Talk Edo, an offshoot of The Talk Initiative Nigeria, a project/programme founded in 2015, has announced the adoption of the immediate past Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, as a political personality of interest in the build-up to the 2024 governorship election in Edo State.

In a release signed by its Spokesperson, Joesph Iyamu Oronsaye Jr on Thursday, September 14, 2023, the Initiative said: “We believe the time has come to act by fully endorsing the aspirant and asking him to run for the upcoming elections in Edo state 2024.”

The Initiative stated: “Our state needs to thrive economically, uplift its people, and become a shining example of progress for Nigeria and the world.”

Created as a movement on all platforms to “air views and pay attention to the voice of the people, using our social media platforms, radio/television stations, and print media to advocate for good governance and development,” the Initiative said it was proud to announce its interest in Agba.

“The Talk Edo Initiative is proud to announce that its platform is now dedicated to creating awareness about a political aspirant who they feel is in line with the goals, vision, and mission, for which the Talk Initiative brand was created in 2015, which is to promote good governance, strong leadership, development at all levels of the state, promote values and our Edo culture,” the release quoted the movement to have said.

The release, which captured the rationale for the movement’s adoption, reads: “Edo State, located in the heart of Nigeria, in the South-South region of the state is a vibrant state with a rich cultural heritage and a history that dates back centuries, and also Benin City is the capital and largest city of Edo State in southern Nigeria. It is the fourth-largest city in Nigeria after Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan, with a total population of 1,782,000 as of 2021,

“Benin City used to be the centre of Nigeria’s rubber industry; and, oil production is also a significant industry; it was an important city of the Edo kingdom of Benin, which flourished during the 13th to the 19th century.

“With the above history of Benin Kingdom and Edo state, there has been a loss of direction towards development and good leadership. Edo holds tremendous potential in various sectors, including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and technology.

“In all this put together, we would agree that Edo state needs people of character, integrity, and someone with the capacity to help drive the Edo we need.

“The Talk EDO platform has (thus) endorsed the person of Prince Clem Agba, CON, a focus-driven man, a personality with integrity, capacity, and competence who had been tested at the state level as commissioner for environment and public utilities.

“Prince Clem Agba provided leadership in the urban renewal and drainage infrastructure drive of the Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led administration, which included beautification; greening of the streets, planting trees and ensuring that the state capital had functional street lights.

“He played a vital role in finding solutions to Edo State flood and erosion challenge with a robust stormwater project to tackle the problem of erosion in Benin city. It was a breakthrough that came more than 30 years after the last major stormwater project was done in 1979.

“This significant project was in addition to the clearing of the notorious costain Isonorho dumpsite in just five days; which posed as a problem that had overwhelmed over five governments [both military and civilian] for over two decades.

“Due to his unwavering commitment to service and development of society, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole invited him to join the Edo Rescue Team as a member of the state cabinet in 2009, a team fully charged and prepared to take Edo state to the highest possible height in political governance and development.

“While in office as the minister of budget and national planning, he focused on national planning, early budget submission to the national assembly, and strengthening the department of monitoring and evaluation in the ministry in order to effectively drive the national monitoring and evaluation process.”

The release continued: “The driving force behind this initiative, Talk Edo, is to extend a voice to the voiceless, advocate for good governance, and seek strong and credible leadership in Edo state.

“Talk Edo has a major responsibility to bridge the gap between Edo state and the world. It could be called ‘Edo meets the World’. The major goal is to promote the values of the state, and in Prince Clem Agba, we have seen all qualities that lead our vision and mission for a better Edo state.”

The movement said its objectives were to drive awareness about and conversation around the aspiration of Prince Clem Agba as a notable personality for the position of Edo State governor in 2024; as well as influence and lead key discussions around his achievements as commissioner and minister, among others.

A certain Indian based con-man, Tarun Poddar, who was alleged to have committed fraud against various individuals all over America to the tune of over $32 billion has done his stock in trade to a Nigerian politician and financial expert based in US, Dr. Dennis Aikoriogie.

According to report received by SunCity Africa, the fraudulent Tarun Poddar, the acclaimed owner of FoxHog Venture Corps, initially engaged the Nigerian for his financial services on July 31, 2023 for a part time remote job, but was never coming up with payment despite a well written employment letter signed by both parties, instead he was giving flimsy excuses that money has been sent and assuring the Nigerian of payment, but having seen his unseemly attitude, Dr. Aikoriogie an employee of New York State Government, decided to pull out of the job, sighting that he engaged in the job as part time since it is remote and needs to be done online.

