Author: Osazee Edigin

Home / Author: Osazee Edigin

Uncategorized

EDOCSO Issues Press Statement on Bill to Prohibit Open Grazing

By Osazee Edigin November 13, 2021

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE BILL FOR A LAW TO PROHIBIT OPEN GRAZING OF CATTLE AND OTHER LIVESTOCK AND PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION AND REGULATION OF RANCHES IN EDO STATE 2021 AND FOR CONNECTED PURPOSES BY EDO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS WHICH WAS DELIVERED BY BISHOP OSADOLOR OCHEI, THE INTERIM TEC CHAIRMAN ON THE 13TH OF NOVEMBER, 2021.

Gentlemen of the press, stakeholders, members of Edo Civil Society Organisations and everyone present in today’s press briefing are duly acknowledged.

We the above named coalition of civil rights groups in Edo state with a huge membership strength within Nigeria and in the Diaspora, having our structures in the 18 local government councils of the state have deemed it necessary to lend our voice to the drafted bill on subject matter.

First, we want to commend Edo state government for hearkening to the voice of the people to see the need to put in place a law that will regulate cattle and its attendant consequences. However, a cursory look at the drafted bill raised certain questions that call for concerns and consideration.

We shall be particular about sections 3(a) and 9 which states thus:

*“Create designated ranching areas for the rearing and grazing of cattle and other livestock in Edo State”*

*“The Governor shall on the recommendations of the Committee by a notice in the Gazette, designate Land in any Local Government Area to be used for ranching”*

As stated in our position paper in the Town Hall meeting held on the 11th of October, 2021. We raised serious objection to creating a colony for ranching in Edo state owing to the future consequences it would have on our children’s children as it touches on claims of territory by professional pastoralists.

The reason for our fear is not far-fetched owing to precedents from Kaduna, Benue and Plateau states experience with similar arrangement years back. The aftermath effects have resorted to conflicts, bloodsheds and insecurity.

We want to reemphasized that, the idea of creating designated ranching areas by government should be jettisoned while individuals should be allowed to source for lands for personal business ventures and getting the appropriate permits from the government. We have stated before now that cattle ranching is a private venture like every other agricultural venture and should remain so save for government regulations. Establishing a colony of ranches amounts to creating another community inside a community.

We are calling on the speaker of Edo State House of Assembly to call for public hearing in order to harvest inputs from all concerned before the passage of the bill into law. This is to ensure transparency and engendering true democratic process.

It is our utmost belief that this recommendation is treated with the expected reasoning that comes with it.

I want to thank you all for taking out your valuable time to be part of this press briefing today.
God bless us all, God bless Edo state and God bless Nigeria.

Signed:

Bishop Dr. Osadolor Ochei (JP)
Interim TEC Chairman

 

Uncategorized

LEFTIST OMOBUDE AGHO RESPONDS TO BEDC PLAN TO HALT PROTESTS AGAINST UNWHOLESOME OPERATIONS:

By Osazee Edigin November 11, 2021

The immediate past Coordinator General of Edo Civil Society Organisations, Leftist Omobude Agho was in court today to give evidence in response to the court summons initiated by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

The BEDC had prayed the court for a perpetual injunction against Omobude Agho and his group, youths and communities from further protests against its unwholesome operations. They further put up a claim of N500, 000, 000 as damages.

Members of Edo Civil Society Organisations led by the Interim TEC Chairman, Bishop Osadolor Ochei JP in their numbers were in court in solidarity with their former leader.

Dr. Osagie Obayuwana and his team led Agho in evidence as various documents were tendered in support of his sworn affidavit. He was cross-examined by the claimer’s counsel.

Alongside with Dr. Obayuwana was U.L. Osa-uwagie Esq who had also offered his legal services pro bono since inception of the matter in court.

The activists were in a street procession as they filed out from the court premises. The street of Benin was agog with cheers from citizens who appreciated them for their steadfastness and tenacity over the years in the fight for just and fair business deals from the power company.

The case was adjourned to 3rd of February, 2022 for further hearing of the matter.

Leftist Aliyu Umweni
Interim Public Relations Officer
Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO).

