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Anti-Corruption War: Don recommends special courts, other reforms

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Peter Ayoade, Ibadan

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Olanrewaju Onadeko has recommended the establishment of special courts and some other reforms to strengthen the war against corruption in the country.

The professor of Law made the recommendations while delivering an inaugural lecture on Thursday at Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo.

The lecture entitled ‘Society in Dissonance -Enthrenched Laws, Order, The Judex and Imperfect Harmony’ was the 18th to be delivered at the university.

Onadeko lamented the low level of conviction in corruption cases, particularly those involving well known defendants, saying there was need for creation of special anti-corruption courts.

“From 2000 to 2017, more than 1500 non-high profile convictions were secured by the anti-corruption agencies, but they secured only 10 high profile convictions within the same period with 167 cases pending.

“Of the 10 convictions, three were granted presidential pardon. I think President Obasanjo did two and President Jonathan did one.

“It has been noted that most corruption cases against high-profile offenders do witness delay tactics and tricks by the defendants to truncated their trials

“There is an emerging reality of captive justice system at the mercy of high profile offenders and their platoon of defence counsel,” he said.

The varsity don called for the establishment of special divisions of the federal and state high courts to handle trial of corruption cases.

He recommended that judges deployed to the special courts must have uninterrupted tenure of not less than four years to ensure stable and seamless proceedings.

Onadeko said that deployed judges should be allowed to conclude all cases pending before change of deployment or elevation to higher bench.

The senior advocate said that the role of the law profession in the administration of justice was both ubiquitous and profound.

According to him, “no progressive and democratic society can continue to bask in the ever selling entrenchment of corruption and its consequences.

“The legal profession is a visible and key participant in the unending task of nation building.

“And if it is identified as being complicit in obstructing the war against corruption, the profession should introspect and find a way of getting back to what is expected of it.”

Onadeko said that judges should be enjoined to put the justice of every case at the fore and be even handed in discharging their responsibilities.

He admonished judges to be wary of excessive display of academic prowess when faced with interpretation or construction of law in the face of overwhelming evidence culpability by defendants.

The senior advocate called on the National Judicial Council(NJC) to constantly monitor the progress of all corruption cases from time of arraignment of defendants to conclusion.

He said that the NJC should ensure judicial officers granting inordinate orders to prevent or restrain functionaries of anti-corruption agencies from their duties be sanctioned for misconduct.

Onadeko also stressed the need to modify the immunity clause in section 306 of the constitution to serve its true purpose by introducing clearer words to define its overall extent.

He said that the major anti-corruption laws be kept under constant watch by the Attorney-General of the Federation with a view to introducing relevant modifications as circumstances necessitate.

The varsity don recommended the creation of the law reform commission under the ministry to collaborate with anti-corruption agencies on quarterly basis.

The lecture was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dapo Asaju, the management, staff, students, academics and family of the lecturer.

Stop wasting Oyo State funds on PDP, Vice Presidential Ambition – APC Professionals Tell Gov Makinde

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has been told to concentrate on governance and stop wasting the State meagre resources on the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and his ambition to be vice president in 2023.

Rising from its meeting in Ibadan on Friday, the Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals (APC-P), alleged that it has credible information suggesting that over N7 billion had been squandered by the governor on various activities of the PDP in the last six months.

According to the group’s Chief Convener, Alhaji Adekunle Lawal, Governor Makinde has completely abandoned governance in Oyo State for his quest to extend his political control to the entire Southwest, South South and some States in the North Central.

The group said there was nothing to show for the governor’s more than 15 months in office apart from accumulation of debts.

It alleged that over N3 billion has been spent on the Ondo State election, with governorship aspirants of the PDP being paid millions of Naira as settlement by Governor Makinde.

The APC Professionals blamed the lackadaisical attitude of Governor Makinde to the welfare of the people of Oyo State on the leadership tussle in the APC, called on leaders of the party in the State to come together so as to be able to provide the required opposition to the PDP government.

They said it was appalling that a governor in Oyo State will be going as far as Niger State to seek political control, using the State resources and the main opposition party will be silent.

We are not against anyone in the PDP seeking to be vice president and lord himself over their party in the entire country, but such a fellow must not do so at the expense of the people of Oyo State.

It is therefore our call that Governor Makinde should stop wasting our money in Oyo State on his party and personal political ambition. He should stay in Ibadan and provide governance, because as it is, real governance is missing in Oyo State.

Makinde hosts TETFund boss, says Oyo will remain focused on educational development …commends Bogoro for being apolitical

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

…as UI, LAUTECH VCs, others laud TETFund

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has declared that the state under his watch would continue to make education its primary focus, notwithstanding the growing developmental concerns in other sectors.

The governor, who was speaking at a dinner held in honour of the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFund), Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, said that his focus on free and qualitative education would remain unchanged, just as he remained committed to the task of moving Oyo State from poverty to prosperity.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, also quoted Makinde as saying that to achieve results, his administration believes in keeping things simple.
According to him, the development of a well-thought-out roadmap for the accelerated development of Oyo State long before he was elected, has paid off, especially because of his fidelity to the propositions in the document.

Governor Makinde, who maintained that his government has identified areas where interventions could aid the development of the state, said he found relationship with TETFund strategic to the state’s agenda on quality education system.

He commended the TETFund Executive Secretary for making impact by delivering on the mandate of the Trust Fund without bias for political party affiliation or ethnicity, stating that leaders must learn to keep things simple and act in the interest of the nation.

He said: “Our roadmap was well-developed before electioneering and it identified those areas where we think intervention will accelerate development for us. And education is one of them. We looked at the 20 per cent recommended budgetary allocation by the UNESCO and we looked at our annual budget for a sustainable project in education and we knew there are things we will be to achieve for our tertiary institutions if interventions from TETFund and other critical organisations are in place.

“Knowing that there is a lot of discretionary approach to the utilization of their funds, I thought if there is anyone in this whole country that I need to develop a good relationship with, it would be the Executive Secretary of TETFund.

“When we met during the electioneering period, Professor Bogoro explained to me that TETFund is apolitical and this night is a demonstration of what we spoke about at that particular time. One thing I have learnt from Professor Bogoro is to make an impact. As leaders, we just have to keep it very simple.
“I want to thank you for your leadership at TETFund, for being apolitical, and for looking at your duty as an assignment for the entire country, irrespective of ethnic background and political leaning. This is the kind of leadership we deserve in this country, and that is what can take this country out of the woods.”

In his response, the TETfund boss commended Governor Makinde’s priority attention to the development of the education sector, noting that the governor has raised the bar in terms of increasing annual percent funding for education.

“I am told it is 23 per cent and that is definitely one of the highest in this country. I am not sure if there are more than two or three states, if any, that may surpass that percentage. That is commendable.
“It shows the priority that Governor Makinde gives to education. For me, I am not surprised because we are in the South-West where it is said that in education, they lead, and the rest of the country follows.
“There is no doubt about it that in all the indices of investment in education, the South-West leads the rest of the country. For political leadership to demonstrate that in all ramifications, I want to appreciate the governor in the manner he has done it.

“Any leader that recognizes human capital as the foundation for development has established the basis for competitiveness in wherever that leader is presiding over. For that reason, I respect Governor Makinde and the entire people of Oyo State that are supporting him to do all these,” the TETFund boss said.

Prof. Bogoro, who expressed his delight at the honour done to him, added that having listened to eight of tertiary institutions being supported by TETFund in Oyo State, he was not disappointed, as according to him, the Trust Fund has been getting the best value for its money.
He promised that the Trust Fund will continue to support institutions in the state, expressing its belief that such effort will show the confidence the agency has in Governor Makinde’s effort so that he could consolidate on what he started.

He said: “Today, what I saw in Ibadan in the three institutions that I commissioned projects; I was not disappointed. A number of TETFund infrastructure in U.I that were inspected are very likely to be completed within the next two months; Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education and the rest.
“We are getting the best of value with TETFund money that we are putting into Oyo State and I can assure you that having eight of institutions that are doing well as we have in Oyo State, we give them discretionary concession of additional funds.

“So, this is to assure you that we will continue to support your institutions as it were, because we believe it is our small way of demonstrating confidence in what you are doing. We are very sure it is what you need to consolidate what you have started a little above a year you got into the office.
“I promise that we will continue to do what we need to do so that your institutions will continue to improve in ranking as never thought about before now.”

Earlier in their separate remarks, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye and the Vice Chancellors of the University of Ibadan and the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Professors Idowu Olayinka and Michael Ologunde, respectively, commended Bogoro and TETFund for the support to institutions in Oyo State.
The commissioner appreciated Governor Makinde for allowing the dinner in honour of Bogoro and TETFund in recognition of the support being given to institutions in the state, stating that the state will ask for more.

“Like Oliver Twist, we will continue to ask and demand more support from TETFund. We appreciate what you have been doing and we believe you will continue to support us more.
“You said that in a state where you have responsible leadership that wants to transform the education sector; leadership that is working towards the growth and development of the state, the institution of TETFund will continue to support such leadership. And one of the examples of such leadership is the government of Oyo State.”

In his remarks, Ologunde said projects funded by TETFund have made a huge difference, describing Bogoro as an outstanding leader.

Similarly, the UI VC, Prof. Olayinka said: “The fact has remained that Ibadan is the intellectual capital of Nigeria. Only God knows how many secondary schools we have in Oyo State for which the governor is responsible for paying their salaries. So, we are very grateful to the governor.
“All the infrastructure development that you see in most of our public institutions; colleges of education, universities have been due to the influence of the current Executive Secretary of TETFund. He has made a lot of difference in that capacity.”

Heads of tertiary institutions at the dinner include the UI VC, Prof. Olayinka; LAUTECH VC, Prof. Ologunde; VC, First Technical University, Ibadan, Prof. Ayobami Salami; Rector, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Professor Kazeem Adekunle Adebiyi; Provost, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Dr. Rasaki A. Adefabi; Rector, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, Dr. Adejumo Peter; Rector, Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, ESV Kayode Oguntayo Ogunmola; Rector, Oyo College of Agriculture and Technology, Igbo-Ora, Mr. Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle; Provost, Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate, Dr. Joseph Olusegun Adeagbo, among many others.

‘We Will Work Together’, Oyo APC Stakeholders Assure Badaru-led APC Reconciliation Committee

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola

 

The Governor Abubakar Badaru-led All Progressives Congress (APC) reconciliation have met with the Party’s leadership and stakeholders from Oyo State with a view to bringing about genuine reconciliation and establishing lasting peace and unity between the stakeholders of the party.

This was revealed in a press statement signed and released by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Yekini Nabena.

At the massively attended meeting held at the Plateau State government lodge on Thursday in Abuja, all the leaders and stakeholders pledged to work together in ensuring APC is a strong and formidable party in Oyo State.

Aside Abubakar Badaru who is Governor of Jigawa State and Chairman, other members of the Imo, Ogun and Oyo States reconciliation Committee are Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong; Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi; Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya.

The Oyo Stakeholders are: Former governor of Oyo State, H.E. Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, H.E. Otunba Alake Adeyemo; former Minister of Communication, Barr. AbdulRaheem Adebayo Shittu; Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare; Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle; Senator Ayo Adeseun; Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi; Senator Olufemi Lanleyin; Senator Teslim Folarin; Senator Fatai Buhari; Chief Akin Oke; Alhaji Olaiya; Hon Bimbo Kolade; Hon. Shina Peller; Hon. Bimbo Kolade; Dr. Yinus Akintunde; Chief Bayo Adelabu; Mr. Joseph Tegbe; Mr. Zacchaeus Adedeji and Hon. Segun Odebunmi.

Recall that the Chairman of the
APC Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni recently inaugurated the reconciliation committee inline with its mandate to achieve peace building, true reconciliation and to give every member a sense of fairness and belonging.

Oyo Govt. Trains 2,454 Headteachers on Safe Reopening of Schools

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Peter Ayoade, Ibadan

In preparation for Schools’ resumption in Oyo State, the State Universal Basic Education Board has just concluded a 3-day training of 2, 454 Head Teachers in the State, on Covid-19 preventive measures.

