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)
Edo Civil Society Organisations, a network of civil/human rights groups and community based formations, held her monthly combined general assembly meeting yesterday Saturday 14th October 2023 in Benin City, Edo state capital.
The meeting was presided Over by the Interim TEC chairman, Leftist Austine Enabulele. Who welcome members present, took the house through some sections of the Nigeria 1999 constitution
Chapter two (2) FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVES & DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY
Section 23, which talked about NATIONAL ETHICS, which are: discipline, integrity, dignity, of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self reliance and patriotism. The Section was well explained and analysed
It was indeed an interactive session, knowledge sharing and capacity building
The lecture session also featured questions and answers respectively.
Other important burning issues, state of the network were highlighted and deliberated on
The TEC chairman in rounding up appreciate all members that were present and charged them to always be committed to the organization. And abide by the rules of the network and other constituted authority of the land
New members was also welcomed to the network and introduced to their new study groups
A seven man committee was set up for the planning of our annual world human rights day celebration which is usually marked on December 10th every year.
As you can be aware , Edo Civil Society Organisations is a network of several affiliate groups and community based formations known as study centres which are spread across the state. Its main focus are the promotion of good governance, social justice and human rights.
For contribution or support to EDOCSO you can send a bank transfer to the organizations account numbers below
“EDO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 2028520883
FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA
Leftist Aliyu O. Umweni Interim Public Relations Officer Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO)
MASSES HOUSE: 6B. (Eagle heights building) Obakhavbaye Street Opposite Spirit And Life Bible Church Off Oba Market Road, Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria.
Website: www.edocso.org
Email: Info@edocso.org
Twitter: @Alutaedocso
Facebook: EDO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS https://www.facebook.com/edocivilsocietyorganisations?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Edo Civil Society Organisations. EDOCSO. in collaboration with Environmental rights action/friends of the Earth Nigeria. ErafoEN Zero waste Ambassadors zeWA. today Thursday 28th September 2023 Embarks on a one day peaceful protest (march) to some streets in benin city started from kings quare benin city and thereafter went to 7up bottling company at Oluku and coca-cola bottling company in Eyean community, to demand that our streets must be free from pollution most expecially plastics waste
Various activist sensitized and elightened citizens of Edo state and staff of various bottling companies on the need to be free from plastic waste and also demand that these plastics waste should be removed from our street in the coming days. The dangers and disavantages of plastic waste and how it affect our environment was also focused on.
The protest which was tagged; TAKE IT BACK TO THE MANUFACTURER is to draw the attention of various companies to the important of recycling and making our environment free from plastics waste thereby reducing pollution and to ensure environmental equity and Justice.
Climate change is happening, humans are causing it, and I think this is perhaps the most serious environmental issue facing us. Join us let’s eradicate our city from pollution
Let’s stay green.
Leftist Aliyu Umweni. Interim Public Relations Officer Edo Civil Society Organisations. EDOCSO.
MASSES HOUSE: 6B Obakhavbaye Street Opposite Spirit And Life Bible Church Off Oba Market Road, Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria.
STATEMENT BY EDO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS (EDOCSO) ON THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS AND A CALL TO END THE CULT KILLINGS IN EDO STATE DELIVERED ON SATURDAY, 9TH SEPTEMBER, 2023
We welcome all the ever steadfast comrades, citizens of our great nation and residents of Edo states, members of the press and distinguished ladies and gentlemen to this press conference.
The Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) having observed and analysed carefully the outcome of the Edo 2023 local government council elections held on the 2nd of September 2023, we have come to the conclusion that it fails to meet up with the expectation, confidence and credibility we assumed of the umpire, Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) and the Obaseki led government of Edo State.
Prior to the build up process to the election, based on all the promises made to Edo voters and political stakeholders on requirements for evaluating the credibility of the elections, wherein EDSIEC assured of the reliability of all voting materials, and transparency of the process. However, contrary to the above expectations, the Edo 2023 LGC elections were marred with very shabby organization, logistics and operational failures here and there, failure in electoral transparency, cases of violence in some areas where there were materials and seemingly keen contests between parties.
Furthermore, we received credible reports from our members who were voters from the different polling units around the 18 LGAs which gave credence to our assertion of the shambolic elections. We want to express our deep disappointment in the local government elections held by Edo State Independent Electoral Commission on the 2nd of September 2023, as we adjudge it not to be transparent, credible and fair, even to the process of the declaration of the winners where some sections of the electoral law were obviously and deliberately ignored making same look like a one party or family affairs, thereby making it appear like a selection of sort and not an election.