Uncategorized

EDOCSO INVITATION ANNOUNCEMENT FOR COURT ATTENDANCE ON BEDC CASE

By Osazee Edigin November 6, 2021

LEFTIST OMOBUDE AGHO GOES TO COURT TO RESPOND TO BEDC:

All members of EDOCSO and the general public is by this notice invited to join the immediate past Coordinator General of Edo Civil Society Organisations, Leftist Omobude Agho as he responds the court summons by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company.

The power company had gone to court to get an order to perpetually restrain Agho and his group from further protests against its unwholesome operations and to also pay the sum of N500 million as damages. The court case comes up as follows:

Date: Thursday 11th November, 2021

Venue: Court 12, State High Court, Sapele Road, Benin City.

Time: 8am

NOTE

There shall be a street procession after the court session. Another opportunity to sound it louder again that our voices cannot be shut out.

DON’T MISS THIS EPOCH MAKING OUTING.

Leftist Aliyu Umweni
Public Relations Officer
Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO)

Uncategorized

EDO POLICE COUGHS OUT N10, 000 FOR ASSAULTING A HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST.

By Osazee Edigin November 1, 2021
EDO POLICE COUGHS OUT N10, 000 FOR ASSAULTING A HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST.
…tenders apology and plead for soft landing.
It was a war-like situation on the 21st of Oct, 2021 along Ugbegun/Opoji road in the Edo central senatorial district of Edo state at about the hour of 12:30pm, when Enabulele Larry the coordinator of Edo Civil Society Organisations, Igueben study centre was stopped by some police officers with the inscription CRACK TEAM special force deployed to the area to check and curtail the rate of kidnappings and social menace in that axis.
Trouble started when the officers alleged that the activist did not stop at the exact spot the officers asked him to stop but the rights activist maintained that he never beats the checkpoint as he had stopped his motorbike as instructed by the officers hence the current engagement with the officers but this does not go down well with the officers as they claimed no body dare talk when they are talking.
At this point, they ordered him to alight from his motorcycle which he obliged, one of the officers dip his hand in the activist’s pocket and brought out phone but when the activist tried to remind him of the implications, it was slaps and punches on his face, this attracted the attention of the team leader who was sitting on the patrol van, who then demanded he is brought before him, on getting to him, the activist maintain his position that he didn’t beat the checkpoint as alleged by the officers, this angered them the more and it was slaps again right in the presence of the team leader, who then ordered that he should be put on handcuffs and dump into their hillux van which they quickly carried out.
They placed him on chains and incommunicado for over 2hrs before they finally unlock the handcuffs and requested that he should be allowed to make a call, at this point, calls were already flowing from other comrades on hearing what was happening to him but without response. When he eventually had access to his phone, he called on some comrades and reported his ordeal to the leadership of the coalition upon which the OC at the state headquarters was contacted to report the activities of his men.
The CP (Philip Ogbadu) was also informed of the level of infraction and violation of his rights as a citizen the CP then ordered that the matter be incidented at the Irrua divisional police headquarters which were duly obliged without delay.
At this point, the Edo Civil Society Organisations ably led by Bishop Osadolor Ochei already taken steps in bringing the erring officers to book at the state headquarters in Benin. However, the Dpo (CSP Ojidahan Lawrence) choose to mediate on the matter to give the erring officers a soft landing and give the CP report, which the OC begged us to please give a nod as the officers will have to be defaulted. After much pleading, he was allowed to intervene.
Ojidahan Lawrence is one police officer that believe in the respect for the fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution.
At the end, they succeeded in coughing out the sum of N10.000 for medical attention.
Much appreciation goes to Edo civil society Organizations ably led by Bishop Osadolor Ochei, the immediate past Coordinator General of the network Leftist Omobude Agho for standing side by side with us in ensuring that truth prevailed over falsehood.
However, we want to request for the immediate redeployment of all the officers from the crack unit deployed to Edo central senatorial district as they have resorted to violation of citizens rights ranging from unlawful checking and searching of citizens’ phones at gunpoint. They collect ransom ranging from N100.000 to N300.000, depending on the negotiation power of their victims.
They should be redeployed so as to redeem the image of the police institution and further strengthen the harmonious relationship with the members of the public particularly in Edo Central area of the state.
Leftist Aliyu Umweni
Interim Public Relations Officer
Edo Civil Society Organisations
(EDOCSO)
Uncategorized

