Oshiomhole promises not to disappoint Edo people

The Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday said it was disappointed in the inability of its governorship candidate, Charles Airhiavbere, to defeat Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, in Saturday’s election.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the party said it received the result of the election, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, with “mixed feelings.”

It nevertheless advised its supporters to accept the outcome of the election.

It said it never regarded its participation in the election as a “do-or-die affair.”

July 15, 2:36 pm

Dabiri-Erewa congratulates Oshiomhole

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Sunday congratulated Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on his re-election.

Dabiri-Erewa, who is of the Action Congress of Nigeria like Oshiomhole, deliveerd her message via her Twitter handle.

In the post, Dabiri wrote, “Congratulations to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on his re-election!! It is victory for good governance as demonstrated by ACN’s Oshiomhole.”

July 15, 2:19 pm

Mark congratulates Oshiomhole, says victory a reward for service to the people 

Senate President, David Mark, on Sunday congratulated Mr. Adams Oshiomhole on his re-election as governor of Edo, saying the victory was a reward for service to the people.

“This re-election is a reward for service. It must serve as an elixir for greater performance. You must continue to make service to your people the focal point of your administration.”

In a statement in Abuja signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark advised Oshiomhole to continue to serve the people diligently, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

He urged the governor to be magnanimous in victory and implored him and other contestants to join hands to build a new Edo in the overall interest of the people.

The Senate president commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and the people of the state for the peaceful conduct of the election.

He commiserated with the government and people of the state over the Ologbo boat mishap which claimed some lives in the course of the election on Saturday.

July 15, 1:28 pm

Auchi residents celebrate Oshiomhole’s victory

Auchi residents on Sunday trooped to the streets in jubilation to mark the victory of Governor Adams Oshiomhole as winner of Saturday’s Edo State governorship election.

The correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria in the town reports that residents of the city occupied major streets dancing and waving the flag of the Action Congress of Nigeria in celebration.

Some of the residents trooped to beer parlours offering free drinks and food to celebrate what some of them termed as a major milestone in the politics of the state.

Deputy State Chairman of the ACN, Alhaji Usman Shagadi, in the state described the victory as the people’s endorsement of the good work done by the governor.

“I am delighted; Oshiomhole worked for the state and no amount of money could have persuaded the people to vote against him.

“This is our own way of compensating him for a job well done,” he said.

The member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Alhaji Abubakar Momoh, said the victory was “a battle well fought.”

He said the victory had put to an end the divisive politics of ethnicity in the state and prayed that the entire country would learn from the Edo election.

Momoh commended INEC for conducting one of the freest elections in the country, saying it should serve as a lesson to politicians to always put the peoples’ interest ahead of any other consideration.

“If every election will be conducted like this, Nigeria will be among the nations where credible elections are conducted.

“This also shows that any political office holder who does not perform will be voted out of office as people are more conscious of the performance of politicians while in office,” Momoh said.

NAN reports that chieftains of the PDP in the area declined comment saying they were awaiting directives from the state office.

July 15, 1:25 pm

ACN supporters defy rain to celebrate Oshiomhole’s victory

Residents and supporters of the Action Congress of Nigeria on Sunday in Benin defied the rain to celebrate the victory of the party in the July 14 governorship poll in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the party secretariat at Airport Road was taken over by jubilant supporters seeing chanting victory songs and dancing to express their joy.

Mr Johnson Okoduwa, one of the ACN supporters, said: “I do not know how to express my happiness. That is why I have chosen to come out even inside this rain to celebrate.

“It has not been easy since the campaign started and up till now, God has done it again for the people of Edo.

“God will not allow Edo to return to the dark days again. Are you not seeing the roads, Oshio Baba has done it for us?” he said

According to him, even a blind man can walk all by himself through the major roads in Benin.

“As an Okada man I have withdrawn my children from private to public schools and the money am making is now enough for us to feed,” he added.