The Training session was held across all Educational zones in the State. It commenced on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 and ended on Thursday, September 10, 2020.

It will  be recalled that the pandemic broke out in the Country around March 2020, which led to the total closure of schools.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Adeniran said in view of World Health Organisation’s submission that Covid-19 might be with us for a while, the Board in collaboration with Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have begun capacity building of all teachers at Primary school level as directed by the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control.

He added that the training is complementing Oyo State Government’s efforts in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the State Government had earlier organized and funded training of School Administrators on COVID-19 preventive measures for both Primary and Secondary school teachers.

Adeniran further said that the State Government’s zeal is to prepare Headteachers for a safe and hitch-free reopening of schools and learning facilities, while it takes into consideration the health, safety, environmental protection and security of learners, teachers, education personnel and families.

He admonished the facilitators at the training to follow stipulated measures as well as recommendations put in place by the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control and Oyo State Emergency Operation Centre.

 

While commending Governor Seyi Makinde, he said his leadership quality has helped leaders at all levels in Nigeria to adopt reasonable policies and strategies in fighting the pandemic. He also thanked UBEC for its collaborations and supports with the State Government.

He added that the State Government has aligned some of its policies and actions along with Federal Government, International Agencies, MDAs, so as to prevent the escalation of the disease within school environment and the entire populace.

Adeniran stated that proactive steps of the Board, through its Learning-on-air programmes cushioned the devastating impact Covid-19 might have had on the pupils.

The six major topics in the training, organised by Oyo State Emergency Operation Centre focused on managing schools and ensuring safety in the post-COVID lockdown; the concept and practice of social distancing and its implications; promoting personal, environmental hygiene and cough etiquette as safeguard against COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.

Other topics include, observing other preventive measures against COVID-19 with the use of face-mask; dealing with the psychological effects of pandemic and lockdown on learner and helping them to overcome the trauma and adjust to the realities of the disease; and identifying and responding to learners showing signs of illness.

The training had in attendance the representatives of UBEC, Nigeria Union of Teachers and Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria.

All Hail My Restless, Resourceful and Visionary Leader- Alh. Demola Babalola (DEMBAB) @44 |Akeem Abass

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Dear Leader, I deliberately waited till today before sending my birthday message to you. This is not for any other reason than to evaluate what you are to different people and all you have achieved in the last 44 years of your existence on the earth surface.

Having seen all the accolades and prayers showered on you from all strata of the society, I am more than proud of this great confirmation of who you are to me. I can confirm to you that 70 percent of those you have come across appreciate your impact on humanity.

As the celebration continues, I am writing to wish you a happy birthday and to thank you for your service to our union. I am very proud to identify with you as my leader and a great asset to the Oyo NUJ.

Like everyone is celebrating what you are to them, we cannot but celebrate you for the ongoing transformation in our union which many have confirmed. All these would not have been possible but for your integrity, exposure, influence, gratitude, ability to communicate and tolerate others.

You have exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision, and exemplary leadership which is evident in the achievements recorded within 9 months of your administration.

You are a wonderful leader who deserves our greatest respect for the transformation you have brought to the union through your thoughtful leadership, wisdom and sincerity.

My dear boss and leader, as you celebrate your 44th birthday, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah(SWT) grant you long life, sound health, wisdom and abundant grace.

Warafanau Mokana Aliyah.

Happy birthday to my worthy leader

Akeem Abass

Makinde Running S/West PDP Like Sole-Administrator, Excluded Key Stakeholders From Ondo Campaign Council, Zonal Caretaker Members

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Members of the Southwest Zonal Caretaker Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have accused the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde of running the party in the zone like a one man show, raising concerns over the composition of Ondo State Governorship Campaign Council, in which key leaders in the South West were excluded deliberately.

The caretaker committee members, who declared that Governor Makinde’s non-inclusive leadership style had caused clear division of the party in the zone, also passed a vote of no confidence on the Chairman, Dayo Adegbenro, calling for his removal by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) over alleged incompetence.

The members made this known in a letter to the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, dated September 10, 2020.