Institutionalization of the Civil Society Movement in Edo State – LEFTIST OSAZEE EDIGIN

By Osazee Edigin November 1, 2021
INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE CIVIL SOCIETY MOVEMENT IN EDO STATE:
…the EDOCSOs model.
For any idea or vision to stand the test of time, it must be institutionalized and held in firm foundation for unborn generations to partake of.
This forms the fulcrum upon which the founders and idealists of Edo Civil Society Organisations had in mind when it was mooted that a coalition of civil rights groups in the state became imperative for the promotion of good governance, social justice and human rights.
The concept was not to build strong men, recognizable faces or an attempt to get government recognition and validation as individual activists but to ensure a strong bond that could collectively take-on the mirage of societal ills headlong. While in some other settings, individuals are jostling to be heard or seen, EDOCSO work hard towards achieving a collective voice and stance.
A journey that started at the wake of the fuel subsidy removal protests in January 2012 brought together different civil society actors across Edo state for the sole purpose of prosecuting the issue at hand. A collaboration that was to metamorphosed into one of the most viable, formidable and organised civil rights coalition in Nigeria as at today.
Affiliations by groups are voluntary and still remains so till date. Financial contributions towards sustainability are not compelling. Rules of engagement are enshrined in a constitution for all. Capacity building to strengthen groups and individuals is a priority and above all, solidarity and unwavering love for each other in non-negotiable.
The first nominated Interim Coordinator General was Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin, a veteran labour leader and a former Nigeria Labour Congress state chairman in Edo state. He helped to coordinate the activities of the coalition at the formation stage alongside other executive members. His deputy was Comrade Omobude Agho who was to succeed him at the expiration of his tenure being one of the catalysts in the idea behind the coalition formation.
Omobude Agho led leadership had a deliberate and clear-cut policy in ensuring that the civil rights movement in the state is institutionalized. The first was to ensure a corporate secretariat is maintained with staff. Trainings and capacity building was top priority for both old and young activists. Constant engagement with government and its agencies as it borders on policies. A non political partisanship posture by the coalition in its operations is a standing creed.
Protection of citizens’rights and ensuring fairness and justice for all are the burdens borne by all that subscribes to the tenets of the coalition as activists. Ameliorating the sufferings of the masses is at the core of the mandates which informed the need to have a mass transportation scheme that is adjudged to be the cheapest in fares in the state as at today. Even cheaper than the Edo state owned transportation scheme.
Moved by the high level of lack of awareness and enlightenment at the grassroots, the coalition took steps in establishing community based learning centres dubbed ‘study centres’. These study centres are scattered in over 22 communities in Edo state and covers the 18 local government councils of the state. It is believed the reason a lot of persons cannot effectively and convincingly engage the system is because of the amount of information available to them. So, it became necessary for knowledge to the spread to those at the grassroots irrespective of their educational background.
Oppression, intimidation and denigration of human strives when ignorance is all time high in any society. Knowledge illuminates and builds confidence. That is what the study centres seek to achieve. Lives have been transformed at the various grassroots levels with testimonial attestations. Members of the coalition is in thousands both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
Today, the coalition is undergoing a rejig under the interim leadership of Bishop Osadolor Ochei JP who is repositioning it for a stronger and firmer engagement. The foundation and pillars are being solidified in engendering succession and continuity. The building of a well-knit fortress is to ensure those with inordinate ambitions are waded off. The love and solidarity by members are waxing stronger by the day as the coalition is not built on devilish competition and unhealthy rivalry amongst members. Edo Civil Society Organisations have come to stay as long as there are men and women of same passion, vision and idealogy to sustain it. Men will surely fade away but institutions stand for a longer time.
Leftist Osazee Edigin AICMC is the immediate past public relations officer of Edo Civil Society Organisations and a founding member of the coalition.
Uncategorized