Miss Adesuwa Godwin said, “My sister, please allow me to finish dancing before I will answer your question,

“You are supposed to be dancing instead of asking us questions. Are you not from Edo? If you are not, please join us to dance, we are all one.”

July 14, 5:36 pm

Our correspondent, Comfort Oseghale, reports that soldiers apprehended a young man wearing camouflage.
He has since been released.
This was confirmed by the spokesman for the state police command, Anthony Airhuuoyo.

July 14, 4:47 pm

Uselu Ward 1 Unit 10 Egor LGA: ACN 65 PDP 6 Others Nil

July 14, 4:46 pm

Early results received in Edo South Senatorial zone on Saturday showed that the Action Congress of Nigeria candidate, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, is by a wide margin leading the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Maj. Gen. Charles Airhiavbere.

ACN won all the units at the Oza Primary School, Ward 10, Oredo LGA.

At Unit 14, ACN had 129 votes while PDP had 35. At Unit 018, ACN 14w votes, while PDP had 38. The story at Unit 12, ACN had 121, while PDP had 19. At Unit 16, CAN had 131 while PDP had 23.

At press time the results and materials were being moved to the ward collation centres.

July 14, 4:16 pm

People were seen buying soft drinks, buns , ice cream, garden eggs, biscuits, sweets and recharge cards at the polling centres visited.

July 14, 4:00 pm

Our correspondent, Emmanuel Addeh, reports that the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, voted at 12.49pm at the Staff Training Centre, Ward 12, GRA, Benin.
He expressed “satisfaction” at the high level of order.
“If all elections were like this, it would be beautiful,” he said.

July 14, 3:18 pm

Unconfirmed report says two policemen may have died after a boat carrying INEC officials and election materials capsized earlier today.

July 14, 2:49 pm

Unconfirmed report says two policemen may have died after a boat carrying INEC officials and election materials capsized earlier today.

July 14, 2:48 pm

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has left his hometown, Iyamho, for the state capital, Benin, in a convoy, after casting his vote.

July 14, 2:44 pm

He, however, promised to attend to all complaints.

July 14, 2:04 pm

It is raining in parts of Edo State. Voting at PU12/12/02/008 is orderly while the situation at PU12/12/02/009 is rowdy. People have yet to start voting but soldiers have stepped in to assist, says citizen reporter, @rmajayi, on Twitter.

July 14, 2:00 pm

The two election observers earlier arrested by security agents – Scott Igbene of EiE Nigeria and Chinedu of CLEEN Foundation – have been released.

July 14, 1:49 pm

PDP gov candidate, Charles Arhiavbere (left) waiting at the polling unit to cast his vote. Photo: Leke Baiyewu

July 14, 1:43 pm

Voting has commenced at Ukpenu Primary School, Ekpoma.

July 14, 1:42 pm

Voters, who could neither find their names nor pictures on the register, refuse to leave Garrick Memorial School, where the PDP candidate, Charles Airhiavbere, is registered, our correspondent, Emmanuel Addeh, reports.
Airhiavbere says it is not abnormal for such errors to occur.

July 14, 1:42 pm

Two elections observers, Scott Igbene from EiE Nigeria and Chinedu with CLEEN Foundation have been arrested at Irrua.

July 14, 1:00 pm

At Ebenezer Primary School, Ihama in GRA, many people who voted last year could not find their names on the register, our correspondent, Azania James reports.

July 14, 12:52 pm

Highlife music legend and former Edo State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Sir Victor Uwaifo, says, “I am satisfied with the conduct of the election.”

July 14, 12:51 pm

Helicopters belonging to the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force hovering around flash points in Benin.

July 14, 12:50 pm

PDP candidate, Charles Ahriavbere, waiting in Garick Memorial Nursery and Primary School, venue of Unit 19, Ward 1 to cast his ballot.

