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2023: Makinde Asks Oppositions to Calm Down, says Charlatans Won’t Govern Oyo State Again

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Oluwakemi Ishola 
*Kicks-off phase two of Light-Up Oyo, Under-G-LAUTECH Road Projects
The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday told the opposition parties in the State to calm down, describing them as Charlatans who will never been given mandate to Govern the Pacesetter State again.
Engr. Makinde sounded the strong warning when he kicked-off the second phase of the Light-Up Oyo Project, in Ogbomoso town. He also flagged-off the construction of the 3-kilometre Under-G-LAUTECH Road.
Governor Makinde said that the same opposition politicians who have been posturing about 2023 were roundly rejected by the people in 2019, stating that such politicians have nothing to offer by trying to distract him with talks about 2023.
He asked them to calm down, as, according to him, it is  too early to start talking about second term.
Makinde stated that even if he decides not to seek re-election in 2023,  the state will not fall into the hands of charlatans anymore.
“Let me sound this: if I will not seek re-election, I am sure that Oyo State will never, again, be in the hands of charlatans. So, calm down. It is even too early to start talking about a second term. Some parties that do not have even one councilor are saying that they will send me out of the Government House in 2023,” he said.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor stated these while kicking-off the second phase of the Light-Up Oyo Project, awarded at the cost of N28,360,975,609.76 (Twenty Eight Billion, Three Hundred and Sixty Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Nine Naira, Seventy Six Kobo).
He said the project is expected to cover 223.8 kilometres of roads across all the zones of the state, commending the state’s Bureau of Public Procurement for saving the state over a billion Naira after it vetted the original proposal.
He added that the second phase of the Light-Up Oyo Project is expected to be completed within nine months, noting that the first phase in Ibadan is already at 87.5 per cent completion.
He stated that the phase one would have been 100 per cent completed but for the COVID-19 pandemic, which stopped a number of expatriates from making it to the country.
The project was awarded to Messrs Ledco Allied Enterprises, following what the government saw as an impeccable track record brought to bear in carrying out the Phase One of the project and the smart LED street lighting technology used for the project, which was first of its kind in Oyo State  in terms of the magnitude of deployment, efficiency and financial commitment.
According to the Project Consultant, Governor Makinde’s recognition of security as the first requirement for development is the driving force behind the Light-Up Project, which, he noted, will, apart from providing illumination, have Wifi and CCTV Cameras incorporated into it.
“We are sincerely very grateful for being part of this first class infrastructure that is being delivered to the good people of Oyo State. A couple of speakers earlier on also mentioned the importance of LAUTECH. “For an organization that has been employing engineers and graduates for over thirty years, I can stand here to say that graduates of LAUTECH have consistently delivered very, very well into the future. So, I must thank you, Excellency, for taking the big step required regarding  LAUTECH, to ensure that LAUTECH continues to be great and great and greater into the future,” he said.
Governor Makinde stressed the importance of the Light-Up Oyo Project to the economic expansion and security enhancement agenda of his administration, stating that with the coming on board of the project, residents will feel more at peace to carry out economic activities in a more secure environment.
“It gives me great joy to be here today to flag-off the second phase of the Light-Up Oyo Project. The project is dear to this administration as it ties-in with two of the four pillars of our roadmap to accelerated development in Oyo State (2019-2023). And the two, which are tied together, are security and economy. The light-up will also do us good as far as security is concerned in this area.
“LAUTECH is at the heart of the economic activities in Ogbomoso land and we want the students and those who have businesses in LAUTECH to be able to move between here and the town. That is why this road is economically important.
“When we began this journey in September 2019, the first phase was expected to cover Ibadan alone. It was even called Light-Up Ibadan, leading some to erroneously think that only the state capital will eventually enjoy street light but this is Light Up Oyo State.
“I learnt that those who came to meet you to vote for them, and which you ignored, said this project was their own. And I said we gave it to them but my administration will execute it.
“So, today, we will be kicking-off phase two of the project. We cannot overemphasise the importance of street lights to our state security and also our economy. Even the Bible says that darkness and light cannot exist together. Once there is light, darkness will vanish.
“So, there is a need for us to revive the commercial activities of business owners here because we know the extent of losses they must have experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic. I have requested for their contact numbers and we are going to engage them and see what we can do.
“What this means is, economic activities can be carried out here for a long period. Who says we cannot have 24-hour restaurants, petrol stations and other businesses in Oyo State as it happens in other cities worldwide? These developments start with basic infrastructure such as street lights.
“When we started, the naysayers said we cannot sustain it for three months because we won’t be able to sustain the funds we use in purchasing fuel. But it has been there and we have not gone bankrupt.
“There is a secret I have been keeping all these while but I must say it now. The lights used are energy-saving and also the cost of maintenance is low. When they brought the proposal to me, of course, we didn’t have IPP. So, we have to power it. We intend to use gas generators and they are still working on it. Majority of them will be powered by gas but, in the interim, I asked them to power it with diesel and install an inverter because the consumption is very low. So, to use it for 12 hours (from 7pm-7am), we run diesel for three hours and the rest is inverter.”
Governor Makinde stated that the contract will be financed through Contractor’s Project Financing Scheme, with the Oyo State Government contributing initial counterpart fund of Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Six Million, Ninety-Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty Naira, Ninety-Seven Kobo. (N2,836,097,560.97).
“Since the contractor will be financing the project with his own funds, we will commence refunds after each 50 Kilometres of road has been illuminated. So, there is a moratorium of one hundred and twenty (120) days before repayment commences. Also, we have entered an agreement with them that payment will span over a period of 84 months, that is seven years,” he said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Architect Adebowale Balogun, said that the reconstruction of the 3.0km length of Under G-Stadium Lautech was aimed at eliminating friction and congestion and improving the capacity of the road.
He said the road will improve transportation for the road users, particularly the students and members of the University Community, saying: “The road is being constructed by Direct Intervention of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport at about 65 per cent the cost, if constructed by contract.