The above actions of the Edo electoral umpire further showed to us that indeed many politicians and their service agents do not mean well for the betterment of the average Edolite as the election was a show of shameful selection.
POST LGC ELECTION
On post elections, we observed series and pockets of dissatisfaction, misgivings and unacceptance of the results and winners declared by EDSIEC which gave birth to unhealthy utterances by politicians to the extent that some unscrupulous individuals using a photograph of one of our meetings years ago being attached to a shameful post to adjudge the election credible. Using a photograph of EDO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS (EDOCSO) meeting in support of a political publication giving credence to the transparency of a shambolic election is tantamount to impersonation and deserves to be investigated by law enforcement agencies to serve as deterrent to others. The general public should take note that the referenced publication never emanated from us.
As a group, we try as much as possible to maintain our apolitical status at all times. Therefore, we can’t be used by politicians to achieve their selfish interest. Very credible report has it that some avaricious self styled ‘activist’ named ROY ORIBHABOR was contracted by politicians to embark on such disgraceful voyage in Edo State. We want to use this medium to warn the unscrupulous elements to steer clear from using our name (EDOCSO) or any materials concerning us for any activities without approval from its leadership or they will be seriously dealt with legally. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
OUR DEMANDS TO EDSIEC
That the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission apologizes to Nigerians and Edolites in particular for the national embarrassment in the name of election that fall short of their promises during the pre-election process as this was one election that Edolites came out in their numbers to exercise their franchise out of trust for the assurances of the Edo State Government and EDSIEC which came out with disappoinment from EDSIEC, for not providing materials and officials in over 70% polling units of the almost 5000 polling units in Edo state, and going ahead to announce winners.
GENERAL ADVICE
1.We want to say to Edo State government and politicians that going forward in LGC’s elections, if they are not ready to run a free and fair elections, it’s better for them to appoint their illegal Caretaker Committee chairman or whatever title they choose to call them for Local Government Councils instead of wasting the precious time of voters on election day and of course our little l resources on a charade called election.
2.That the national assembly should as a matter of public urgency, quickly amend the electoral act to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the power to conduct Local Government Council elections in states, even though their own credibility is shaking too, it will still be better than what we get from state’s electoral umpire.
CULT KILLINGS IN EDO STATE
We want to use this opportunity beg and call on all those involved in this killing of our young ones in the guise of cult supremacy to stop it now, and to realize that they are wasting dreams that are yet to be tapped into, supposed future leaders as this is not an ideal action expected of us as young people. We are saying today:
LET’S STOP THE COLOUR WAR.
LET’S STOP THE BLOODBATH IN EDO.
LET’S PUT EDO IN THE WORLD MAP FOR THE GOOD REASONS.
LET’S STOP THE NATIONAL AND WORLD EMBARRASSMENT OF EDO IN THE NAME OF CULTISM.
LET’S JOIN TO FIGHT OUR COMMON EVIL “BAD GOVERNANCE & POLITICIANS” NOT KILLING OURSELVES.
We want to also call on the Nigeria police, Edo state command, led by CP Dankwara, to let the officers know that the raiding going on in Edo now against the cultists is supported by us, however, they should not use it as an opportunity to milk innocent Edolites whom they know are not involved in CULTISM and still collect money from them, we expect that the patrol and raiding will be done professionally to clean and fish out this unscrupulous elements who don’t want us all to have peace in the name of CULTISM.
CONCLUSION
I want to on behalf of the Interim TEC Executive and leadership of Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) appreciate all our members and all well meaning Edolites who came out to vote, though disappointed because of the absence of voter’s materials and officials that they shouldn’t give up as we hope that one day we will have a government system with conscience to do the right thing and give us good governance.
I say thank you for coming out in our numbers. Let’s not be discouraged by the show of shame by EDSIEC.
God Bless The Federal Republic Of Nigeria!
God Bless Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO)
God Bless Us All Nigerians.
Thank you.
SIGNED:
Leftist Austine Enabulele Interim TEC Chairman Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO)
Leftist Grace Okike Interim TEC Secretary Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO)
MASSES HOUSE: 6B, Obakhavbaye Street Opposite Spirit And Life Bible Church Off Oba Market Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Pictures from the colloquium held yesterday 28th off August 2023 to mark the 60th anniversary of Midwest Referendum celebration held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub by the Nigerian Observer, the leadership and members of Edo Civil Society Organisations were in attendance to grace the event
Leftist Aliyu Umweni Interim Public Relations Officer Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO)
DISCLAIMER:PROLIFERATION OF ‘HUMAN RIGHTS’ BUSES IN EDO STATE AND EDOCSO CONCERNS.