July 14, 12:47 pm

Our correspondent, Comfort Oseghale, reports that there was tension at New Era Primary School in Upper Mission, Benin, with an hour left for accreditation.
Voters complained bitterly that their names were missing from the register.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police Mr. Femi Adenaike, was notified during a brief stop at the Ugbor police station of a distress call from police men at stationed at New Era.
He swiftly rushed there.
At the school were five polling units; 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17,  each with about 800 persons who said they had registered there.
“I have been here since 7am. The voting materials did not get here till 9.40am. As if that was not enough, now I cannot find my name on the voters register.
“For every 20 names called at unit 14, only one person here can find their name on the list. That means most of us cannot vote because we cannot be accredited.
“Yet every single person here registered here; we all know ourselves,” Okenzua Gloria said.
Another angry voter at unit 13, Mr. Anthony Nwachukwu, brandishing his voter card, said, “I came here early this morning with the aim of casting my vote. Already I have disenfranchised because my name cannot be found on the voter’s register.”
Several other voters gave the same complaints.
For about 15 minutes, Adenaike tried to pacify the angry crowd who insisted upon being accredited.
“Just listen to me, you will all vote today. I want to arrange this place, form a single queue and you will be attended to. Everyone will cast their vote,” Adenaike said.
Already, the queues at all the polling units were in disarray. Voters stood in groups discussing the situation and insisting on voting.
To help maintain order, Adenaike detailed several policemen from his convoy to stay behind at the school.
Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Kasim Gaidam, did not reply to the calls or text messages to his phone.

July 14, 12:37 pm

@nigerianewsdesk reporting on Twitter that a Togolesse mercenary, Monday Asijolu, has been arrested by immigration officials at Oba Akenzua Primary School in Uzebu, Benin.

July 14, 12:33 pm

Voting has begun at some polling centres where accreditation has ended. In Akoko-Edo in Edo North, there was a delay in accreditation as corps members deployed to serve as electoral officers members protested over non-payment of their allowances.

July 14, 12:28 pm

Our correspondent, Emmanuel Obe, reports that there were concerns at Ukpato Ward in Orhionmwon Local Government Area about the absence of policemen and soldiers in 22 out of the 23 polling units in the council area.
But no threat of violence or irregularity was reported there.

A former Chairman of Orhionwon LGA, Mr. Newman Ugiagbe, who was at Okogbo Primary School, Ukpato unit where 162 voters had been accredited by 11am, however, said electoral officers and materials arrived early.

July 14, 12:27 pm

Our correspondents, Emmanuel Addeh and Leke Baiyewu, report that at Ibiye/Iwegie/Ugbag Ward 12, Unit 020 in Oredo Local Government Area, there was a protest over an alleged fake voter register.

DIG Zone 5, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, had to intervene when a crowd of protesters raised the alarm over the fake register.
They said that 417 names without pictures appeared in place of only 17 at the unit.
Protesters screamed, “No picture, no vote.”

An INEC official said the list containing the 417 names was manually generated.
But accreditation was stalled as voters refused to participate until INEC reverted to the electronic list with pictures.

July 14, 12:21 pm

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of undermining the governorship election by allowing some lapses in the process.

Speaking at Iyamho Primary School in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo North, where he went to get accredited and cast his vote, Oshiomhole said it was sad that reports reaching him indicated that materials were yet to arrive at some polling stations in Edo South, including Benin, as at 11.42a.m.

He berated INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, for not taking adequate steps to prevent such lapses and threatened to go to the stae capital, Benin, to mobilise a protest if the situation was not corrected.

He said the situation had confirmed his allegations of INEC’s complicity in plans by some politicians to rig the election. He said Edo South has about 65 per cent of votes, with up to 40 per cent in Benin alone. Meanwhile, accreditation commenced at Iyamho Primary School (Ward 10 Unit I), where Oshiomhole is registered, at around 8.30am.

Oshiomhole arrived at the centre at 10.30a.m and got accredited at exactly 11.42am.