FG Approves November 1 as National Youth Day

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The Federal Executive Council has approved the commemoration of November 1 of every year as National Youth Day.

This followed the approval of the report of the Cabinet Committee on the institutionalization of a National Youth Day on November 1 of every year through a memorandum by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Cabinet Committee was set up to consider a memorandum by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, for the institutionalization of November 1 as the National Youth Day.

With the designation, November 1 will now be marked as a day to raise awareness on issues concerning youth in Nigeria and for organizing public information activities on youth related matters.

Every commemoration would have a theme around which activities will revolve across the states of the Federal Capital Administration with each one of them bidding to host the event although Abuja will host the 2020 maiden edition.

The Council directed the Minister of Youth and Sports Development to present the memorandum to the National Economic Council and the Council of State for adoption and the buy-in of state governments.

Reacting to the approval Mr. Dare said “The approval by Mr President in Council for the commemoration of the National Youth Day on November 1 every year is further testimony to how this administration sees the youth as a resource to be harnessed and invested in.

“This development, coming on the heels of a similar approval for the establishment of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, has further energized our resolve to prioritize issues relating to the youth.”

ZLP Warns Makinde On Impacts Of High, Growing Government Debt On Economic Growth

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Debo Adeoye, Ibadan

The Oyo State Chapter of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has warned the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to be mindful of what would be the effects of high and growing government debt on economic growth in the State.

Addressing party faithful and loyalists at the Oyo South Senatorial meeting held at the party secretariat, Samonda Area in Ibadan on Tuesday, the party chairman, Comrade Wole Abisoye added that tax payers would bear the burden of growing debts.

He also condemned the non fulfilment of all the promises made by Governor Makinde prior to 2019 governorship election.

