THE NATION
27
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2011
Community honours Edo SSG HE Ikabigbo community has celebrated the appointment of Dr. Simon Imuekemhe as Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG). Dignitaries from all walks of life gathered at the Ikabigbo Primary School in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state for the reception of the SSG, who hails from the community. The ceremony was organised by his kinsmen. The weather was favourable and the atmosphere was carnival-like. Local dancers, including the mystical Odumodu masquerade, hunters’ club, and popular Edo musician, Igbadumhe, were all present to thrill Imuekemhe and his guests. The event, which was one of its kind in Edo North Senatorial District, was a meeting point for those that matter in Edo politics. Dignitaries at the event were Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his Deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu. The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Uyi Igbe, member representing Owan Federal Constituency and Etsako Constituency, Hon. Pally Iriase and an engineer, Mr. Abubakar Momoh. Others were Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Philip Shuaibu, his colleague representing Akoko Edo South Constituency, Hon. Dele Oloruntoba, Hon. Johnson Oguma representing Etsako Central, Hon. Peter Aliu representing Etsako East, the Head of Service and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Eki Inneh, the Chief of Staff, Barrister Osarodion Ogie, commissioners and Permanent Secretaries. The Oba of Benin, HRM, Omo ‘N Oba ‘N Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa sent a powerful delegation comprising high-ranking palace chiefs. The Ogieneni of Uzairue Alhaji Imonike Omogbai, the Otaru of Auchi, Ikelebe 111, Alhaji Aliru Momoh; the Olokpe of Okpe, the Imah of Somorika were among other traditional rulers present. The Oduma of the Universe, and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, Leader, SouthSouth Action Congress of Nigeria, Barrister Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the State party chairman, Barrister Thomas Okosun, Prince Tony Omoaghe, Prince Austin Eweka, Mr. Lawrence Okah, Mr. Ben Sorae,
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•Imuekehme (left) and Deputy Governor Dr Pius Odubu (right) at the reception From Osagie Otabor, Benin City
Dr. Olusegun Oseh, Mrs. Medina Emovon, ACN state Women Leader, Mr. Wole Iyamu were also present. The Christian and Muslim communities were fully represented just as non-governmental organisations, Etsako Club 81, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) were also present. Nobody thought the Comrade Governor would be present as he was said to be busy receiving some
members who defected from the PDP in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area. However, he stormed the venue. He didn’t just add colour to the event. His arrival signalled the beginning of the encomiums poured on Imuekemhe. There and then, Imuekemhe canvassed for another four-year term for the governor to enable him to complete the projects he had started. The SSG said the state would never be the same again by the time Oshiomhole has completed his second tenure. He said Oshiomhole has per-
As a civil servant, Imuekemhe believes he holds an office of trust which he swore to abide by. This was why he was able to serve as Head of Service in three governments without any problem
Anambra monarchs get certificates From Emeka Attah
•Obi
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HE Anambra State Government has issued certificates of recognition to seven newly recognised traditional rulers. Governor Peter Obi presented the certificates to the royal fathers at the Conference Hall
premises of the Government House, Awka. The new traditional rulers were Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle Community in Anambra West Local Government Area, Igwe Nick Obi of Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area and Igwe Felix Oyimmadu of Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area. Others were Igwe Christopher Muoghalu of Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area, Igwe Samuel Uche of Ezira Community in Orumba South Local Government Area and Igwe Ralph Ekpe of Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area. The seven new traditional rulers bring to 26 the number of royal fathers recognised by the present administration.
Governor Obi, in his speech at the occasion, disclosed that “your recognition by government was based strictly on due process and rule of law and was not influenced by any individual or group.” The governor further charged them to “remain responsive to the aspirations of your people and uphold the laws of the land as well as maintain peace, law and order to sustain the prevailing stability in the state. He reminded them of the need for prudent management of government financial support for the collective interest of the people, even as he enjoined them to ensure effective supervision by government. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Dubem Obaze urged them to work for the welfare and development of their communities and state in general.
formed well and deserves to be reelected, pointing out that a fouryear single term is not enough for the governor to complete all the projects he had embarked upon. “Adams Oshiomhole is a blessing to this state because of the transformation he has brought about in the entire state. The people are happy and would want more of the monumental developments he has started. Some villages which depended on stream for their drinking water have abandoned such for the boreholes which the governor sank in many communities. “Many hospitals have been built and renovated, while many schools have been rehabilitated. But I want to remind us that we all have a responsibility; which is that this moving train is not aborted. It must get to its destination,” he stated. Imuekemhe recalled his reaction when report reached him that a reception was being organised for him, just as he wondered if there was need to celebrate his appointment. He however concluded that the people should celebrate the developments initiated by Governor Oshiomhole across the 18 local government areas of the state especially in Ikabigbo community. H e said: “We are made to serve humanity and the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is serving the people of Edo State and the country. We all have a responsibility that all the projects embarked upon must be completed in eight years and let us not abort the journey but ensure the development programmes are completed. We are here to celebrate Oshiomhole. We are here to celebrate development,” he added. While eulogising Imuekemhe, Oshiomhole said: “Imuekemhe who retired as Head of Service was
made the Secretary to the State Government because of his track record.” The governor said further: “Imuekemhe represents one of those rare public officers who will always, any day, put their job first before any sentiments. “As a civil servant, Imuekemhe believes he holds an office of trust which he had sworn to abide by the oath of office. This was why he was able to serve as Head of Service in three governments without any problem,” he said. “God has used us to redefine politics and governance such that Edo people and the people alone will always come first before any other consideration,” he said. The President-General Ikabigbo Aloaye Union, Comrade Bello Aneru said: “We must use this occasion to appreciate the Comrade Governor’s deliberate decision to carry out developmental projects in the state covering renovations of schools, construction of water boreholes, roads construction and rehabilitation, renovation of hospitals, youth empowerment and government-community partnership project initiatives. According to him, the road to the community is a ready example of the governor’s unrivalled performance as well as the construction of a borehole which is providing water for the community. He disclosed that the gathering of eminent personalities from within and outside the state to honour Dr. Imuekemhe was made possible because of his appointment as Secretary to Edo State Government, adding that “by the appointment, Comrade Oshiomhole has demonstrated his resolve to ensure that merit and competence must be the yardstick for public service appointment which he championed as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.