EDO POLICE PAYS N20, 000 AS LOSS OF INCOME TO TRICYCLE RIDER AFTER DETAINING TRICYCLE ILLEGALLY:

By Osazee Edigin November 1, 2021
It was like the usual horrifying and oppressive experience suffered by motorists, motorcycle and tricycle riders in the hands of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force until members of Edo Civil Society Organisations changed the narrative recently.
It was on Thursday 14th October, 2021 that a tricycle rider, Mr. Victor Asuquo was plying Etete road in the GRA area of Benin City when some police officers on checkpoint stopped him to demand for his rider’s permit. His inability to present it led to the seizure and detention of his tricycle in Etete police station till the next day upon which it was released due to the intervention of some members of Edo Civil Society Organisations.
On Friday the 15th of October, 2021 which was the next day, Mr. Victor Asuquo was on same road when same detachment of police officers stopped him again to demand for same rider’s permit which he offered explanations as to what transpired a previous day. All entreaties by Mr. Asuquo fell on deaf ears as they took the tricycle once again to the police station for another round of detention.
Mr. Asuquo who was now distressed as his only means of livelihood has been taken away from him again approached the Interim TEC Chairman of Edo Civil Society Organisations, Bishop Osadolor Ochei who constitute a team to look into the matter and take appropriate steps to see to the release of the tricycle.
The team swung into action by first analysing the situation painstakingly and interrogating the powers of the police to demand for rider’s permit and subsequent detention of the tricycle. Having duly analysed the situation and concluded that no criminal offence had been preferred against the rider, they took necessary steps.
A visit was paid to the police station to demand for the release of the tricycle and payment for the loss of income to the rider. It was clear the police couldn’t provide the constitutional powers donated to them to be demanding for rider’s permit and to detaining the tricycle. The Divisional Police Officer having been made to know the implications of the infractions done by her men, she resorted to resolution but the activists wouldn’t hear of it without a compensation for the detention of the tricycle which has led to loss of income to the rider.
The DPO promised to make up the loss of income for the tricycle rider on Monday the 18th day of October, 2021. On said day, the sum of N20, 000 was handed to the tricycle rider for loss of income for the period his tricycle was detained in the station illegally.
It must be sounded loud and clear that, there is no more room for police oppression, intimidation and extortion in Edo state as long as Edo Civil Society Organisations which is ably led by Bishop Osadolor Ochei as the Interim TEC Chairman exists.
This is victory for all Edo people. Knowing your rights and pursuing same is the sweetest thing to be experienced.
EDOCSO promotes good governance, social justice and human rights.
Leftist Aliyu Umweni
Interim Public Relations Officer
Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO)
Uncategorized

