Obaseki to reveal next move after meeting with Buhari

Following his disqualification from the All Progressives Congress primary election, embattled Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki says he will disclose his next move after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari.

Describing his disqualification as an act of injustice, the governor said he will also consult his supporters to determine the next step to take ahead of the gubernatorial election in his state in September.

Obaseki said this via his Twitter handle on Sunday, June 14, 2020. He tweeted, 

“I appreciate the sustained show of solidarity, support and goodwill from Edo people and Nigerians in the face of injustice by the @OfficialAPCNg screening committee,” he wrote.

Obaseki - JSS3, SS3 students are priority in Edo

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has insinuated that the JSS3 and SS3 students in the state will be given top priority when schools reopen.

Schools in the state were shut in March as part of measures to curtail the spread of the coronavirus disease.

But in a statement on Sunday, the governor said the state government was liaising with the Federal Ministry of Education to develop guidelines for the reopening of schools. He said, 

“Schools remain closed, however, guidelines for phased reopening are being developed together with the Federal Ministry of Education especially for students in JSS 3 and SS 3 who are preparing for their exit examinations.

I encourage all Edo parents and guardians of pupils in primary schools, to continue to utilize our e-learning platforms for their educational needs, while they are still at home.”

Obaseki noted that preparations were on for churches and mosques to reopen in the state, stressing that contact tracing of COVID-19 suspected cases would be extended to worship centres.

“Following consultations with the Christian Association of Nigeria and religious bodies, we will commence a reopening of places of worship. We are expanding screening and testing to religious groups/organisations and business establishments. 

We call on all religious organisations, corporate bodies, and health facilities to assist us drive modalities for our new norm and cooperate with the designated health and security agencies in this regard,” he added.

The governor emphasised that the 10pm to 4am curfew as directed by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 subsist in Edo state.

Obaseki presents nomination form to Buhari

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has presented his nomination form for re-election under the All Progressives Congress to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Obaseki made the presentation during a visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, ahead of the APC governorship primary election scheduled for this month.

The governor, who addressed State House Correspondents on the purpose of the visit, said, 

“Even though Buhari is a father, it would be wrong to assume or take things for granted, so I have to formally inform (him).”

The governor also said over 300,000 Edo indigenes had been screened for COVID-19 out of the 500,000 targeted by the government.

He also vowed to ensure that the killers of the 100-level student of the University of Benin, Uwaila Omozuwa, were tracked and brought to justice, describing the crime as heinous.

Obaseki confident about second term if September elections is not rigged

Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, says winning a second term at the polls is not a challenge for him if the process is not manipulated.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced last week that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic will not affect the election already scheduled for September 19, 2020.

While speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, May 27, Obaseki said his first term performance will easily earn him another four years in the Edo Government House.

"I'm not bothered. The evidence is out there. As the governor of Edo State in the last three years, we know we've done well. People say we've done well. Therefore, any contest will be no contest, if it's not manipulated. My party is a lawful party, I hope and pray that things are done properly and in line with the party constitution," he said.

"COVID-19 can't stop elections in Edo and Ondo States" - INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will not affect elections scheduled to take place later this year.

The commission had in February 2020 scheduled the Edo governorship election for September 19, and the Ondo governorship election for October 10.

There are also nine other outstanding bye-elections scheduled to take place in different parts of the country.

However, COVID-19 has since infected over 5 million people across the world and crippled social and economic activities around the world.

Even though over 6,000 people have been infected in Nigeria with nearly 200 dead, as of May 18, INEC announced in a statement on Tuesday, May 19, that it is determined to conduct the elections in a safe manner.

"We reassure Nigerians of our resolve and determination to provide the requisite guidance, innovation, and leadership in conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic."