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YK Abass, new Babaloja-General of Oyo State appreciates Governor Makinde, Olubadan, Alaafin, Others

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Oluwakemi Ishola 
The newly nstalled Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Chief Yekini Abass popularly known as YK Abass has appreciated the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji Ajeogunguniso, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dauda Makanjuola Akinola for their supprts before and during his last Friday installation as Babaloja-General of Oyo State. 
Alhaji YK Abass, who was a former Vice Chairman of the Shooting Star Sports Club (3SC), Ibadan and Founder YKABASS Football Club that won Nigerian under 13 Youthfon Football competition cup in 2003 and later represented Oyo state and Nigeria  in  Europe Norway youthfon world  cup competition, was installed Babaloja-General of Oyo State last Friday by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji at Popoyemoja palace in Ibadan.
The new Babaloja-General also appreciated the Oyo State Market leader’s Council like the Canteen Workers Association.
President under Alhaja Chief Mrs Hamdalat Iyadunni Lawal (2) Tradesmen and Artusans Oyo State.
President undef Alh Chief Yisau Kolawole Hamzat; (3) Joint Traders’ Association of Oyo State.
President under Chief Mrs Patience Labake Lawal JP and (4) NIGERIA YOUTHS TRADER’S ACTION INTERNATIONAL. (NYTACI) under their President : Alh Chief Najimudeen Amole Azeez.
Chief YK Abass also thanked the OYO STATE ASSOCIATION OF TRADER’S IN NIGERIA. (OYSATRIN)
President under Chief Mrs Stella Modupe Olabode JP; (6) NATIONAL TRADER’S AND MARKET LEADER’S COUNCIL. (NATMALC)
President under Alhaja Chief Mrs Sikirat Hammed Lawal; (7) OYO STATE MARKET MEN AND WOMEN ASSOCIATION
President under Late. Chief Dauda Adisa Oladapo and finally (8) IBADAN JOINTS TRADER’S ASSOCIATION
President under Alh Dauda Abiodun Oladepo.
Asiwaju YK Abass is a renowned textile merchant and an Ibadan socialite who got award from  Central Council of IbadanIndigenes (CCII) as a prestigious citizen of Ibadan.
Oba. Adetunji had described the new Babaloja General as a successful business and sports enthusiast, who had contributed immensely to the development in the state.
He said that the new Babaloja rose from being a local textile merchant to an international business tycoon, employing scores of people in his chain of businesses.
The monarch said that YK Abass was the right and credible individual to lead traders in the state considering the contributions of the new Babaloja to the development of Oyo state, .
Adetunji said the newly installed Babaloja is lucky to be installed while he was celebrating his birthday, describing the installation as a success for the entire people of the state.
The Olubadan prayed for peaceful coexistence of traders in Ibadanland, Oyo state and Nigeria.
The new Babaloja promised to always protect the interest of market men and women across the state and partner government in ensuring conducive environment for trading.
YK Abass assured the government, traders and people of the state that he won’t discriminate against anyone.
He urged traders to keep observing COVID- 19 protocol as outlined by the government at all levels.

Alao-Akala’s APC Reconciliation Committee Started on a Good Note, Let’s Give them Chance – Prof. Olowofela

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Oluwakemi Ishola 
The Commissioner representing Oyo state at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Prof. Niyi Olowofela has called on aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to allow ex Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala led reconciliation committee to resolve the crises in the main opposition party in the state.
The for Commissioner  for Education also appealed to them to remain calm and allow the resolution of the crisis rocking the party as well as to put their differences aside and unite.
He gave the advice in an interview with Mega Icon Magazine in Ibadan on Sunday.
The former Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology recalled that before the demise of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, he preached passionately for peace to reign in the party and to achieve that he tasked Chief Akala to lead the reconciliation committee.
Olowofela who disclosed  that he was aware of the terms of reference, opined  that  former Governor Akala as a seasoned and experienced  politician is making frantic efforts to reconcile all groups with divergent views, adding that the Committee had started  on a good note.
The ex-council boss further expressed  hope that the crisis in the party would soon be over, noting that the ability of resolving differences  makes humans unique.
I can assure you, other  aggrieved stakeholders   would be reached”, he said.
It will be recalled that representatives of all groups had expressed issues agitating their minds at the recently held reconciliation meeting in Ibadan. Despite the fact that some groups opined that the executive of the party as presently constituted  should be dissolved,  but former Governor Akala had declared that the committee lacked such power.
Akala who emphasized on providence stressed that the late former Governor Ajimobi in 2011 had no or limited executive but became the govenor and that himself was aiming at becoming a Council Chairman before providence launched him to become the Deputy governor and later the governor.
According to the communiquÊ,  they resolved that the Committee should be expanded by adding aggrieved stakeholders as members  and also to invite two stakeholders from each local government so that all the councils in the state can be adequately represented.