The letter was signed by seven out of the 12 members of the Caretaker Committee. The signatories were, the Zonal Secretary, Daisi Akintan, Funmilayo Ogun, Ayobola Fadeyi-Awolowo, Nekan Olateru-Olagbegi, Martins Oluabiloye, Wahab Owokoniran and Mustapha Sikiru.

“Also, Governor (Makinde) is not running an inclusive leadership government in the Zone failure which has affected the party negatively; of particular concerns the unpatriotic composition of Ondo State governorship campaign Council that has excluded deliberately the key leaders in the South West. Thus, there is a clear division of the party in the Zone, without doubt the party has divided into two in the South West,” they said.

Calling for the removal of the Chairman, the seven members said; “He has failed thus far to summon any Executive meeting of the Caretaker Committee and even the Stakeholders meeting of the Zone. At best he remains an unimaginative puppet that consistently reacts to the pull of the strings by the puppet master.

“That on account of the foregoing, the NWC of our Party is hereby invited to remove him from office before he does incalculable damage to the Party. Failure to so do within a short while will compel all Caretaker Committee members to resign enmass.”

They dissociated themselves from the Press Statement issued by the Chairman, condemned its content and context, saying he did not act on behalf of Southwest Zonal Caretaker Committee.

“We take further exception to the insinuation contained in Ogungbenro’s statement to the effect that Gov Seyi Makinde is the Sole Administrator of the Party in the South West. That indeed is an illiterate opinion as what is obtainable is a collegiate leadership that manages the Party in the Zone,” they said.

While acknowledging Governor Makinde as the only sitting Governor in the Zone and therefore the leader of the party in South West, the seven members stated that “there are other leaders in the Zone that are equally of essence in the management and sustainance of the Party.

“In this regard, we reiterate that ex-Governor Ayo Fayose, Hon Ladi Adebutu and Senator Ademola Adeleke remained credible leaders of the Party in our Zone and we repose absolute confidence in them. We also publicly pledge our loyalty and total support to them as they continue to discharge responsibilities that extend the frontiers of the Party in the Zone.

“We take further exception to the insinuation contained in Ogungbenro’s statement to the effect that Gov Seyi Makinde is the Sole Administrator of the Party in the South West. That indeed is an illiterate opinion as what is obtainable is a collegiate leadership that manages the Party in the Zone.”

See the report in pictures:

BREAKING: Akala, Folarin, Buhari, Lanleyin, Shittu, Sunday Dare, Adeseun, Fatai Ibikunle, Others attend Abuja Peace Meeting

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The major gladiators in Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday evening attended a peace and reconciliation meeting called by the national caretaker committee of the party.

Notable among them are the ex Governor of Oyo State and Chairman Oyo APC Reconciliation Committee – Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala; Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator AbdulFatai Buhari, Senator Femi Lanleyin, Senator Soji Akanbi, Senator Ayo Adeseun, Minister Sunday Dare, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Hon. Odebunmi Bunvic, Alhaji Mojeed Olaoya, Dr. Yunus Akintunde and among others.

Details later…

Kwara govt names stadium after Rashidi Yekini

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Thursday visited the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare in his office in Abuja at a meeting that yielded fruitful deliberations as both sports lovers discussed prospects in youth and sports development.

Governor AbdulRazaq announced that progress has been made in immortalizing football icon, Rashidi Yekini by naming the Kwara State Sports Complex Stadium Ilorin after him.

He said, “We will send a bill to the State House of Assembly to immortalize Rashidi Yekini with the name of the stadium changing after the approval.”

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare had told the Governor about the series of letter that the Ministry wrote to the Kwara State Government for the immortalization of the late football legend.

Mr. Dare has urged the Kwara State Governor to sustain his support for sports development while noting that sports help to reduce social vices. “I want to thank his excellency for hosting our biggest youth game in Ilorin, your excellency we are coming to Ilorin again because of the facilities in University of Ilorin soonest for the youth game. I love the fact His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq loves sport I want to encourage your excellency to invest more on sports,” he stated.

