• Edo PDP mulls challenging gov’s certificate
Commissioners recently appointed by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, have been assigned to various ministries.
This was at the first executive council meeting (EXCO) held by the Obaseki-led administration during which commissioners were appointed to already existing ministries, others were assigned to ministries that were reorganised and renamed by the current administration.
The governor, who was chairman in council during the meeting, announced the state would now operate under 18 ministries, including Energy and Water Resources to be handled by Yekini Idaiye; Communication and Orientation, led by Paul Ohonbamu; Science and technology, Emmanuel Agbale; Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, led by Emmanuel Usoh; Women Affairs and Social Development, led by Magdalene Ohenhen; Infrastructure, led by Osahon Amiolemen; Minerals, Oil and Gas, led by Joseph Ughioke; Youth and Special Duties, led by Mika Amanokha; Finance, led by Osagie Inegbedion; Budget, led by Hajia Maryam Abubakar; Physical Planning and Urban Development, led by Edorodion Oye Erimona; Justice, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe; Arts,Culture and Diaspora, led by Osaze Osemwegie-Ero; Agriculture and Natural Resources, led by Monday Osaigbovo; Education, led by Dr. Chirstopher Adesotu; Environment and Sustainability, led by Reginald Okun; Health, led by Dr. David Osifo; Local Government and Community Affairs, led by Jimoh Ijegbai.
On the reshuffled ministries, Obaseki revealed that Forestry and Sports had been made full commissions, while also disclosing that the Ministry of Lands had been scrapped, and that Housing would be handled by Property Development Authority.
While stating that all executive orders and gazettes necessary to reveal the new structure would be immediately released, and that the terms of reference of council members had been finalised, he ordered all commissioners to resume at their ministries on July 13.
Meanwhile, there are possible indications that it is not yet uhuru for Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki as the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party is currently mulling the option of reawaken a pre-election matters bordering on his educational qualification Orbih, the party’s state chairman, spoke with newsmen on phone in his reaction to the Supreme Court verdict which reaffirmed Ahmed Makarfi as the authentic caretaker committee chairman of the party.
He said the Tuesday verdict by the Supreme Court in favour of Governor Obaseki was one of the many cases the party had against the governor.
He said though the party had earlier congratulated Obaseki, the pre-election issues where he sworn on oath to an affidavit over his credentials and educational qualifications are still much alive.
“We abide by the verdict of the Supreme Court but we have the interest to contest the issues with a view to deepen our legal system and ensure that they are brought to bear. We don’t want to play to the gallery and assume that all issues have been resolved, as a party that is anxious to take over the government of Edo State in 2019.”
On the court verdict reaffirming Makarfi as PDP national chairman, he said: “It is a victory for true democracy.
“This victory will give the opportunity of exploring the alternative to change the APC Federal Government in 2019. Democracy without viable opposition will lead to dictatorship.
“By this singular verdict, Nigerians have been reassured there is bright light at the end of the tunnel where they will have the opportunity to vote APC out of government.”
THE-SUN