Yoruba World Congress Removes Prof. Akintoye as Leader, Alleges Incompetence, Dictatorship

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Oluwakemi Ishola 
A Nigerian socio-cultural group, the Yoruba World Congress (YWC) has removed its protem leader, Prof. Banji Akintoye, citing gross misconduct. It says the retired Professor of history has divided loyalty and commitment, which is causing acrimony in Yoruba land.
In a statement jointly signed by four of the co-founders of the world wide organization, namely Dr Amos Akingba, Chief Tola Adeniyi, Chief Solagbade Popoola and Professor Anthony Kila, and shared with all registered members of the YWC, Akintoye is charged with gross incompetence, indecisiveness, obnoxious dictatorship, and absolute disregard for laid down rules, order, structure, consistency and reliability – all of which he has failed  to acquit himself.
Part of the statement reads:
After a week of total silence and discreet consultations with  various Yoruba Leaders and Traditional rulers, the apex organ of the Yoruba World Congress has painfully but patriotically relieved Banji Akintoye, a retired Professor of history, of his position as Protem Leader of the global organization.
For example, Akintoye has one leg in the motley associations which elected him Yoruba Leader at Ibadan in August 2019, another leg in Afenifere, a leading Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural political organization where he is the Chairman of that body’s Political Committee and strangely another leg in YWC where he has been decorated as Protem Leader since late 2018.
His legendary divisiveness has created unprecedented acrimony and confusion in all the listed entities, particularly in the European and American chapters of the YWC.
In order to save the soul and spirit of YWC and sustain the huge goodwill and confidence the entire Yoruba race has in the respectable agenda and activities of our organization, it was unanimously resolved that retired Professor Banji Akintoye must be relieved of his Protem position in YWC to enable us continue the urgent agenda of the organization.
Meanwhile the Yoruba World Congress will be administered by Collective Leadership pending the time our new Leader is introduced to the public. 
For emphasis, the decision was reached after one week of turmoil and various attempts to quitely and internally solve a crisis that originated from an attempt by Akintoye and some other people to hijack the YWC Leadership structure by removing members of the Leaders Council. 
It will be recalled that on Tuesday 25th August, the YWC Leaders’ Council refused to sit in a meeting in which Prof Akintoye imported some 20 plus uninvited people to the YWC Leaders’ Council Meeting. Information gathered has now shown that many of these people are not even YWC members.  
Since then several attempts have been made to mend fences but it has now become clear that Prof. Akintoye has made up his mind to pitch his tent with those outside the YWC against the YWC. 
All attempts to make Prof Akintoye retrace his steps came to halt when it was gathered that some people had sworn to an Oath to dissolve the YWC. 
The YWC Leaders‘ Council wishes to assure bonafide members and friends of YWC across the globe that the YWC remains intact and all the activities and commitments shall continue as no one man’s action or inaction  can demolish the bond and dreams of millions of Yoruba people.
Prof. Akintoye remains the Yoruba Leader as elected in Ibadan in August 2019 but that position is now clearly in conflict with being the same YWC Leader and so it has to be reviewed and it is now duly reviewed.

APC Will Retain Ondo State – Hon. Olaoya assures members

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Oluwakemi Ishola 

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the forthcoming governorship elections in Ondo State, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, has vowed that the party will retain the Sunshine State.

Speaking with journalists on Saturday in Ibadan after an enlarged reconciliation Committee of Oyo APC, Hon. Olaoya said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led Campaign Council has been working towards retaining Ondo state in the upcoming elections.

In his words, “I was a member of APC campaign council for Governor Akeredolu in 2016,  I understand the political terrain and the voting pattern of Ondo State. There are six local council areas that determine who wins the governorship seat; the jokers are at my our finger tips. Success is surely ours in Ondo election”

“Let me reassure you, APC is not at risk of losing Ondo State in the next election. Ondo people have accepted APC as a preferred party since 2016 and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu will be re-elected” Oyo APC State Secretary stressed.

Hon. Olaoya is a member of Governor Sanwo-Olu led 104-member National Campaign Council for Ondo State.

Other members of the campaign council include Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as governors elected on the party’s platform and other selected members of the National Assembly.

Recommendations on How to Restructure and Restore the Lost Glory of Oyo APC |Dr. Azeez Adeduntan

By
Peter Ayoade
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1) OUR SLOGAN in Oyo APC, should be ONE PARTY, One Destiny and One Nation.

2) The Division of party membership into LAMISTS & SENACO should be JETTISONED immediately. Why?

a) Only a united party wins elections

b) APC is not ACN or AD.

C)APC is a coalition National Party of equal partners founded on 6th February 2013 by ACN,CPC,ANPP,NEW PDP and a section of APGA.

3) Party Leadership state-wide should be initially on a collegiate arrangement since we are in crisis.

4) A unifying leader will emerge naturally

5) The existing state EXCO’S was elected legally and therefore should be allowed to complete their terms which expire in 2022.

6) Unlike other parties in NIGERIA-The Hallmark of “APC OYO” should be free, fair and credible primary not fraudulent or cash and carry primary.

7) Elective offices should be based on credible primaries not on cash and carry bases NOR ON JAGBA” OR “MUGUN BASIS” .

8)  The constitution of the party in terms of membership should be followed (i.e A member who has been in the the party for 2years and who has paid his regular dues to the party is already vested regardless of where he/she comes from.

9) Arguments as to “I was there in the party before another member” who had fulfilled his membership obligations should not be allowed in new OYO APC.

10) Opportunities for waiver by candidate seeking elective offices can be given ,as per the view and opinion of the party as enshrined in the constitution

11) Where a victor emerges from a free, fair and credible primary, there should not be a winner takes all.(i.e both parties involved should be able to work together for the success of the party not for individual interest.Party must recognize the losers after electoral success with appointments ,unless declined by the losers.

With the above submissions, APC will have a motivated party membership that is ready and capable of winning elections.

Respectfully submitted
Chief (Dr )AZEEZ ADEDUNTAN MD FACS,RVT,FICS)
Consultant cardiovascular surgeon
Consultant GENERAL SURGEON
Osi Basorun of IBADAN LAND.

My Only Ambition is to Ensure True Reconciliation in Oyo APC – Alao-Akala. As Shittu Gives Reason for absent…

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Former governor of Oyo state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala has declared that he would not subject himself for any elective position again. He stated that his only ambition is to ensure true reconciliation within the party and also reposition the party for victories in 2023.


The Ogbomoso-born politician made this known on Saturday when the Oyo APC Reconciliation Committee met with aggrieved groups, individuals and party stakeholders in his Ibadan residence.

Akala while giving his welcome address said his decision to jettison future elective aspiration was for him to carry out the reconciliation mandate given to him by the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi without fear or favor.

“Late Ajimobi knew I was experienced and I could bring all aggrieved members together. I have spoken with all the blocs in the APC and they are ready to return to the party. I let them realise that everyone is stakeholder in APC; the party is not a private company”.

“Some elements are complaining that I left APC and later returned; yes it is true because it is normal to get angry and when they begged you, I have to return to the party. Those complaining are not competent enough, if they are, they should hold their respective areas. They should win their polling unit, wards, and even local government because we are all stakeholders in the party. Everybody should know their worth” he stressed.

“I am no more interested in governorship race again in 2023, therefore, I am competent to talk to all the aspirants. All our aspirants are very competent but they should continue to build the party instead of dividing.”

Senator Teslim Folarin while reacting to the call by some party chieftains to dissolve the current executives of the party, said there was no need for that. “We should leave the Excos for now. The issue is that we are at a crossroad and no one owns the party” he said.

According to Folarin: “I have been in the party for a year, I don’t have a representative in the Exco. Senator Buhari does not have a representative in his 13 local governments. I don’t even have a councillors hip slot then but we have to put that aside.

“APC is an hybrid. The challenge is that how would we work together but luckily in the leadership of Akala we have someone who can lead us.

“You all know my history with him but the truth is that a leader is a leader. He is my leader. In fairness, Otunba Akala was reluctant to lead the reconciliation committee of the party but he is the only one qualified to lead”.
However, the immediate past Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu was absent at the meeting but his representatives were in attendance. According to the Saki-born politician in a telephone conversation with the Pacesetter News, he was officially invited to the meeting but could not attend in person because he was in Abuja.
In attendance at the meeting were Senators Teslim Folarin and Fatai Buhari. Others include Chief Bayo Adelabu, Engr. Joseph Tegbe, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Dr. Olusola Ayandele, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, Owolabi Babalola and elected council chairmen led by Prince Abass Aleshinloye.

Other  legislators present included Hon. Olusegun Odebunmi Bunvic, Hon. Musiliu Akinremi, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, Hon. Shina Peller, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, Hon. Simeon Oyeleke, Hon. Wumi Oladeji and Hon. Isiaka Kazeem.

Also present were Dr Fola Akinosun; former Honourable Saheed Akinade-Fijabi; former Secretary to the state government, Mr Olalekan Alli, Gboyega Adegoke, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela and among others.

BREAKING: Oyo APC Holds First Enlarged Reconciliation Committee after Ajimobi’s Death

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

The former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala led Oyo All Progressives Congress (APC) Reconciliation Committee on Saturday holds an enlarged meeting with the party’s leadership and stakeholders.

Former governor Abiola Ajimobi before his death, inaugurated a reconciliation  committee to settle the grievances between all members of the party.

The enlarged meeting is currently holding in the Ibadan residence of the former Governor Alao-Akala.

The meeting is part of moves to forge a union between all members of the party in the state.

Alao-Akala in his remarks declared that he was neither interested in governorship of Oyo State in 2023 nor supporting any governorship aspirant on the platform of the party. The Ogbomoso-born politician said his doors are open to all members of the party.

 

See photos

 

I’ll Rather Stay Poor and Partyless Rather than Joining PDP – Oyo ALGON Chairman

By
Peter Ayoade
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Peter Ayoade, Ibadan

The Chairman of Oyo State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye on Friday debunked the allegation that he had perfected plans to join the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The ALGON boss debunked the rumour in a statement he personally signed and made available to the Pacesetter News. Hon. Aleshinloye stated that the lie must have been cooked by idle minds who hawk, live and thrive on unintelligent political propaganda they tagged “Ibon Oselu” (political gunshot) to survive on crumbs from their masters’ tables.

The full statement reads:

 “My attention has been called to a trending unfounded lie that I, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, has joined a party called Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. This prevarication is quite laughable please disregard it. The lie must have emanated from idle minds who hawk, live and thrive on unintelligent political  propaganda they tagged “Ibon Oselu” (political gunshot) to survive on crumbs from their masters’ tables.

“The propaganda is untrue, cannot be true and will never be true. I  am not a stomach infrastructure unprincipled politician who hops from party to party seasonally based on transient  political climate change to survive.

“Since I joined politics in 1992 as a youth leader of MKO Abiola Hope ’93 presidential campaign, I have been a progressive and I remain as a progressive and I will die as a progressive politician. This is not accidental because as a student union leader, first as Chairman of Fajuyi Hall and later Speaker of Students Representative Council in the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, “Great Ife” and later joined human right and  pro-democracy movement under the great  leadership team of Dr. Beko Ransome Kuti, Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others to fight against military regimes, my life of struggle and political partisanship has been dictated by progressive spirit of selfless service to the masses and the working class  for good governance and rule of law in Nigeria and overseas.

“This type of principle and pro-people service  is strange and unknown to an ultra-conservative party like the PDP. My records as an unrepentant progressive speak for me and will continue to speak for me.

“I have never discussed with anyone in PDP or any party and will never think of PDP because “political leprosy  or covid” will never be my portion (with due respect to my good social  friends in PDP).

“Lastly, my political associates, leaders and followers in APC, the media, friends and the general public should ignore this insulting fabrication aimed to distract my party, APC and ALGON Oyo State which I am privileged to lead from pursuing  our case against lawlessness and illegal dissolution of local government by the State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, the case which is now at the Supreme Court.

“Thank you all for your calls and messages to express your disbelief about the lie from the pit of hell. That all of you can vouch for me that the propaganda was a lie even before you called me to reconfirm shows the leadership and Abass-Aleshinloye that you know and can beat your chest for when issues of  principle and honour are involved. I really appreciate you for that.

Thank you”, the statement concluded.

Lagos Helicopter Crash Killed Two, Injured One

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

A helicopter has crashed into a building in the Opebi area of Lagos State on Friday, according to a state official. The crash killed two people and critically injured one person.

Sources say that the helicopter – a Bell 206, with a registration number 5N BQW which belongs to Quorum Aviation, came in from Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital with two crew members and a passenger.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Akosile, the injured victim has been taken to the hospital, while the dead bodies have been deposited at the mortuary.

@gboyegaakosile

Flash: There’s been a helicopter crash in a private house at Opebi area of Lagos. Two people confirmed dead, 1 person badly wounded and has been taken to the hospital. The dead bodies have been deposited at the mortuary.

The Lagos State Emergency services are on ground.

Emergency services from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the traffic management agency, and other sister agencies have been mobilised to the scene.

@followlasema

LASEMA Response Team at Opebi Helicopter Crash, rescue ongoing

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency,  LASEMA has activated its resources to the helicopter crash at 16A Salvation Opebi Road, today, Friday, 28th August, 2020.

Operations ongoing. Updates to be forwarded

Tunji Oketunmbi, the spokesperson of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) had earlier confirmed the incident.

The helicopter crashed at 16A Salvation, Opebi Road in  Ikeja, Lagos.

Assault: Fani-Kayode shouldn’t be taken serious forthwith  -Oyo NUJ chair

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Peter Ayoade, Ibadan

The Chairman of Oyo State Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Ademola Babalola on Thursday condemned a former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode for assaulting a Daily Trust correspondent in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, recently. 

The NUJ Chairman while vehemently condemning Fani-Kayode’s verbal attack on the hapless journalist, described the ex-minister as an inconsequential man who is not meant to be taken too serious.

Comrade Babalola made this assertion while featuring on a socio-political programme – “Ojukoju”, anchored by Dr. Adebayo Faleke on Fresh 105.9FM in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

According to Babalola, “journalism is a divine profession whose aim and objective is not to make huge profit but to sanitize the society. It is a risky profession and least loved by the political bigwigs and powerful men because it exposes them.

“Journalists are most hated by the powerful people in the society. We are like day and night as we are both managing and tolerating ourselves. They know we are the only one that can expose their wrong deeds to the people. This is the major reason for the hatred; occasional and unbridled attacks on journalists.

He stated further that journalism as a profession, lacks what is known as insurance cover. “If any thing is wrong with any one of us, we are always on our own. This is one of the reasons the profession is lagging behind.

“Even at that, we are still not relenting in our responsibilities to hold those in government accountable and responsible to the masses in line with the dictates of the section 22 of the Nigeria’s 1999 constitution as amended.

“Yet with the current state of our profession and how they treat us, we still maintain our standards as we don’t compromise with them.

While talking about the bastardized state of journalism, he said “the name of the profession has been tarnished by not the members of the institution but by individuals who engage in what is known today as citizen journalism and it is professionally referred to as ‘Arm chair journalism’ where an individual write anything from his or her comfortable zone. When people stumble on such a fake trending story, they have always been attaching such to us.”

Babalola therefore urged his fellow journalists not to be discouraged by the challenges of the profession.

Oyo Govt to Reintroduce Publuc Waste Bins, Violators Will face Full wrath of Law – Environment Commissioner 

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Oluwakemi Ishola 

Oyo State government has announced on Thursday that waste bins would be made available for public use at strategic places in line with the State administration’s zero tolerance filth and unkept environment.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr Lateef Oyeleke while addressing press men after the Thursday weekly sanitation exercise in Ibadan.

Dr Oyeleke said the government would ensure proper management of the public waste bins, stating that it was available in the past but was unsustainable because of lack of proper coordination.

The Environment boss said the waste bin would adorn strategic places in residential and market places so that people can properly dispose their waste rather than placing them on the road medians.

“We will soon begin placing these waste bins at strategic locations where residents will be expected to dump their domestic waste, these bins will serve residential and commercial purposes and will attract a token so as to be able to sustain the system.

“We are doing this to complement other evacuation systems that are geared towards ensuring a cleaner environment which will precipitate good living among our people.”

The Commissioner however noted that the service would not be free as the smooth running would require the users to pay a little sum because government has invested a lot in ensuring best and internationally acceptable environmental practices.

The Commissioner, while monitoring the sanitation exercise within the Ibadan metropolis of Iwo road, Beere, Agodi, Oja oba assured that the government was committed to the cleanliness of the environment and would make violators face the full wrath of the law.

He also noted that the dumpsite at Awotan was upgraded to comply with international standard so as to mitigate environmental hazards from air pollution that used to arise from refuse sites.

He said the Awotan dumpsite and other dumpsites were being rebuilt to ensure that waste collectors dispose the refuse adequately and at approved sites.

Fani-Kayode: All Great Journalists Are “Rude” By Farooq Kperogi

By
Peter Ayoade
-

I really didn’t want to comment on Femi Fani-Kayode’s viral communicative primitivism toward Daily Trust’s Calabar correspondent because of my knowledge of the state of Fani-Kayode’s mental health, but I’ve read senior Nigerian journalists on social media rail against the Daily Trust reporter for asking a “rude question,” and feel an obligation to intervene.

Rude question? Well, there’s no such thing as a “rude question” in journalism. A Chicago journalist and humorist by the name of Finley Peter Dunne once said, more than a century ago, that, “the job of the newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” In other words, journalists have no obligation to comfort the comfortable. Their duty is to afflict the comfortable or, if you like, to be “rude” to the comfortable.

Asking questions that get a politician’s dander up, that inflame a politician’s passions, is a prized skill in journalism. Here’s why: Politicians reveal the most headline-worthy information when reporters cause them to lose control of their emotions. Loss of emotional control forces them to depart from their scripted, predictable, choreographed, and often mendacious and boring performances.

It’s precisely because the Daily Trust reporter asked a “rude question” (which is a charlatan’s term for a great question) that an otherwise unremarkable news conference is now grist for social media and editorial mills.

Journalists who think the Daily Trust reporter’s question to Fani-Kayode was “rude” and worthy of censure should go look for another job. They’d do well as publicists.

Malcolm Muggeridge once said, “News is anything anybody wants to suppress; everything else is public relations.” Many Nigerian “journalists” are actually public relations practitioners polluting a noble craft.

That’s why some of them apologized to an emotionally disturbed mental midget for asking him a legitimate, probing question. One of them even said to the Daily Trust reporter, “You see your life?”

I, like every journalism teacher worth the name, teach my journalism students the skill to ask politicians trenchant questions that have the capacity to cause the politicians to throw tantrums because politicians, in a state of meltdown, such as we saw in Fani-Kayode’s news conference histrionics, let their guards down and involuntarily divulge the truth.

Smart politicians know this. Instead of allowing themselves to be immobilized by impotent anger, they respond to high-pressure, “embarrassing” questions with poise, and disarm adversarial reporters with humility, grace, and gentleness.

Fani-Kayode’s Vainglory and Ruling Class Tyranny |Oludayo Tade

By
Peter Ayoade
-

“…Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish”(Robert Green, The 48 Laws of Power)

The crass disregard for people in the lowest rung of the stratification system defines the character of the Nigerian society. It is a system of subordination where might makes right and the seeming ‘worthlessness’ of the masses or common man is shamelessly uttered by those who have benefitted and extracted benefits from the system and are responsible for the state of quagmire which the society has been plunged into. Whether using ‘umbrella’ in rainy or sunny times or busy ‘sweeping’ monies into their deep pockets, very few of the ruling class regard their people; majority are exploitative in their talks and domineering in their social relations. Their communications are laced with arrogance, threat and intimidation; all oriented towards silencing unfavourable tunes. Forgetful of the system of government in place, they silence through their anti-democratic laws and cramp active voices into detention. These parasitic elites whose milking of the common patrimony is the only credentials they can portray are sad to see anyone bring them to accountability. This is the sad tale in the viral video of a former Minister Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK) where he hurled insults on the Daily Trust Journalist, Eyo Charles for daring to give him an opportunity to clear the air on the motivation for his project inspection in certain part of the country and who ‘bankrolled’ the trip and in what capacity. He lost the opportunity given to him to state his own side of the story. He lost the moment to shine with egoistic vituperations, vainglory and unsound response.

Nigeria’s ruling class have little or no regard for their people and are ready to unleash this reckless character anytime. The tool of intimidation deployed by FFK was that he was a former Minister with political history from 1990, former Senior Special Assistant and a lawyer. In and out of office, his trips show he still holds the levers of power and enjoy the ideological state security apparatus and are ready to intimidate anyone who dares to ask him to what honour do we owe his project evaluation trips. Someone who is happy to appear before the press for them to listen to him is unhappy to be answerable and turned it to what late Fela Anikulapo called roforofo fight with a harmless journalist. Robert Green’s 48 laws of power counsels the powerful to “always say less than necessary” because “the more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish”. Unfortunately, FFK dared to speak live thinking everyone would be unreflective in their assessment of the ethical expectations of someone of his calibre. Apparently lacking meaningful response, he showed his helplessness by resorting to use his erstwhile political position (Do you know who you are talking to? Bankroll who? a former Minister; a lawyer?), his relationship with media owners (“I will report you to your publisher”) and economic status (“I am not a poor man, I am not poor and I will never be”) to intimidate everyone to silence. Unfortunately, he was not appreciative of the fact that a “soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15: 1) because whoever keeps his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble (Proverbs 21:23). Indeed, only a man of little knowledge talks more than necessary because “whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:27). While no human being can tame the tongue because it is a restless evil that is full of poison (James 3:8), it is advised we are quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19).

FFK’s “do you know who you are talking to?” dramaturgy reminds us of similar performance of a former labour leader turned politician, Adams Oshiomole who ought to appreciate people’s suffering but with power, he lost the empathy and asked a poor widow in the city of Edo to “go and die”. He also described someone as “stupid”. The ‘slapping Senator’, Elisha Abbo could not have a lowly placed store attendant talk to him anyhow and must humiliate her with ‘dirty slaps’. He is also stated that the lady was “very stupid”. Notwithstanding the economic and social power Yinka Ayefele commands, a former Governor of Oyo State, Late Senator Abiola Ajimobi still dressed him down owing to disability after the demolition of his music house. To him, Ayefele ought not to get preferential treatment because he was an employer of labour because ‘thieves also employ people’. Just like his forerunners were treated with public condemnation and associated backlashes, FFK was also not spared for directing a ‘very stupid’ movie.

This ‘bigmanism’ is what poor people have reproduced in “I better pass my neighbour”, a character of showing superiority over another person or making life difficult for them. This tyrannical conduct of disrespect is not only in the political realm but has strong presence in the family where might makes right culture is nurtured to produce disrespectful, uncouth characters and unsympathetic citizens who lord it over people whether in Church, Mosque, Media house, Educational institutions, organisations among others. What FFK’s low ethical public conduct unveils is how the fourth estate of the realm is being stifled to do the bidding of the ruling class — an industry largely controlled by the political class and their business friends. Good enough, Daily Trust management stood behind their man.

Unfortunately, it is not only FFK’s conduct that is condemnable but those of journalists present at the press briefing who saw no need to write a story on the assault on their profession and intimidation of one of them. Some of them were even blaming the man who asked the question. This is why it took more than 72hours for another media house to release the visual because the event was ‘bankrolled’ and they might have been begged to ‘kill’ that part while their colleague’s esteem and journalism is assaulted. Those who fail to challenge their oppression will continue to be subordinated and intimidated. The powerful will continue to use the instruments of the state to perfect the intimidation of the masses unless they are challenged. Tyrannous characters are in every social institution but if we dread them, we become slaves for live. From the public condemnation and the battered ego which greeted the vainglorious Femi Fani-Kayode, we are all counselled to respect everyone no matter their social status and appreciate the wisdom in being quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.

Dr Tade, a sociologist sent this piece via dotad2003@yahoo.com

Shodipe’s Escape Gave me the Greatest Nightmare – Oyo CP Confesses

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Oluwakemi Ishola 

• Says ‘I Stand For Protection Of Human Rights At All Times

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr. Joel Nwachukwu Enwonwu has confessed that the escape of alleged serial killer, Sunday Shodipe from lawful police custody gave him the greatest nightmare in his career.

The police officer also submitted that when he learned about the escape of Shodipe, the alleged serial killer in Akinyele Local Government Area of the state from police custody at Mokola in Ibadan, the experience gave him sleepless nights until the suspect was re-arrested by men under his command.

He admitted this much while featuring on a live program, Parrot Xtra Hour on Radio anchored by Olayinka Agboola on Space 90.1fm in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Tuesday.

It would be recalled that the notorious suspect, who claimed to be 19 years old, supposedly escaped after a police officer, who was said to be off duty opened the cell for him in order to take a bath.

According to CP Enwonwu, the incident not only made the Inspector-General (IG) of police to call him, but that it raised an uproar internationally with people contacting him from the United States Of America (USA), Italy and others.

He said “It was the greatest nightmare of my life. I had sleepless nights because people were saying all sorts of things and they kept calling me, that I should be removed from my post, even though they knew that I was not the one responsible for his escape. The society was not fair to us.

