News

Labour Party Gubernatorial Aspirants Call for Reduced Nomination Fees in Edo State

Published

1 year ago

January 25, 2024

The Labour Party gubernatorial aspirants for Edo State, have called for a reduction of nomination fees after extensive internal discussions and also feeling the pulse of other members of the party.

The aspirants made the following observations:

After careful scrutiny of the press release by the National Publicity Secretary of our Party dated January 17, 2024, where he communicated the resolution of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our Party, the Labour Party, to peg the amounts of five million naira (NGN5,000,000.00) for the expression of interest form and twenty-five million naira (NGN25,000,000.00) for the nomination form for the governorship primary election in Edo State, we are concerned that the decision does not align with the principles and public perception of our party. The Labour Party is known to the people as the party of “Mama, Papa, Pikin” and the Workers Party. The minimum wage in Nigeria for an average Nigerian worker today is Thirty-five thousand naira (NGN 35,000.00). To peg the party forms for governorship at a price that is 100 times a Nigerian worker’s minimum wage in the midst of crushing economic hardship may be perceived as tone-deaf. The Labour Party prides itself on being a party of equal opportunity, which implies that an average worker with vision, requisite qualifications, and character should aspire to be the Governor of Edo State.
It is noteworthy that the NWC, in the last off-cycle elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo States, pegged the cost of forms at Twenty-five million naira (NGN25,000,000.00), but after public uproar and the intervention of our national leader, the party reduced the cost of forms to fifteen million naira (NGN15,000,000.00), which many members and those sympathetic to the cause of our party still found too pricey. To then come to Edo State to repeat the same thing gives the impression that the party leaders may not be feeling the pulse of their members.
Our vision for the Labour Party is rooted in earnest labour, voluntary service, and equal opportunity, which should be reflected in the affordability of party forms.

In light of these concerns, they, therefore, strongly recommend the following:

The expression of interest form should be made free for all aspirants, while the nomination form should be obtained at a cost that does not exceed from one to five million naira (NGN1,000.000.00 to 5,000,000.00) (50% reduction for women and people living with disabilities).
We also recommend that for the ward and local government congresses that the party has scheduled to hold, the forms for those interested in being delegates be made free. Our members at the grassroots, who have selflessly sacrificed and toiled and put their effort and resources into building our party, should not be compelled to pay for delegate forms, especially in light of the current economic reality in our country.

We understand the financial challenges the party may face, and we propose enforcing mandatory prescribed membership monthly dues collections as per the party’s constitution to address this concern.

Conclusion

In the shared spirit of a new Edo State and a new Nigeria, we hope the NWC will give due consideration to these concerns and recommendations before the commencement of the sales of the Expression of Interest and Gubernatorial Forms, scheduled to begin on January 25, 2024.

Signed:

Barrister Efosa Ogieriakhi
Engr. Michael Osho Oshiobugie
Hon. Lucky Ehis Obiyan
Dr. Loretta Oduwa Ogbor-Okor
Hon. Stephen Ogbemudia Osemwengie
Mr. Paul Agbonze Obazele
Dr. Aruna Braimoh Denzel
High Chief Dr. Okhaimon Daniel Eghonghon Akhuemonkhan Matthews
Engr. Morrison Eghobamien
Barrister Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata
Kingsley Ulinfun
Ehizojie Ohiowele
Dr.Osezua Ehiyamen
Azemhe Azena
Barrister Ihueghian Guobadia
Mr. Ernest Abegbe
Ambassador Princess Asha Emily Okojie-Odigie
Mr .Ogbemudia Bassey Osagie

Related Topics:Edo state Featured Labour Party

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News

BREAKING: Tinubu to meet Obasa, Lagos Assembly members in Abuja

Published

5 hours ago

March 12, 2025

Charles Flames

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to meet with the Lagos State House of Assembly, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Already, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, arrived at about 2:50 pm, while his colleagues had earlier arrived in two coaster buses.

The meeting may not be unconnected with the recent leadership crisis in the State House of Assembly.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa was impeached by some of his colleagues but he was later reinstated after the intervention of the political leaders especially the Governing Advisory Council, GAC.

Despite the Speaker’s reinstatement, it was gathered that the bad blood as a result of his impeachment is yet to be over.

Details later…

International

UK, Nigeria launch creative industries technical Working Group

Published

8 hours ago

March 12, 2025

Charles Flames

The UK and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).

This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.

A statement by the UK High Commission in Lagos said the launch of this working group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creative industries leaders today in London represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border creative collaborations, and sustainable economic growth and development.

It said both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.

The initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries by prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange.

Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, said: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group.

Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film, fashion, and the arts.

“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries.

“By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and Nigeria.”

Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, Mr Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators.

From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce.

“However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”

Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations, adding:

“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation.

We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships.

“This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”

News

BREAKING: Fubara denied access to present budget, locked out of Rivers Assembly complex (Video)

Published

8 hours ago

March 12, 2025

Charles Flames

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was on Wednesday denied access to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, where lawmakers currently hold plenary sessions.

ohibaba.com gathered that the governor arrived at the Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning to present the state 2025 budget but was met with a locked gate, preventing his entry.

Fubara had earlier pledged to implement the Supreme Court judgment, which includes the formal presentation of the 2024 budget.

The budget was initially presented to a four-member Assembly faction in December 2023.

Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget.

In response, Fubara stated that he was awaiting the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the court judgment before proceeding.

On Sunday, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Fubara invited lawmakers for discussions on the Supreme Court ruling.

The discussions were expected to cover issues such as the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to the legislators, amongst other issues to chart a way forward for the state.

Watch video below: