH Goodwin Aigbe.                       Enogie of Ukhiri. The community, In petition signed by Matthew Obasogie and Efosa Osifo, President and Secretary of  Ukhiri in Diaspora with support from the Odiowere destignate, Pa Samuel Ugiagbe and the four Elders of the community which was  initially forward to the Edo State Police Command and the Assistant Inspector General, AIG, of Police, was later re-forwarded to the Inspector General of Police who ordered an immediate investigation.  The IGP's  office was brought in, due to the lackadaisical  attitude of the mentioned Police  formations in Edo State who were accused of doing the  En

*_…NURTW commends extension of deadline for state colour code compliance By Lucky Isibor The Edo State Government and leaders of the Edo State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) have agreed on a one-week notice for drivers to renew their licence and vehicle particulars, before commencement of enforcement for compliance.            Governor Godwin Obaseki. The Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the NURTW, Comrade Chief Odion Olaye, in a statement after the meeting, said enforcement will now begin from Monday, August 15th, 2022. He said the agreement was reached at the meeting between leaders of the union and the Edo State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Osasere M. Evbuomwan.  “In the meeting, it was resolved that one week notice be given to commercial drivers in the state to renew their vehicle particulars and drivers' licence. Consequently, a special team will be set up by the state government to commence the implementation of the obtaina

By Lucky Isibor. A social crusader and human rights activist, Reverend David Ugolor has called for collaboration between civil society groups and members of the organised private sector in the fight against corruption so as to strengthen governance and deliver development to the citizens.  Group photograph of participants at the workshop David Ugolor who is the Executive Director of the Africa Network for Economic and Environment Justice (ANEEJ) made this call in his opening remarks at a two day workshop organised by ANEEJ in collaboration with the United States Agency for International  Development, (USAID) and Palladium on the use of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Coalition Guide for CSOs and private sector under the Enhancing Anti-corruption and Social Inclusive Reform Initiatives in Nigeria project held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Thursday, 4 August to Friday, 5 August. According to Rev. David Ugolor who was represented by Mr. Leo Atakpu, t

...Calls for immediate replacement, prosecution by Edo State Police Command.   By Lucky Isibor The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has called for the immediate replacement and the prosecution of the Edo State Resident Election Commissioner, (REC), Dr. Johnson Alaibo Sinikiem. The PRP demand is coming few weeks after a similar call by the ruling party in the party, People's Democratic party (PDP). The PDP had in a petition signed by the party chairman,  Dr. Tony Aziegbemi accused the Edo REC of forgery and falsification of reports. The PRP in a statement signed  by the party's chairman, Dr. Greg Igbinomwanhia said the party’s stance is based on the recent corruption exhibited during the recent voters registration in the state where money was alleged to have exchanged hands between the INEC officials and the people as a condition for registration. According to the party,  "it is highly embarrassing that the bribery allegations in the last

By  Lucky Isibor The Edo State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has  faulted the recent shield provided for the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner,  Dr. Johnson Alaibo Sinikiem by the National body of the Commission and similarly insisted on Police prosecution. The party in statement issued in Benin city and signed by it's  State Chairman  Dr. Tony Aziegbemi draws  the attention of the Commission's Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to the statement by Mr. Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, which he considered  as a cover up and ways to intimidate, coarse and prevent the police from concluding the ongoing investigation of Dr. Sinikiem. According to Dr Aziegbemi, the PDP request to the police is  to investigate and verify documents that Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem has been peddling as results of his imaginary Congresses and Primaries.  "I condemn in very strong terms, Okoye'