“Makinde has only disappointed himself by not fulfilling the promises he made to our party during the alliance prior to the 2019 gubernatorial election, when some parties including ZLP formed alliance to produce him; a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the sole candidate to contest against APC candidate, Chief Bayo Adelabu.

He said, “Makinde disappointed himself for not honouring the agreements.”

The man who disappointed us disappointed himself by not fulfilling the promises. So, we have to move on. Life must go on. We have what is required to unseat him in 2023.

“It will not be too long. People are still coming to the party. We have a structure on ground. We are organising ourselves to defeat him. After this Oyo South meeting, we will organize for other senatorial zones in the state.

“So, our party is ready to move on and move forward. Anyone who is interested should come out”.

While delivering the speech of High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the national leader of the party, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, a ZLP governorship candidate who was among other candidates appealed to by the Ibadan High Chief to step down for Makinde in the March 9, 2019 governorship election, confirmed Ladoja’s commitment towards making ZLP attractive to aggrieved politicians from other parties and make the party stronger than before, ahead of 2023 elections.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Chief Sharafadeen Alli said that Makinde should remember that someone who promised and fulfilled the promises is what Yoruba called ‘Omoluabi’.

“He should remember that someone who promised and fulfilled the promises is what they called Omoluabi. I want to assure you that all of us are equal in the party. There is no first or last comer. We equally own the party. What is on ground is enough for us to share”, Alli stated.

The communiqué of the meeting was read to the attendees by the secretary of the party, while everyone present approved the communiqué. The communiqué read as follows:

OYO SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT MEETING OF THE ZLP HELD TODAY TUESDAY, 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2020 AT STATE PARTY SECRETARIAT SAMONDA, IBADAN.

COMMUNIQUÉ

Members pledge their unflinching loyalty and support to our National Leader, The Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja for his continue support for the Party and its members.

We appreciate the leaders and members of the Party, especially our candidates in the last general election who were still in the Party as well as all others, who we jointly worked for the P.D.P to win the governorship election in Oyo State.

The Party commends the achievement of the Governor on the payment of workers salaries but note that governance is not only about payment of salaries. There is barely a State in Nigeria today that does not pay salaries.
The Party hopes the Governor will still have it in his heart to fulfill the terms of the gentleman agreement which birthed his government.

The Party adjoined members to remain steadfast and continue to build on our strength. The Party is open to every interested person in the State not minding their ambition. We offer and open playing field.

We stand in solidarity with the governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party in Ondo State H.E Agboola Ajayi, we pray for his success in the election.

We appreciate the role of Party’s leaderships at the National, State and Local government levels for their efforts in seen that our Party ZLP is one of the 18 recognized Registered Political Parties in Nigeria.

Finally, wishing our National Leader High Chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja Happy Birthday in Advance.

All the local government council chairmen who attended the meeting maintained that the party has solid structure to defeat Makinde in 2023. Others at the meeting are Mr. Remi Olajide, ZLP candidate for Ido/ Ibarapa East Federal constituency, Mr. Bimbo Adepoju and State Women Leader, Mrs. Bola Alonge,

BREAKING: Neymar and 2 other PSG players test positive for Covid-19

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Three Paris Saint-Germain players have tested positive for coronavirus, the French club announced on Wednesday.

“Three Paris Saint-Germain players have confirmed positive Sars CoV2 tests and are subject to the appropriate health protocol,” PSG said in a statement.

“All of the players and coaching staff will continue to undergo tests in the coming days.”

The French champions who last month lost the Champions League final to Bayern Munich, had said on Monday two unnamed players had presented with coronavirus symptoms.

French sports daily L’Equipe reported the players could be Argentinian duo Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes, who spent their holidays together in Ibiza.

PSG are set to start their Ligue 1 title defence at Lens on September 10.

League rules stipulate team training sessions must be cancelled if a club has four positive tests, with match postponements possible.

In recent weeks, several French top-flight clubs have reported positive tests, including Lyon, Marseille, Rennes, Nantes and Montpellier.

Marseille’s game against Saint-Etienne on August 21, which was set to be the season opener, was postponed.

JUST IN: Petrol Price is N151.56/Litre, Effective from Sep. 2 – PPMC

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The pump price of petrol has been increased to N151.56 per litre with effect from September 2, 2020.

This was disclosed in an internal memo issued by the Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Ibadan depot, to all the stakeholders on September 2, 2020, and signed by the Depot Manager, D.O. Abalaka.


The PPMC internal memo reads, ‘’Please be informed that a new product price adjustment has been effected on our payment platform. To this end, the price of premium motor spirit (PMS) is now one hundred and fifty-one naira, fifty-six kobo (N151.56) per litre. This is effective 2nd September 2020.’’

Details later…

HAPPENING NOW! Edo 2020: Benin Monarch Meets PDP, APC and other Parties for Peace Talks

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, is currently holding a truce meeting with candidates of the different political parties participating in the September 19 governorship election in the State to sign a peace pact.

The Oba of Benin who is worried by the rising violent tendencies said a peace pact will enable political gladiators to talk to their followers to shun violence before, during and after the September 19 governorship election.

The two major political parties, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the main opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC, have been embroiled in accusations and counter-accusations concerning alleged attacks on both sides, especially during the campaigns.

 

Oyo Markets Leadership Crisis: Group Kicks Against Imposition, Promises To Defend Constitution

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Shortly after the Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa released a statement in which he confirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of His Imperial Majesty, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji’s installation of Alhaji Y.K. Abass as Babaloja of Oyo State, a group, Coalition of Traders in Oyo State has kicked against what they called imposition and promised to defend their association’s constitution.

The group, in a letter signed by three of its members, Comrade Ajala, Comrade Abu Abioye and Comrade (Mrs.) Oyewo, and made available to journalists on Tuesday evening in Ibadan, condemned the decision of some individuals to cause crisis in the association.

“It’s an embarrassment and very disgraceful that some individuals could nursed idea of imposing a leader on over two million market men and women in the state at the period when everyone is praying God to completely drive Covid-19 away from Oyo State to enable normalcy returns and end the suffering of our dear people.”

The group went further to list their submission as follows:

“That over two million market men and women from the 33 Local Government Councils in Oyo State agreed and nominated the Chairman of Babaloja and Iyaloja of Bodija Market, Ibadan, who is also the Chairman of Babaloja and Iyaloja of 11 Local Government Councils in Oyo State, Alhaji Sumaila Aderemi Jimoh as Babaloja Of Oyo State.

“That at the House of Chiefs, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan where Alhaji Sumaila Aderemi Jimoh was elected as Babaloja of Oyo State all zones have their Iyalojas and Babalojas in attendance, including Okeogun, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, others are the 4 zones from Oyo Town.

“That the process that produced Alhaji Sumaila Aderemi Jimoh as the Babaloja of Oyo State followed due process and was conducted in line with the constitution of our association. This was the reason why their wasn’t any objection or rancour throughout the process.

“It is pertinent to also state here that our association, like every other associations or unions registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“Just like no one can singlehandedly impose leader on any of these, NMA, NBA, NFF, NSE, NLC, TUC, it would be very impossible for any one to impose a leader on our association. We have constitution and it must be adhered to, to avoid crisis.

“We know and believe the state governor Engr. Seyi Makinde is a lover of peace and a respecter of rule of law. He would not want to go against the rule of law which he has also benefited from when governorship election that produced him was challenged in the court of law. Neither would the governor be interested in any issue capable of truncating the peace currently enjoy by the good people of Oyo State.

“We also know Kabiyesi, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, to be a defender of his subjects, promoter of people, who always stand against injustice, especially of this nature; which is similar to what late Senator Abiola Ajimobi was trying to carry out when he embarked on illegal restructuring of Ibadan Obaship Titles. It is on record that Kabiyesi resisted this evil agenda very unrepentantly.

“To also buttress our assurance on Kabiyesi’s zero tolerance for injustice. His Majesty has once sent us a letter on similar issue, the letter was on Kabiyesi’s letterhead paper and signed by Adeola Oloko on 16th July, 2020. It reads, ” Kabiyesi Olubadan asked me to inform you that as a matter of principle, he does not interfere in the internal affairs of traders.” Counting on this, we have the believe that some selfish individuals are those misleading His Majesty on this issue.

The Coalition reaffirmed its stand on who is the authentic Babaloja of Oyo State by making a statement that, “Alhaji Sumaila Aderemi Jimoh who was duly and constitutionally elected as Babaloja of Oyo State remain as Babaloja of Oyo State and has legal rights to continue functioning in the same capacity till his tenure ends, with option to seek re-election for the 2nd term,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Coalition warned any other person parading himself as Babaloja of Oyo State to desist from the act. “We hereby warn whoever is parading himself as Babaloja to stop doing so immediately because we won’t compromise our stand on the choice of Alhaji Sumaila Aderemi Jimoh as Babaloja of Oyo State. We are ready to defend the mandate of over two million people without fear of intimidation or arrassment.

“As law abiding citizens we hereby appeal to the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Commissioner of Police, Heads of other security agencies, the traditional rulers, religious leaders, leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Congress and personalities in the society to as a matter of urgency and necessity intervene to prevent looming crisis and possible break down of laws and order,” the group appealed.

BREAKING: Messi’s Father Arrives in Barcelona to Discuss Son’s Future

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Jorge Messi has arrived in Barcelona to discuss the future of his son with the club president Josep Bartomeu.

Daily Record earlier reported that Lionel Messi has agreed to personal terms with Manchester City that if given the green light would be worth €700m over five years. Three years in Manchester before moving to MLS side New York City FC.

However, according Goal.com, Frenkie de Jong has revealed that Lionel Messi remains in Barcelona players’ WhatsApp group chat despite recently asking to leave the club.

Politicians, Others Offended By My Husband Should Forgive Him – Adedibu’s Widow

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

– Says ‘Most Successful Politicians In Nigeria Passed Through Him’

– Yes, I’m Governor Makinde’s
Godmother

Wife of the late strongman of Oyo State politics Alhaji Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu, Alhaja Modinat Abosede Adedibu has come out to appeal to those he offended while alive to forgive him, as there is no human being that does not make mistakes.

She also added that since he is now late, those who offended him too must have been forgiven.
Adedibu, a PDP leader and Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland died on June 11th 2008 at the age of 80years.

She equally revealed that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is her godson in politics and that in addition to having a cordial relationship with him, she does offer him invaluable pieces of advice.

Yeyelua Adedibu made these revelations while featuring on a radio program, Parrot Xtra Hour on Radio, anchored by Olayinka Agboola on Space FM 90.1 on Tuesday.

She stated that her Late husband was a good man, humble, generous and filled with milk of human kindness, so much that he never liked anyone to be cheated but would rather come to the aid of that person.

“His detractors had so many unfavorable things to say about him. I don’t have any problem with that. You see, for example, most of the time, people would just go and hang a sign post on their landed property, saying ‘this land belongs to Baba Adedibu’, my late husband. “They were only doing this to protect their property. They knew nobody would dare deprive them of their hard-earned property by doing this. Some of the times, Baba would even assist such people to complete the house.

“Baba would take time to listen to both parties whenever issues were brought to his attention and he would make sure an amicable solution was arrived at. Baba was a good man.

“He hated cheating. It is just that people do not show appreciation for good deeds in our society. They like going about peddling rumors about Baba. He is no longer with us. I have already asked for the forgiveness from people he may have offended on his behalf. “Nobody can walk without his head shaking. We will all take our turns to die. It is inevitable. We must learn to forgive one another.”

