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After Politicking With Edo Roads Debate,Senate Finally Orders Works Ministry To Fix Benin/Ekpoma/Ewu/ Auchi/Okene/ Abuja Federal Highway .

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Although there was division and politicking with the deplorable condition of Edo federal highways among some senators on Wednesday, the Senate has finally directed the Works Ministry to immediately begin rehabilitation works on the highway

The present condition of federal roads in Edo State, especially the portions of Benin-Ekpoma-Okene Road, Benin–Sapele Road and Ewu-Uromi-Agbor Roads that linked the state to the North and other southern parts of the country are in sorry site

In a motion sponsored by the three senators from the state; Clifford Ordia (Edo Central), Matthew Urhoghide (Edo South) and Francis Alimikhena (Edo North), respectively, they alleged neglect of the roads.

Presenting the motion on behalf of others, Senator Ordia noted that the roads were constructed more than 30 years ago, and boosted socio-economic activities between the North and South of Nigeria.

He, however, said due to age, wear and tear, certain portions of those roads were beginning to fail, a development that had caused untold hardship on commuters plying them.

“In 2022, following a series of complaints by commuters and motorists plying the Benin-Ekpoma-Okene Road, the contract for its reconstruction and dualisation was awarded by the federal government.

“In the same vein, the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan also awarded the contract for the rehabilitation of the Ewu-Uromi-Agbir Road before his administration ended in 2015.

“In 2021, it was reported that Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki attempted to intervene in fixing the failed portion of the Sapele-Asaba Road, especially the PZ-Junction-Ologbo axis of the road, he was however stalled by the federal government, with the reason that it is a federal road and that the contract for its rehabilitation has already been awarded.”
However, in his contribution, the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege denied that the project was abandoned, saying, rather, it is being carried in phases due to paucity of funds.

Also, Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC Kano South) said a 34,000 kilometer road is too much for the federal government to handle considering its lean resources, stressing the need for state governors to be encouraged to do the maintenance and reconstruction of federal roads and be refunded later.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan said it was unfair to allege that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had not done well in road maintenance.

“What was given to the Federal Ministry of Works in 2015 was N22 billion. The APC administration that took over gave the ministry over N200 billion that same year. I am just trying to put the records straight.

“There is a clear commitment from this side to address this national issue of poor condition of our roads. For us here in the Senate, and the National Assembly, what we need to do is to be really patriotic. Just support the Executive to ensure our roads wherever they are, whether they are in Delta, or in Jigawa or in Abia we don’t care. It is Nigerians that are plying these roads.

“But I think for anyone to say that the roads; over 34,0000 kilometres have not been attended to well by this administration, I think is unfair.

“So, I want us to be guided. But we have not done enough. Despite this we need to do more. But we are far better in the last seven years than the people that served for 16 years,” Lawan stressed.

The Senate accordingly urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to commence immediate repairs on the failed portions of Benin-Ekpoma-Okene Road, Benin–Sapele Road and Ewu-Uromi-Agbor Roads that linked Edo State to the North and other southern parts of the country.

It also called for adequate funding to complete the reconstruction of those roads and come up with a plan to settle all lingering issues bordering on the dualisation of the roads with contractors, and also review the terms and conditions of the contract to meet the current realities of inflation.

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Press Release : Okpebholo Denies Sacking Civil Servants As Alleged By PDP

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The statement issued by the factional chapter of the PDP in Edo is a joke taken too far. The PDP is yet to recover from the crushing defeat it suffered during the 21st September governorship election in Edo State.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, since his inauguration on Tuesday, has since hit the ground running and trying to fix the mess created by the immediate-past MoU governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki.

For the records, the statement released on Wednesday by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, did not sack any civil servants. Besides, no Governor sacks civil servants through a media pronouncement.

Those asked to go were appointees of the last administration in the State. The factional PDP in Edo State is ignorant, and its members need to be gainfully engaged.

Anyone in the State’s civil service that is an appointee has nothing to fear. But if you are a product of the last MoU government and appointed by Obaseki, the rule of law must stand.

Signed:
Fred Itua,
Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor

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Edo Gov Directs Police Commissioner To End Cult Clashes Within 48hrs

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…….Bans Drivers Welfare Association, Network Empowerment

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday, directed the state Commissioner of Police to halt the violent cult clashes in the State within 48 hours.

The Governor also banned Drivers Welfare Association and Network Empowerment in the State, in a statement signed by Fred Itua,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

He directed the Commissioner of Police to instruct his officers and men across the various formations to immediately swing into action and halt the unnecessary bloodbath.

On Wednesday, the Governor had ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of collection of all revenues in Edo, especially in motor parks and others, until further notice

The Governor had noted that he would review the issues surrounding the collections soon and decide on the way forward.

“As the Governor of Edo State, cultism can not be allowed here. We must end it and very fast too. I have ordered the Commissioner of Police to halt the madness within 48 years. All those involved in the killings should be stopped.

“Some associations that are causing trouble in the State, especially in Benin City, cannot be allowed to operate here. They all remain banned, and the Commissioner of Police must ensure that his men carry out this instruction by giving teeth to this ban

“Edo must be safe. That was one of my key priorities during the campaigns, and I plan to ensure that we restore it at all costs. We will not fold our arms and allow them to create unnecessary tension,” the statement read.

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Gov Okpebholo Orders Immediate Freezing Of State Bank Accounts

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……..Abolishes Roads and Bridges Ministry, Reverts to Ministry of Works

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Thursday, ordered the freezing of all State-owned bank accounts with immediate effect, until further notice.

The Governor has also warned commercial banks, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with the order immediately without any delays.

In a statement signed by
Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Okpebholo warned that anyone, including heads of MDAs and civil servants who flout the order will be severely punished.

“All bank accounts in all the commercial banks have been frozen. Commercial banks must comply with the order and ensure that not a dime is taken out of the confers of Government until there is a further notice.

“Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies must comply with this order and ensure that there is a full compliance without any further delays.

“After the necessary investigations and reconciliations, the Governor will do the needful and decide on the way forward. For now, this order stands,” the statement read.

In the meantime, the Governor has asked the relevant Government agencies to reverse the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to the Ministry of Works. The reversed infamous name was conceptualised during the administration of Godwin Obaseki.

Governor Okpebholo, said since no bridges or good roads were constructed by the administration of Obaseki, it is therefore absurd to maintain such a name.

The Governor, has therefore ordered relevant government agencies to implement the new order and immediately reflect the new name.

“It is funny how you can call a Government institution Ministry of Roads and Bridges. Ironically, no single bridge was built by the same administration. Not even a pedestrian bridge.

“In the coming days, we will look at more actions taken by the previous administration and more decisions will be taken that will be done in the best interest of the State,” the statement concluded.

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