But after discovering the huge crime going on in FoxHog Venture Corps, Dr. Dennis, who would not want his name to be dented, has worked in the US particularly with New York State Government close to a decade with clean records, decided to terminate the contract sighting the unpaid arrears and other criminal activities of Mr. Poddar as seen everywhere on the internet.

According to Dennis, “I worked remotely, have no access to his company data, money, whatsoever, I worked with him for just one month and he is alleging falsely because we asked for payment, Dennis said.

Further more, he said, Poddar’s behaviour have contravened the provisions of agreement signed by both parties “and we cannot find any reason to continue as many staff employed by Poddar are facing the same situation both in America and India.”

Dr. Dennis gave his reason for leaving the job bordering on fraud, and other criminal activities and that by this press release, he disengages and exonerates himself of any relationship with the fraudulent Poddar and his company.

Findings also showed that the bank Poddar claims he ran is false, and not evenregistered in the US, while the address on the companies website turned out to be fake, a clear confirmation of his dubious nature.

According to other reports sighted by our correspondent, Mr. Poddar who had variously claimed to be a Board member at Sequoia Capital, was looking for people who could join him in his new “venture capital firm.”

His profile showed association with Sequoia Capital and that he had graduated from Stanford University with a Master of Business Administration degree which all turned out to be false.

His work experiences showed executive positions at high-profile companies like Apple, Boeing, and Cognizant, but upon thorough investigation, Poddar is a criminal and have bno connection with the above mentioned organizations.

By Philip Agbese

What is grace? This is a question that I have been battling with for a while. I have looked at some of the recent happenings in the country concerning some individuals, and one of them is the Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President.

Gbaja as he is fondly called could pass for a man with nine lives. He has been around for a while. He has had his share of good, bad, and ugly times. He has been accused, and he has been commended. Interestingly, he kept his cool in all these, and grace continued to work for him.

I recall that in the 8th Assembly, he aspired to be the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He worked hard but didn’t get it. He didn’t despair. He was loyal and waited for his turn. And guess what? Grace turned up for him. He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly, and those who worked against him went on their knees seeking forgiveness and patronage.

He was calm as usual and did what he knew how to do best. He was on top of his game. I recall an incident in the twilight of his tenure as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Deputy Speaker challenged his grace, and the rest is history.

He served out his term successfully, and another assignment came calling. This time around, the opposition was fierce. Many thought his grace was over, and they rejoiced. They sang to the high heavens, dancing to the imminent fall from grace of Femi Gbajabiamila.

But grace turned up again. He smiled and moved on. He was appointed the Chief of Staff to the President. Those who felt he would be a hard nut to crack in their desire to call the shots within the presidency went to work. But they failed. And they didn’t stop.

It is an era of slander and blackmail. They churned out invective against him. He was to blame for everything that emanated from the presidency. They went as far as insinuating issues that only existed in their imaginations. All was geared towards making the President uncomfortable with him and ultimately showing him the way out.

But they forgot that when grace speaks, protocols are suspended. And indeed, the grace has been sufficient for Femi Gbajabiamila. I do not envy him, but I salute his mien and ability to stay calm. That is one of the qualities that endeared him to the President.

You can’t predict his next move. He keeps you guessing until you run out of steam. He allows you to exhaust your arsenal, no matter how dangerous. It is a very risky enterprise, but it has worked for him and is still working.

Femi Gbajabiamila reminds me of the phrase, “Touch not my anointed. Maybe he is the anointed one. Perhaps the chosen one or the special one. Whichever you choose, you are right. Love him or hate him; he stands tall at all times.

Very brilliant and analytical. He smiles at you even when he is supposed to wear a frown. He encourages you to do more. What a daring person. But he watches you closely with the eyes on the eagle. I wonder what runs through his mind when he comes under mindless attacks from some vested interest.

Does he blink in his closet? I doubt it because his composure does not give him away. Someone said Femi Gbajabiamila is an enigma that is worth studying. Someone also said he waits for you at the end of the road to welcome you from your vicious journey. If you are lucky, he will offer you a bottle of water. Would your conscience allow you to drink the water? Only those in that boat can answer the question.

What sort of grace does Femi Gbajabiamila exude? The grace that beats human understanding. The grace that runs faster than the speed of lightning. The grace that strikes like a thief in the night. The grace that is confusing to the human eyes, and the grace that warns you to retrace your steps in the slander and blackmail enterprise.

A word is enough for the wise. What is his offense that some want his head? For being a gentleman and a leadership guru or a political strategist? The former number four man in the leadership hierarchy of the country is not mediocre, and one that does not play to the gallery.

He has seen it all in leadership, and when some allegations are made against him, it only smacks of mockery of commonsense. Most times, these allegations need to be better thought out. The promoters are always in haste and, in the process, make a mess of themselves.

Before we crucify Femi Gbajabiamila, let us pause and think it through. He is a patriot who is devoted to his principal and the country. He has demonstrated capacity and love for the country. You don’t have to like him. But commonsense would suffice that the grace of God surrounds some individuals. Femi Gbajabiamila is one, and let those with ears hear this—my two cents.

Agbese MHR is the Deputy Spokesman, 10th House of Representatives, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

 
Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie is a leading aspirant for Edo State Governor in 2024 under the platform of the Labour Party (LP). His wide experience in the management of men and materials and exposure to several associations at home and abroad, come as his strongest weapons as he seeks for Edo State’s top job. He talks to Nduka Nwosu on his plans for the state if he emerges governor

Dennis Aikoriogie, or Dennis Peter Obi as supporters love to call him, is passionate about embracing the ideals of the Labour Party, its leader and Presidential candidate Peter Obi.

He is like the members of the Obidient Movement who dominate the Twitter space to make a case for a new Nigeria where due process, law and order must take centre stage.

There is no doubt an interaction with the Labour Party leader must have further galvanised the Edo governorship hopeful into some turbo charged mood raring to go.

Aikoriogie said: “I have been part of the Obidient Movement from day one. The leader has shown what it takes to lead. I believe PDP and APC have failed Nigerians. They have failed to meet the expectations of the average Nigerian.”

On why he wants to be the next person occupying Government House Benin City, he explained that governance is all about leadership and that for a long while, there has been a leadership vacuum in the state, which is why development has been slow.

Aikoriogie believes nothing is more important now than action, taking the bull by the horn, which is to translate his ideas of re-building Edo to fit into a 21st century modern state where things work.

His experience in the Diaspora and being a home boy would combine to get the best results, he further argues.

The current governor Godwin Obaseki and past governors of the state, he insists, have done their best to bring Edo State to where it is currently.

However, the time has come to make Edo a signature state, a reference point among the other states of the federation.

“I have what it takes to execute that assignment in eight years,” he assures.

Edo State, which is a hub connecting the west, north and east of the country, he says, should be a masterpiece in infrastructure development. Sadly, this is not the case.

The roads are dilapidated, flood and erosion are still a part of the problem ravaging the state after many years where these issues have been debated in the public space with the aim of taking it to the next level. He says not much has been done to dredge the Ikpoba River where all the waste in the city is emptied.

Unfortunately, the LP governorship hopeful is not impressed that not much has happened to turn around the fortunes of the state. He believes the Peter Obi model of governance in Anambra State would take Edo State to the next level. He has detailed how he intends to do that which can be found on his website: www.dennis.aikoriogie.com.

“We can do better. A Labour Party government driven by my administration will address these needs,” he insists.

On transparency, Aikoriogie says he wants to plug the loopholes that create room for non-transparency and non-performance.

“We have a poor infrastructure network. These issues will be addressed through my masterplan and my seven-point agenda which is infrastructure development-oriented stretching to roads, health, education, youth unemployment et al.”

Health facilities, he observed, “are still not upgraded in tune with the state-of-the-art demands for modern hospitals.

“The Stella Obasanjo Specialist Hospital (for women and children) built by Governor Lucky Igbinedion is under-performing.

“The distance between the x-ray centre and the admission ward of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) is long and not ideal for a sick patient. Besides, the admission process is complex.

“In Edo North, the Auchi General Hospital, which was upgraded to a teaching hospital, is still not meeting the health needs of the people from that part of the state, both tertiary and primary. Admission requirements of these hospitals make them inaccessible.

“Our hospitals are a shadow of what ought to be, Governor Oshiomhole built an arm of the specialist hospital in Benin run by consultants and the cost of treatment is beyond the reach of the common man.”

Edo Central, he promises, will have good hospitals and he would ensure there would be primary health centres in every local government area of the state.

Aikoriogie is worried about the general state of insecurity but more worrisome is the rising state of kidnapping and wanton killing of farmers by herders who masquerade as Fulani herders in the state. Farmers hardly go to their farms, and this has brought about famine and untold hardship to many homes in Edo State.