Gov. Makinde’s Aide Seeks Collaborations of LGA Chairmen, Ministy of Local Govt on SDGs

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Oluwakemi Ishola 
The Senior Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to Governor Seyi Makinde on SDGs, Hon. Kunle Yusuff has called for a positive and active collaboration between the local government caretaker chairmen, the ministry of local government and the SDGs Office on the roles they are to play in the developmental projects of the SDGs through the NEEDs assessment exercise.
Hon. Yusuff made the call at a meeting with  the caretaker chairmen called by the Honourable Comissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Bayo Lawal.
He said the SDGs office would facilitate a training for the caretaker chairmen and key officers of the local governments so as to have basic knowledge of the activities of the SDGs.
The SDGs boss said out the 17goals global agenda of SDGs, 4 centers on the cardinal programmes of the Governor Seyi Makinde administration.
He therefore call on the caretaker chairmem to play a primary role in the SDGs activities by coordinating the people in their communities during the NEEDs assessment exercise.

UCH CMD Celebrates Demola Babalola at 44

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Peter Ayoade, Ibadan

The Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital Ibadan, Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo on Wednesday rejoiced with the Oyo State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Ademola Babalola on his 44th birthday anniversary.

In a congratulatory message he personally signed, Prof. Otegbayo described Mr. Babalola as a rare breed in the profession of journalism who has maintained a record that is devoid of any blemish.

The goodwill message reads:

“I had followed very keenly your track as a Journalist and I can say that you have been a rare breed in the profession. You have maintained a record that is devoid of any blemish, and you have carried on your duty with an exceptional courage. I urge you as you move on in life to be more dedicated to what is fair and just to all concerned.
Please accept my hearty congratulation.”

Association of Nigeria Universities Alumni Registers with CAC. *Urges FG, ASUU to Shift Grounds

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Oluwakemi Ishola 
Continue

Fayose Dares Gov. Makinde: Don’t come to my state or else, I’ll face you squarely

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Former Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has told Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state governor not to visit Ekiti and other southwest states with a view to tampering with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the region. The leaders of the party in South-West led by Fayose resolved that no state should be ruled or governed by another.

According to Faroese, Engr. Makinde has no right to interfere in the local politics being played in each South-West state despite being a zonal leader of the party.

He made his position known on Wednesday when he led the National delegates of PDP including the chairmen of the party in Osun, Ekiti, Lagos to Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

“Though Engr. Makinde is the only governor in South-West, he should allow every state to be governed by its local leaders. I am ready to fight anyone that wants to take over the structure of the party in Ekiti from me”.

“There has been a reasonable cold war of who and who becomes the executive of the zone. Governor Makinde has demanded that the zonal executive be sacked and a caretaker be fostered on the zone which the party did. But, since the caretaker committee came into being, he has not allowed them to function because he produced the chairman.

“Beyond that, the fact that there is a sitting governor does not say I should go to another man’s state. Nobody should come to my state; if you come to my state, I will face you squarely.

“I will continue to respect him because he is my brother, I love him so much and I was part of his emergence.”

Earlier, the party in Ogun state had taken over the party Secretariat barely a month after the leader of a faction of the party late Buruji Kashamu died.

The other faction led by Sikirullahi Ogundele took over the Secretariat from the Kashamu faction in a peaceful manner and held a zonal meeting afterward.

Rising from the meeting, a communique was issued and signed by the four states chairmen of PDP in South-West, which include Engr Deji Doherty (Lagos); Sikirullahi Ogundele (Ogun); Sunday Olatunde, Akanfe (Osun); and Bisi Kolawole (Ekiti).

Deputy Gov, NASS members grace Babalola’s 44th birthday bash [PHOTOS]

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Prominent Nigerians including the deputy governor of Oyo State on Tuesday, joined other well-wishers to celebrate Alhaji Ademola Babalola, the State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as he clocked 44.

Olaniyan alongside other prominent Nigerians stormed the NUJ press centre, Iyanganku in Ibadan on Tuesday evening for Babalola’s birthday bash.

 

Among other dignitaries at the birthday bash are Sen. Kola Balogun (PDP-Oyo South) and Rep. Stanley Olajide(PDP-Ibadan South-West/North).