July 14, 12:03 pm

Emmanuel Addeh, Benin

A PDP stalwart in Edo and father of ex- governor, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion,  accredited at polling unit 002, GRA Staff training centre at about 11am.

He’s expected to come back for voting anytime from 12noon. Ex-governor, Odigie Oyegun is an ACN party agent at the centre

Accreditation almost rounded off at ologbosere primary school, Ikpoba-Okha Local govt.

Chief of Staff to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Osarodion Ogie, says election materials arrived as early as 7.30am.

July 14, 12:01 pm

According to a blogger on Twitter, in Ujuele Primary School in Ujuele town, two units had, as at 11.25a.m, registered barely 30 people.

July 14, 11:33 am

Our correspondent, Emmanuel Addeh, reports that the accreditation of voters for the election picked up slowly early Saturday amid complaints of delay in the arrival of election materials.
Our correspondent reports that voters defied the heavy presence of soldiers in the streets of Benin to express their franchise.
At Ward nine, Igbesanwa Model Primary School, Oredo Local Government Area, materials were still being expected as at 8.30 am.
At Asoro Primary School, Sakponba Road, Benin, only a large mass of voters, election observers and stern-looking soldiers were seen hanging around the premises.
When our correspondent visited Garrick memorial Nursery and Primary school where the People Democratic Party’s candidate, Charles Airhiavbere, was accredited at about 10.27 am, voters were already in queue to undergo  clearance.
Airhiavbere told The Punch that so far, he was satisfied with the process.
” Though the process started 10 am, the arrangement is tight and my expectation is that I am in this race to win,” Airhiavbere said.
At Eyanugie primary school, there was a large turn-out of voters, who were still undergoing accreditation as at 11.15 am.
The ACN House of Representatives member in the area, Mr Rasaq Bello-Osagie, said the large turn-out was a confirmation that the people were now more interested in democracy.
“People are excited to exercise their rights and it is a confirmation that democracy is working in Edo State,”he said.

July 14, 11:14 am

A military helicopter is flying around Edo State on a security monitoring of the election. Many voters were forced to trek to polling stations as soldiers did not allow movement on the highways around the state.

July 14, 11:09 am

Solomon Edebiri – All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)

July 14, 10:50 am

Polling officers at Ogede Ward in Ovia North East Local Government Area refuse to start work because there is no police presence.

Our correspondent, Emmanuel Obe reports

July 14, 10:48 am

Our correspondent, Comfort Oseghale, reports that a mild drama took place at the Idia College polling station in Oredo Local Government Area during a situation tour by the Edo State Commissioner of Police Mr. Femi Adenaike.
The CP had stopped briefly at Idia College to assess the accreditation process, address the concerns of the electorate and meet with the policemen on ground.
On his way out of the school, Adenaike sighted about five hefty young men suspected to be political thugs, sitting a few metres away across the road from the polling situation, observing the accrediatation process.
Adenaike beckoned on them and said, “We are not going to fight today. There will be no fight.”
He shook hands with the young men who hailed him and assured Adenaike of their cooperation.

July 14, 10:45 am

It was an atmosphere of calm and orderliness at most polling units in Benin on Saturday morning, as observed by our correspondent, Comfort Oseghale.
Our correspondent, who is on the entourage of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Olufemi Adenaike, reports that during his tour of Benin metropolis, armed soldiers were sighted manning road blocks on major roads.
The streets were deserted except for the polling booths where residents queued up for accreditation.
At the Ring road roundabout, five young men and two girls who had dared to move in a vehicle despite the restriction of movement, were forced to sit by the roundabout under the watchful gaze of soldiers at the scene.
However at the polling stations visited by Adenaike, it was all calm.
Adenaike spoke brifely at Egor, Okhoro, Ugbowo polling booths and told voters that they were safe.
“We are here to protect you and there is no cause for alarm,” Adenaike said.