The chief executive officer of Global Hobnob LLC of New York and Hobnob Media Consultancy Nigeria Limited, has a good message to the farmers and the people of Edo State regarding creating a safe and secure space where Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is given top priority in Edo State: “Weep not my people; the ravening clouds shall not be long victorious; they shall not long possess the sky; they devour the stars only in apparition. Hope is coming,” borrowing from Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s adaptation of Wohipart A. James’ On the Beach at Night poem.

Will his American experience come to play here? He answers in the affirmative adding that whatever experiences garnered would be replicated in Edo State and that there would be partnerships for pro bono services in many departments of governance.

Without the contributions from the likes of Aikoriogie and his Diaspora support groups in Europe and America, the tremendous success of the Obi-dient movement and the LP have enjoyed and still enjoying in the last 9-months would not have been recorded in so swift a short period of time.

The Labour Party should be dispassionate enough to mirror the quality of individuals seeking nominations for the governorship on its platform, if it is seriously interested in a better Edo State, post APC/PDP collateral failure in the last 24-year, since debut of the Fourth Republic.

The Governorship hopeful is aware of the need to generate other sources of revenue beyond funds from federal allocation.

On his website he had this to say on his plans for internally generated revenue (IGR): “A recurring challenge that the nation has is the dwindling importance of crude oil in the global market which is our economic mainstay.

“Dr Osahon as Edo State Governor has the roadmap to diversify the State’s economy from waiting for monthly allocations which prepares him adequately for a post oil economy, where states go cap-in-hand for monthly subvention.”

The University of Benin Alumni Association Board Member for North America is asked to weigh in on his perception of home and the growth of democracy.

His response: “there were the usual irregularities, and many believe contrary to the promises of Mr. President that he would leave behind a legacy of true democracy, INEC failed to deliver on its promises.”

The governorship hopeful points to Rivers State where incumbency played a strong role. “Labour did not do well in Edo against the expectations of many.

“The incumbent governor went round appealing to the emotions of Edolites to vote for members of his party the PDP into the State House of Assembly to save him from being impeached by an assembly that is dominated by the APC members under the control of former Governor Oshiomhole.

Ethnic profiling and voter suppression as well as violence were recorded in Lagos State. Many Labour members were killed in various parts of the country such as Kaduna where a female LP activist was murdered as well as in Enugu where an LP Senatorial candidate was assassinated.

“There was a shocking reverberation on the stellar performance of Labour Party during the Presidential election and what this did to the other parties was a recalibration of their game plan, re-introducing the jungle justice approach of ballot snatching, rewriting of election results, maiming, and killing where necessary with a compromised INEC, and police looking the other way. Expectedly, the users were the opposition.”

Aikoriogie is optimistic that whatever the outcome of the court cases at the Appeal and Supreme Court levels, the Labour Party, which he says took the country by storm, has a bright future ahead.

What the LP needs now, he stresses, is a strong party leadership, which will emerge after the current party leadership tussle.

“The LP must maintain the momentum after taking the country by storm. Agreed we were robbed of victory in many states like Rivers, Lagos, Enugu, Imo, and many parts of the north, we have a state governor in Abia and many members of the House, Senate, and State Houses of Assembly. We will build on these gains to strengthen the party,” he adds.

He also weighs in on the issue of subsidy noting that the $800 million loan should not be tampered with by the outgoing administration, not to talk of sharing out part of the money as handouts to registered families in the national register of 10 million under-privileged Nigerians, “because it would amount to a wasted, fraudulent exercise based on what happened during the Covid 19 pandemic.

“In any case Nigeria has over 120 million below average families who are not registered. Besides, this government has less than two months to go, so why the hurry to disburse the funds?”

Aikoriogie says if the Jonathan Administration with its economic team led by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had been allowed to remove fuel subsidy at the time it wanted to in 2011, it would have afforded private companies the opportunity to come in and build refineries because they would have been operating at a regime where the price would have been competitive.

“A government subsidised fuel regime is a disincentive to private sector investment because pump price will not be viable or competitive.

“Sadly now, the very people who opposed it would not be tackling this hydra-headed monster at this time.

“Nigeria holds a great promise for the future,” he asserted.

“Once the cabal appropriating the resources of the nation are contained by pulling the rug off their feet, there will be hope for the nation as we move from a nation of consumers to one of producers, which is the key mantra of the LP”, Aikoriogie said.