The deputy governor described Babalola has a quintessential leader and journalist of note, saying he had within a short period of assuming office transformed the NUJ in the state.

Balogun, who was represented by Prince Niran Adeyoju, the Chief Executive Officer of SDM Tavern Hotels, congratulated Babalola on his birthday, praying that God grant him long life and sound health.

The lawmaker commended Babalola for his excellent leadership at the NUJ, saying they are proud of him and would continue to identify with his good works.

Olajide also congratulated Babalola on his birthday, commending him for the giant strides at the NUJ within a very short period of assuming office.

Among other well-wishers who felicitated with Babalola through messages are Sen. Teslim Folarin(APC-Oyo Central), Mr Joseph Tegbe, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism.

Also on the list are BCOS Director of News, Mrs Adeola Adedotun, the former Managing Director, Sketch Press, Mrs. Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo and Provost, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Dr Rasaq Adefabi

Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, renowned insurance broker, Mr Lanre Oyeniyi and Nigerian Tribune Editor, Alhaji Debo Abdullahi to mention a few.

Earlier, Babalola had visited the Juvenile Correctional Institution/Child Care Unit, Ijokodo in Ibadan to distribute items in commemoration of his birthday.

Alhaja Faosat Sanni, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, who presented the celebrant with a special birthday cake, also thanked him for showing love and putting smile on the children’s faces at this period of COVID-19 pandemic.

“I want to specially appreciate the celebrant, the foremost influencer and moulded of opinion, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, and everyone at this special event.

“This is timely as we are aware that many are deprived of parental and societal love.

“I appreciate Babalola for showing and sharing love, and thereby putting smile on the faces of these categories of children especially during this COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

Sanni, who called on public-spirited philanthropists to emulate the gesture, appreciated Gov. Seyi Makinde’s positive disposition towards providing succour for children and less privilege in the state.

The event also featured an interactive session where Prof Lambert Ihebuzor, Dean from a Faculty in Lead City University took the audience through the importance and essentials of editing.

Others who attended the ceremony are leaders and members of NUJ in the state as well as well-wishers.

Fuel Hike: Ill-timed but for the best | Hon. Shina Peller

By
Peter Ayoade
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In the past 24 hours, my comment on the fuel price hike has been misconstrued by several people and platforms. An erroneous impression has been created that I am totally against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government but nothing could be further from the truth.

But I believe in saying it as it is. I sympathize with the plight of the people. As the voice of the common man, I understand perfectly well the people’s pain and I am able to speak on behalf of them.

However, this does not translate to opposing the recent move by the government. My earlier grounds was pointing out how untimely the policies were due to the economic impact of the Corona Virus pandemic. And not in any way calling for a protest.

Truthfully, we can’t afford to pay a fuel subsidy any longer. Government revenues have halved and the economy is on the path to a recession compounded by stagflation. We cannot spend over a trillion Naira on subsidy to the detriment of capital expenditure. The COVID-19 pandemic has already revealed the dire situation of our healthcare system. Fuel subsidy is unsustainable and prone to unethical practices.

We have always wanted the downstream sector fully deregulated and it is finally here, though it comes with a price that we all have to pay. It’s a short term sacrifice that will lead to long term gains. Deregulation which will boost investments, as well as the BOT process commenced by NNPC, will help to revamp the ailing downstream infrastructure to complement the refinery overhauls. In addition, Alhaji Dangote’s proposed largest single stream refinery has the potential to ease the burden when operations commence.

The presidential task force on Covid-19 is gradually easing the lockdown in phases and several business categories are yet to resume operations so they have no cash flow to enable them to bear the burden and I believe this is unfair.

I strongly believe that the government needs to create safety nets for our vunerable population as the price at the pump can likely go higher as the global economy reopens and the demand for crude increases around the world.

I have been discussing with my colleagues about moving a motion to pause the fuel price increase at least until our economy is fully open for business.

Those in the entertainment industry are particularly badly hit. Shows and concerts are still not permitted. This needs to be revisited especially in the light of ongoing political rallies.

I encourage everyone to remain calm in these unprecedented times as the Federal Government moves to douse the tensions and provide palliatives. Nothing good comes easy.

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