“Some said he disappeared. There is nothing like disappearing. The police officer who opened the cell for him was unprofessional in his conduct, saying the suspect wanted to take a bath.

“He was not even on duty. He collected the key from another officer who was on duty and opened the cell. They are both in police custody now and they’re going to pay for it, their matters has left Command level” Enwonwu added.

The Oyo CP continued by saying that “different people were calling me. You see, the news of Sunday Sodipe’s escape was both an embarrassment and a nightmare to me. My greatest happiness is that he escaped under my watch and he was rearrested under my watch too.”

On the whereabouts of the others who were also paraded with Sunday Sodipe earlier, Enwonwu said that they are all still in custody.
“I have learnt a bitter lesson with this case. The society is ruthless and unfair to us policemen. I felt sad with the reaction of our people. One policeman caused the embarrassment. You definitely cannot use one person to judge the whole system. People know the truth. Was I the one holding the key? They should know that in any twelve, there is always a Judas. You can’t use only one person to judge others. I can never behave like that to others.

“For example, I cannot say that all journalists are bad. It will be unfair. I know there are so many fine and professional journalists. If one does something bad, all I need to do is just single him out. The Shodipe saga taught me a very big lesson,” he stated.

Enwonwu took time to commend the government of Oyo State led by Engineer Seyi Makinde for doing so much to support the state command under him.

“Before I came into office in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde had bought vehicles and upgraded so many of our facilities. Like Oliver Twist, I will still want to implore him that there are still many things we will want him to do for us. Security maintenance is a serious assignment, we need all the support we can get.”

While speaking about the famers, herdsmen relationship in Oke Ogun Area of the state, the CP said “We are doing our best to ensure that they continue to live in peace. We have been meeting the monarchs and others in that zone. We are not interested in persecuting or prosecuting anybody. We just want them to live in harmony.”

When asked of his major focus as the Commissioner of Police in the state, his words “Immediately I resumed duties, I told my men what I wanted and what I expected of them. The first is that they must respect human rights. They should not harass, engage in brutality or intimidate anybody. They should offer quality service to the people. This is the template I operate with. And I will continue along this line.
“In addition, I added a caveat – that my Divisional Police Officers must cooperate with me along these lines. They must be friendly at all times. This is because if a policeman is friendly with the people, he will enjoy their support and this will help him to gather quality intelligence to do his work. I have tried this and it has worked for me. If any of my DPOs goes against these principles, I will do the needful.”
Enwonwu then used the opportunity to promise the people of Oyo State that “Our Command will give you a conducive environment to do your business, we appeal for your cooperation. Our men are there at your service not only in Ibadan but all over the state.”

The Commissioner of Police was accompanied to the Space 90.1 Studios by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ade Ogunyemi and others.

‘Parrot Xtra Hour on Radio,’ a production from the stables of Prokonnect Limited, the publishers of PMParrot.com and Parrot Xtra Magazine hit the airwaves on January 7, 2020 and has since featured the likes of Professor Banji Akintoye, Arc Muyiwa Ige, Dimeji Lawal, Dele Odule, Yinka Odumakin, AIG Bashir Makama, Professor Ayobami Salami, Mama Grace Oyin-Adejobi and several others.

Like Pondei Like Fani Kayode |Adesokan Babatunde

By
Peter Ayoade
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When men are faced with questions that rattled them, some may faint and some breathe wild-fire and brimstone. But no display of crazy theatrics can efface the truth. Men will feign important madness when questions shake them to the core. Like a man hits with a pile driver blow when he least expects, if he doesn’t faint, he throws wide blows.

On the part of any interviewer, apologies are not signs of inferiority complex but a professional mien. It’s like a banker-customer relationship. Even if you have to be nasty, you do it so politely. At least it is better than getting into a rousing exchange. Ask your question. Whether it is answered or not is another ball game. But never take your words back. Apologies can be coolant for the next bite, if there is a chance for more.

Whereas there are journalists who won’t render an apology once they have enough justifications to back claims. It is a matter of style. When assaulted, some take the onslaught head-on and some would blow cool, prepping for another blow. Either way, journalists are entitled to their questions.

Some questioning got Pondei to faint. A question got Fani Kayode to rage. Our nation has a wardrobe for theatrics. We shall keep registering defense mechanisms for evading questions. And as we write, the man has taken his offensive words back. Praise God. They are learning.

Adesokan Babatunde Waliyullah writes from Oyo, Oyo State.

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