 

Speaking on how he met her Late husband, Mrs Adedibu said that Baba was just passing in front of her house one day when he saw her standing outside her parents’ home.

“You see the person Baba sent was one of my brothers. It took almost one and half years for me to agree to his proposal as he mounted pressures through some senior family members.

“I was afraid initially as I did not know him. Eventually we got married. I became his fourth wife”.

Furthermore, she stated that Alhaji Adedibu was a romantic husband who never allowed politics to be in the way of spending quality time with wives and children all together.

“Our marriage came about because it was ordained by God. It was destined. He was young then. He was a principled man even in politics and in family life and all relationships. He liked to treat people well. But he didn’t like being put under unnecessary pressure”.

 

When asked about the time some of Adedibu’s followers forcefully dragged a sitting Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Chief Adeniyi Akintola to the Molete residence of the top politician, she responded “the issue was not like that. Baba needed him to be on his side and he invited him.

“Those people sent were just being overzealous. Adedibu never told them to treat him roughly. And when he eventually got to Baba, did he announce what Baba did for him? In fact, there was a time the then President Ibrahim Babangida invited Baba too. He needed Baba to support what he was doing as President and Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces. We first thought Baba would be killed. But he was returned to us in one peace, nothing was done to him.”

Asked about relationship with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, she said that it is all cordial.

“I know His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde is doing well for Oyo State. The positive signs are there. Ask the people. I pray for him to achieve two terms as Governor of Oyo State.

She further confirmed the perception that she is a kind of ‘godmother’ to the governor.
Her words “I am proud to be seen as the godmother of the Governor of Oyo State. Yes, awa ni iyaa Governor”, she added.
She also announced her plan to encourage Governor Makinde to immortalize her late husband.

“I am working on how the governor will immortalize Baba. I will say it here and always that Baba did his best for the state while alive. I do not see why he should not be immortalized. An estate or something more than that should be named after him.”

Alhaja Adedibu averred that she is not looking for any political appointment, nor hoping to contest for any public office in the future adding that her children are old and qualified enough to contest and occupy any office in Nigeria.

On her much-reported plan to remarry, she said “that is the work of rumour mongers. And by the way, it is not a bad idea for me to remarry. It is my prerogative but it is not my priority presently.”

She called on young girls of nowadays to take things easy and have the fear of God and not to give to pressure by peer groups and learn to be good children to their parents. “They must dress decently at all times because it is the way they dress that they will be addressed.

“Parents too have an important role to play. They should teach children about God and the consequences of following the bad route. The foundation is the most important. If you see my mum who is now 97 years old, you will know that she lived and still lives her life well.”
She called on all politicians to shun do-or-die politics, saying that “I cannot fight them whether they are in APC, PDP or whatever. Many successful politicians in Nigeria passed through Baba and myself. All of us should see each other as brothers and sisters,” she added.

Call Auxiliary to Order Over Illegal Possession of Union’s Property – NURTW tells Makinde, Police 

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Oluwakemi Ishola 
Members of the proscribed National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), in Oyo State, have raised an alarm over what they described as overbearing attitude on the part of the Chairman, Disciplinary Committee of the Park Management System (PMS), Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi Auxiliary.
Continue

BREAKING: CMD, 2 Healthworkers Kidnapped in Ondo

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Two weeks after Amotekun was inaugurated, gunmen kidnapped CMD Ido-Ani General Hospital, Dr. Olufemi Adeogun, and two other healthworkers who were traveling to Owo on Monday evening.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the development to the Pacesetter News.
Details….

Happening Now: Swearing-In Ceremony Of Akinwumi Adesina As AfDB President

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The swearing-in ceremony of the newly re-elected President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina is ongoing.

The event is taking place in Abidjan, Cote D’ Ivore.

In attendance are some African Presidents, representatives of the Nigerian and Ivorian governments and other members of the AfDB group.

I Don’t Harbour Caucuses, Ajanaku Declares As Oyo APC Reconciliation Efforts Get Underway

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Debo Adeoye, Ibadan.