July 14, 10:25 am

From @rmajayi on Twitter – PU12/12/02/009 Benin GRA 9a.m – 77 persons on queue. 9.41a.m - 145 on queue. No electoral officers. PU12/12/02/009 Benin GRA 9a.m - 77 persons on queue. 9.41a.m - 145persons on queue. No electoral officers

July 14, 10:23 am

Police Service Commission Hotlines are: Edo North 08164183597; Edo South 08071408009; Edo Central 08167435347.

July 14, 10:01 am

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Femi Adenaike, can also be reached on on 08033008525. Other Edo Police Command hotlines are 08071408009 for Edo South 08167435347 for Edo Central.

July 14, 9:45 am

There are 17 voting units at the school. Soldiers kept guard and frisked everyone entering the venue.
About 12 girls who could not expalin themselves adequately to soldiers at the Ring Road in Benin were arrested and made to sit on the road.

July 14, 9:28 am

Soldiers patrol Edo streets

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo, armed soldiers and anti-riot policemen have taken over major streets in major towns of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the armed soldiers could be seen strategically positioned along major roads and streets in the state capital, Benin, and others cities such as Auchi, Uromi and Ekpoma.

The armed soldiers conducted stop and search of vehicles.

NAN reports that the heavy security presence may not be unconnected with various allegations and counter-allegations that have greeted the governorship election.

There have been allegations by political parties of plans to rig the election with fake policemen, Independent National Electoral Commission officials and the use of fake voter cards.

Meanwhile, newsmen are also facing difficulty in getting accreditation for the election slated for Saturday.
As at the time of filling this report, several journalists from within and outside the state had yet to be accredited.

July 13, 2:11 pm

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abdulwaheed Omar, has assured workers in Edo State that there will be a peaceful election in the state on Saturday.
Omar advised the workers to turn out in large numbers to exercise their franchise and conduct themselves in an orderly manner during and after the governorship election.
The labour leader told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday that the labour union was keeping a tab on events concerning the election in the state.
He said he was concerned about the increasing spate of deaths arising from political activities in the state and urged security operatives to check violence during the election.
Omar advised President Goodluck Jonathan to fulfil his promise by providing adequate security for the people during the election.
“I want to assure the people that there will be a peaceful and free election in that state.
“Don’t forget that President Jonathan, at the Ogbemudia stadium in Benin, gave assurance of a peaceful election in that state as the Nigerian president.
“If we get it right in this election, it will be good not just for Edo, but for Nigeria as a whole because the world is watching.
“He (Jonathan) promised that the election would be conducted in a free and fair atmosphere devoid of rigging,” the NLC president said.
Omar said he was happy and satisfied with the peaceful way the people of Edo State had been conducting themselves properly during the electoral process in the state
NAN reports that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said the people of Edo would witness a fair electoral process in the conduct of governorship election.
“We are working day and night, doing our best to ensure that there is a free, fair and credible election in Edo State.
“I am here to make sure that everything has been done as planned before the election on Saturday.
“We have done everything possible within the rules and regulations to accredit observers for the election in Edo.
“We have used the same procedures we have always been using in all the elections since the April 2011 general elections.
“We apply the criteria in a number of states; we normally advertise and people are given time within which to apply,” he said.

July 13, 12:06 pm

Prominent lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to withdraw the soldiers deployed in Edo State for the governorship election.

July 13, 12:04 pm

Edo State Governor and candidate for the Action Congress of Nigeria in Saturday’s governorship election, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended the deployment of the military in the state for the election, saying it is the best thing to make the election safe, free and fair.

July 13, 11:57 am

The NHRC stated that it had deployed 234 monitors in Edo State for the exercise.

July 13, 11:54 am

The National Human Rights Commission on Thursday said it would monitor the conduct of security personnel in the governorship election in Edo state with a call on them to “respect the fundamental human rights of all citizens.”