The leadership and members of Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) have been inundated with calls from members of the public of reports of unwholesome operations of commercial buses, mostly mini buses with the inscription ‘Human Rights Advocates’ or ‘Human Rights Defenders’ operating in Edo state.
These calls are coming against the backdrop of the fact that Edo Civil Society Organisations, has been a formidable network of civil rights groups across the state was the pioneer entity to kickstart the most efficient, coordinated and cheapest transport scheme with the aim of ameliorating the suffering of the masses, creating jobs and bridging a gap for the government. Our route has always been Sokponba-Ukhiri for as low as N250 and only recently we introduced Sapele Road-BIU for as low as N400 per trip respectively. The scheme was a child of necessity and not for profit making.
Our worries became fully confirmed when our former Coordinator General, Leftist Omobude Agho was called from a live radio programme on Independent Radio (ITV) on the 16th of August, 2023 to answer for the numerous allegations from members of the public against the operations of the buses with the inscription ‘Human Rights Advocates’ or ‘Human Rights Defenders’ as EDOCSO is the seemly group with such inscription on their buses.
We want to put it on record that, we have never had mini buses under our scheme since inauguration on the 11th day of August, 2018. The lowest vehicle capacity in our scheme are 14-seater-buses. We are not in the practice of collecting huge amount of money for registering buses under the scheme neither do we collect charges from the buses on daily basis.
It should be noted that, the proliferation of the buses with the inscription ‘Human Rights Advocates’ or ‘Human Rights Defenders’ became noticeable when Edo state government rolled out plans to ensure every commercial vehicle in the state key into the colour code programme for the purpose of data collation and public security. This brought to the fore faceless and baseless individuals who have embarked on the business of registering vehicles indiscriminately with the inscription ‘Human Rights Advocates’ or ‘Human Rights Defenders’ and collecting huge amount of money in order not to comply with the colour code processes.
We are calling on the state government and particularly the Edo State Transport Authority to quickly address the impending danger posed by this trend. The operations of groups must be streamlined for easy management and accountability for public safety. Ever since EDOCSO embarked on the provision of cheap and highly coordinated transportation to Edo people, we have enjoyed cordial collaboration with government agencies and there have never been any negative reports from members of the public or government. We have a laborious screening process and a robust database alongside with painstaking and rigorous training for our drivers.
Leftist Aliyu Umweni Interim Public Relations Officer Edo Civil Society Organisations EDOCSO.
MASSES HOUSE: 6B, Obakhavbaye Street Opposite Spirit And Life Bible Church Off Oba Market Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Edo Civil Society Organisations has officially inaugurate a new study centres yesterday 6th of August 2023, in isihor community in Ovia North East local government area of Edo state. The venue of the study centre is located at CITY BAR BUILDING isihor, along benin Lagos express road.
The interim leadership ably led by the chairman leftist Austine Enabulele and other executive were on ground to officially flag off the study centre
As you may be aware, study centres are grassroots teaching and mobilization platforms where locals residence are equipped with information on their rights and consciousness activation in achieving an egalitarian society.
This new study centre brings the total number of study centres across the state to 23. The establishment of study centres have greatly enhanced the fight against human rights abuses in communities mostly among the educational disadvanted persons.
Edo civil society organisations (EDOCSO) is a movement of non religious, non political, non ethnic, but human person driven organisation, a pressure group wish purpose is to advocate, sensitize and also teach citizen about human rights
Membership to the organisation is open to every persons of good will irrespective of tribe, race, nationality, Or Political affiliations we serve as the mouth piece and conscience of the people committed in liberating the oppressed, advocating for good governance, social justice and equal rights.
Our Motto is promoting good governance, social justice and human rights
VISION the actualization of a society where the rights of all persons are restored and sustained, dignity and national pride, and to build society where equity and Justice shall rein. A society where equally opportunity is given to everyone to aspire and Excel to the very ultimate irrespective of tribe, religion and circumstance of birth
MISSION promotion of good governance, equity and social justice at all levels towards. reengineering positive change, fast tracking development, building and equipping accountable, transparent and egalitarian society.
Leftist Aliyu Umweni Interim Public Relations Officer Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO).
MASSES HOUSE: 6B, Obakhavbaye Street (Eagle heights Building) Opposite Spirit And Life Bible Church Off Oba Market Road, Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria.