The crisis rocking the Oyo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took another dimension at the weekend when some stalwarts of the party were excused from a peace meeting presided over by a former Governor of the state, Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala.

A 16-Man Reconciliation Committee inaugurated by the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi to reconcile aggrieved members of the party was on Saturday invited some members to peace meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

The Chairman of the committee, Chief Alao Akala and Secretary, Prince Gbade Lana
in a bid to reconcile the aggrieved members at the weekend called a peace meeting to settle all the crisis in the party.

Our correspondent however learnt that some strong stakeholders among who were both the former and current Ministers, commissioners, lawmakers and other stalwarts of the party were either not invited or shunned the meeting presided over by Alao-Akala on Saturday.

Those who distanced themselves from Alao-Akala peace meeting included; Minister for Youth and Sport, Mr. Sunday Dare, immediate past Deputy Governor, Moses Alake-Adeyemo, immediate past Minister of communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu and a former Chief of Staff to late Ajimobi, Professor Adeolu Akande.

Others are; former Deputy Governor to former Governor Lamidi Adesina, Barrister Iyiola Oladokun, Hon. Yunus Akintunde, Fatai Ibikunle, Bayo Adewusi, Sen. Adesoji Akanbi, Sen. Ayo Adeseun.

Also on the list are, Asiwaju Rotimi Ajanaku, Hon. Dapo Lam-Adesina, Abiodun Olasupo, Hon. Taiwo Michael Akintola, Hon. Sunbo Olugbemi, Hon. Sunday Adepoju, Akeem Agbaje, Ayodeji Kareem, Isiaka Alimi, Ajiboye Omodewu, Goke Oyetunji and other prominet members of the party.

Speaking through his media aide, Adebowale Adeoye in Ibadan on Monday, Asiwaju Rotimi Ajanaku said that he was surprised a meeting was held on Saturday without extending invitation to all aggrieved members.

“Ajanaku was never invited to the meeting by the reconciliation committee. In fact he was surprised that the reconciliation committee could sidelined him and other stalwarts of the party. The only APC meeting he was invited to was the one called by the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare on Friday.

“Dare said that the meeting was called towards strengthen our party in Oyo state. But, unfortunately after contacting some stakeholders and he (Ajanaku) discovered that some strong stakeholders were not invited and it was not called by reconciliation committee, then he became sceptical and decided not to attend the Friday meeting.

“Eventually he was right not to have attended the Friday’s meeting having discovered that same minister was absent at the Saturday meeting called by the so called reconciliation committee. Ajanaku would have been seen as working against peace and reconciliation in the party.

“The absence of the key stakeholders at the meeting shown that APC is still in crisis. Why was Ajanaku ignored? Is it because of his bluntness, outspokenness or zero tolerance for impunity and unfairness. Asiwaju is ready for nothing but sincere and genuine reconciliation, not partial.

“As for Asiwaju Rotimi Ajanaku, he won’t stay in any party where peace, equity and fairness are not embraced. He is not a desperate politician. His interest is to serve his people by supporting laws and policies that would influence masses’ lives positively,” Adeoye stated.

In a similar development, one of the members who preferred not to be mentioned said that the so called Akala’s meeting was dominated by those who benefitted from the last party primaries impunity. He described some of them as parasites, who is living on its host without making any good commitment to the party.

“Imagine those who only live on the party, since the party loss the governorship election in the state, what have they contributed. Yet they were at the meeting blaming those who left the party due to series of unfairness and impunity suffered at the last party primaries.

“One would have expected the so called reconciliation Committee to caution them, do they have the ability to win election for the party? They are only waiting to be granted another undeserved opportunity to fly the flags of the party,” he concluded.

APC Frequently Suffers Electoral Defeats Due to Bitter, Unnecessary Disputes – Buhari Laments 

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost seats in the legislative and governorship elections as a result of unnecessary disputes among its members in several states of the country.