PRESS BRIEFING ON BAN ON OPEN GRAZING

By Osazee Edigin November 1, 2021
PRESS BRIEFING ON THE PROPOSED BAN ON OPEN GRAZING IN EDO STATE AND RELATED MATTERS DELIVERED BY BISHOP (DR) OSADOLOR OCHEI, THE INTERIM CHAIRMAN OF THE EXTENDED COUNCIL (TEC) OF EDO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS HELD ON THE 21ST OCTOBER, 2021.
Gentlemen of the press, stakeholders, members of Edo Civil Society Organisations and everyone present in today’s press briefing are all welcomed and appreciated.
We the above named coalition of civil rights groups in Edo state with a huge membership strength within Nigeria and in the Diaspora, having our structures in the 18 local government councils of the state do hereby deliver our positions and recommendations on the proposed ban on open grazing by Edo state government.
BACKGROUND
There is no gainsaying that herders/farmers clash has become a national discourse in the past few years. This had led to several deaths and food scarcity in the country. It has also created insecurity in our communities hence some state governments have taken steps in the prevention and mitigation against its ugly outcome.
We all must first agree that pastoral farming is a private venture and must be conducted in a manner that other citizens’ rights are not infringed on. The movement of cattle to openly graze on farm lands or to constitute nuisance should be prohibited in the 21st century.
Flowing from above, Edo state governor on the 11th of May, 2021 alongside other 15 out of 17 governors under the aegis of Governors of Southern Nigeria met in Asaba to issue a communiqué on open grazing ban. It was a unanimous decision by the governors in order to address the high rate of insecurity open grazing had posed in the region. To that extent, Edo state cannot unilaterally dissociates itself from such unified agreement. It amounts to betrayal of confidence and would lead to inertia on the part of other southern states for future collaboration geared towards mutual and collective benefits in the region.
Furthermore, Edo state government decided to hold a town hall meeting on the 11th of October, 2021 for the deliberation on the proposed anti-open grazing law after pressures from citizens and critical stakeholders. It was agreed by all that, the ban on open grazing is a prerequisite to putting a total end to the herders/farmers clash and other criminal activities associated with it. Never during the meeting did the governor informed participants of his intention to meet with President Mohammadu Buhari for Edo state to key into the National Livestock Transformation Plan which was initially code named Rural Grazing Area (RUGA).
The concept is for the federal government to create reserves as ranches for pastoralists that will serve as settlements for herders in states that subscribes to the plan. Several states have rejected the plan because they felt cattle rearing is a private business venture and should be left for the private investors to build ranches themselves instead of creating another community or colony of herders in states. They fear for future claims to such colonies which could lead to communal clash.
Edo state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki should give Edo people details of his meeting with Mr. President as it touches on the following questions below:
1. Does Edo state government have data of owners of the cattle that grazes the state?
2. Is the federal government releasing funds to individuals that own cattle to build ranches or the federal government intends to acquire reserves for them?
3. Has Edo state government trained or plans to train indigenes on the practice of managing and tendering cattle in ranches or same crop of occupational herders are still going to be engaged?
4. Did the cattle owners complained of not having the financial wherewithal to build a modest ranch to keep their cattle?
5. Has Edo state government held a meeting with the cattle owners to identify their constraints and challenges?
6. Why is so much priority given to cattle owners above every other agricultural venture in Edo state?
7. Why is Edo people demand on ban on open grazing not given its due place first before any other steps taken?
8. Can we conveniently conclude that there is a political twist to the reason the demands of Edo people on the proposed law to ban open grazing not considered?
Our positions and recommendations are contained herein under:
1. Edo state should promulgate a law to prohibit open grazing of cattle with stiff punishment for violators.
2. All cattle owners must ranch their cattle.
3. It is not the business of government to provide lands for cattle owners.
4. A unit of the Edo state vigilante network should be duly trained, paid and deployed in the enforcement of the law with support from the Nigeria Police Force.
5. Any cattle owner that allows his cattle to graze on a farmer’s land or destroy any property should be made to serve a jail term not less than six months and pay compensation to the farmer whose farm is destroyed. He should also stand the chance of forfeiting the cattle to the state government.
6. The provision of colony to cattle owners should be discouraged. Every cattle owner should purchase/lease land for the purpose of ranching and/or any other farming operations.
7. Edo state government as a matter of urgency facilitates training on cattle husbandry with startup capital for our teeming unemployed youths, graduates and non graduates respectively. The trained youths should be formed into clusters to operate the ranches that will be built in all the local government councils.
8. Implementation of number 7 above will create chains of employment which will lead to drastic reduction in crime, tax generation increment. With a projection of 16 months of consistency it will cover for the high demands for beef by our people.
9. There is also need for the government to seek for security assistance with countries with technology to combat crimes like kidnapping and banditry that has crept into Edo state.
10. Edo state governor should halt further discussion on the National Livestock Transformation Plan with the federal government irrespective of the monetary benefits as that was not the resolutions from the Governors of Southern Nigeria forum and the town hall meeting held in Asaba and Benin City respectively.
We believe the adoption of the above recommendations would address the worries and challenges open grazing has brought to our dear state. The issue of food security would be addressed and government should also make deliberate efforts in investing in the agricultural sector. Edo people will not be a party to ceding their lands to the federal government plan in whatever disguise. There is no going back on the ban on open grazing in Edo state which is the yearnings of Edo people. Owners of cattle should build their ranches to carry out their legitimate business.
I want to thank you all for taking out your valuable time to be part of this press brieing today.
God bless us all, God bless Edo state and God bless Nigeria.
Signed:
Bishop Dr. Osadolor Ochei (JP)
Interim TEC Chairman