President Goodluck Jonathan has promised that the Federal Government will immediately look into the problems of erosion ravaging Auchi, Iruekpen and Queen Ede in Benin City, Edo State with a view to tackling them.
The President made the pledge during an official visit of Edo State delegation to the him at the DState House, Abuja, Tuesday, to condole with him on the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, congratulate him on his swearing-in as President and to also thank him for appointing an eminent Edo son, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe as his Chief of Staff.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole who led the delegation had assured the President that the delegation is not a government or party delegation, but rather a delegation of the best of Edo people from the academia, industry, the traditional institution and other sectors of the society.
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aid the Governor: “as a people, we want to assure you that although Edo State is led by an AC government, but the state, and, indeed Nigeria, is greater than any political party.”
The governor who had earlier condoled with Jonathan on the death of former President Umaru Yar’Adua however congratulated President Jonathan on his new status. He told the President that “God has used you to stabilise the country at a time many people thought the country might go under, and so far, we are encouraged by your works, especially, your determination to ensure that the people, in their full freedom, determine who governs them.”
The governor who used the opportunity of the visit to raise the erosion problems ravaging parts of the state appealed to the Federal Government to help tackle the problem.
In his response, President Jonathan said he was impressed with the calibre of people in the Edo state delegation. He said: “this is one of the most complete teams I have seen. I am indeed humbled that the Chief Justice himself is here. I am indeed humbled at the calibre of your delegation.”
The President who promised that the Federal Government will look into the erosion problem said “I have listened to the Governor on the erosion issue. We will look into it. Immediately we leave here, I’ll discuss with the Minister of State for Works to see what we can do immediately.”
He acknowledged that “erosion issue in Southern Nigeria is a major challenge, especially gully erosion in Edo States and the South East. We will look at it and will not wish it aside as a political statement.”
Other members of the Edo State delegation were former Governors, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Lucky Igbinedion; the three Senators representing the state in the National Assembly: Senators Yisa Braimoh, Edo North (PDP); Odion Ugbesia, Edo Central (PDP) and Ehigie Uzamere, Edo South (PDP); Vice Chancellor University of Benin, Prof Oshodin, Chief Sam Igbe, Iyase of Benin, representing the Oba of Benin; Alhaji Aliru Momoh, Otaru of Auchi, three members of the House of Representatives; Tunde Akogun, Samson Osagie and Patrick Obahiagbon and Speaker the state House of Assembly, Bright Omokhodion.
Others are, the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Cromwell Idahosa; Chief Tom Ikimi , Chief Ikhide Arumemi-Johnson, Chairman, Arik Air; High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman Daar Communications; Coach Shaibu Amodu, Dr (Mrs) Phillipa Idogu, Rector, Auchi Polytechnic, Captain Hosa Okunbor, Bishop Peter Imasuen and Comrade Peter Esele, among others.
Peter Okhiria,
CPS to Edo State Governor,
Monday 21st June, 2010.
08023145286, 07030508268.
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