These were the words of President Muhammadu Buhari at the inauguration of a Tripartite Consultative Committee of the Executive, Legislature and Leadership of the APC at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.

“… The working relationships between the Executive and the Legislative have been excellent so far; our joint responsibility is to keep things that way and see where we can improve our communication and coordination,” the President was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide, Mr Femi Adesina.
He added, “But we must admit to ourselves that our party has been too often embroiled in bitter and on occasions, totally unnecessary squabbles costing us seats in legislative and gubernatorial elections.

“These never should have happened. We are here to make sure such occurrences do not happen again. We must now ensure regular consultations between the party and the Governments.”

President Buhari stated that enhanced consultation within the ruling political party would strengthen its internal democracy and improve the chances of winning elections.
He also noted that the amicable resolution of conflicts in the party through regular consultations would create more understanding.

President Buhari said he had great faith in the Consultative Committee to help improve governance and achievements of the party and assured members of his support.

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, chairs the committee which has as members Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila; Yobe State Governor and APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mai Mala Buni; Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase; Senate Majority Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi; and House Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa.
Others are Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and APC Caretaker Committee Secretary, Akpan Udoedehe.

Makinde’s Constituted OYSIEC Will Not Conduct Credible Council Polls, says SPN

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Oluwakemi Ishola 
The Oyo State Chapter of Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) has faulted the method employed by the Governor Seyi Makinde-led State government in the constitution of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC). 
In a press statement signed by her State Secretary – Comrade Ayodeji Adigun, the party said the new OYSIEC members were unilaterally appointed by the Governor and presented to the State house of assembly for screening and confirmation.
Part of the statement reads:
Given this kind of approach which is the usual practice of successive pro-capitalist governments in the State and also nationally at the federal level and other states irrespective of political parties in power, it is not unlikely that the individuals appointed who had been reportedly screened and confirmed by members of the Oyo State House of Assembly are either acolytes of the Governor/members of  his political party or members of the other political parties in the coalition that ushered in Engr Seyi Makinde-led government.
There is no way an OYSIEC of this kind of composition will ever be independent or free from undue influence and interference of the Governor. It therefore means that it will be extremely difficult if not impossible for this undemocratic OYSIEC  to organise and conduct  a local government election that is not going to be manipulated and maneuvered in favour of the candidates of the People Democratic Party, PDP as the ruling party and their political allies.
This is why we believe in SPN that the local government elections that will be organised by the newly constituted OYSIEC is not likely to be better if not worse than the farce given to us as local government elections in May 2018 by the last Ajeigbe led OYSIEC. The said local government elections that were conducted by the Mr Ajeigbe-led OYSIEC that was set  up by the immediate past APC/late Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led government in the same way and manner as this newly constituted Engr Seyi Makinde-led Government OYSIEC was  characterised by all forms of illegality, impunity and electoral frauds.
Therefore, to organise a local government election that will be free, fair and credible will definitely require an OYSIEC that its control and activities will be freed from the undue influence and interference of the State government. This can only be possible if the composition of such kind of OYSIEC is made up of elected representatives of trade unions like NLC,TUC and ASUU, professional organisations like  NBA, NUJ, credible civil society organisations and all politic professional. Also the principal officers of the commission like the chairman will be elected among members. This is against the current undemocratic situation whereby the chairman of the commission was solely and unilaterally appointed by the  Governor.
The decision by the present Seyi Makinde-led PDP administration in Oyo State to have unilaterally hand-picked the membership of an OYSIEC including its chairman that is supposed to be an umpire in an  electoral process has further shown to the public that the government is not in any way different from the past late Ajimobi led APC government and other pro capitalist governments in the past that have constituted OYSIEC in like manner. 
We call on the working people, youth, trade unions and pro-masses civil society organizations to support our position and also make the same demand in order to ensure the democratic right of the masses to elect their own leaders is not manipulated and trampled underfoot.
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