The governor-elect of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has said the shoes of his predecessor and outgoing governor, Kayode Fayemi would be too big for him to wear.
Oyebanji said he would prefer to wear his own shoes but follow the footsteps of his mentor, Fayemi.
Speaking during a valedictory session in honour of Governor Fayemi, Oyebanji disclosed that Fayemi had been his mentor for over 20 years, stressing that he had learnt a lot from the governor.
At the event held in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji said one of the things he learnt from his principal and mentor was the act of correcting people in silence.
Oyebanji said he also learned to have the courage to be calm and strong during storms.
”I have learnt through Fayemi that it is possible to engage in too many things and be successful in all. Fayemi will correct you without making any of his aides sad. If Dr Fayemi gives you any task and you are doing it well, he’ll look for another person to do it, so that you will be happy and he will also be happy. I hope you will not leave me alone as you have promised,” Oyebanji said.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has hailed the House of Representatives for its intervention in the protracted crisis between university lecturers and the Federal Government.
The President of ASUU, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, said, “For the first time, we have seen light at the end of the tunnel and the trike to end in few days.”
This is just as the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, who briefs the leadership of ASUU about his meetings with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), over the crisis, said he expected that the strike would be called off “in matter of days.”
The crisis rocking PDP is worsened everyday as Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike his Oyo State counterpart, Governors Seyi Makinde, David Ortom, Ikpeazu among others have shunned the national campaign of the party.
Recall, the Wike-led team had claimed that it is unethical for the PDP to have a northerner as presidential candidate and national Chairman.
They also alleged that Ayu promised to resign after the PDP presidential primaries if a northerner emerged as candidate.
Ayu however vowed to stay on as the party’s national chairman and Atiku’s spokespersons hinted that the presidential candidate had no intention – or power- to force Ayu’s removal.
In September, it has been reported that Wike’s camp pulled out of the campaign council of the party’s presidential candidate.
According to them, Ayu must resign to allow for an acting National Chairman of Southern Nigeria extraction to emerge and lead the party’s National Campaign Council for Atiku in the 2023 general elections.
This came in spite of the vote of confidence passed on the Ayu-led National Working Committee by the recent meeting of the National Executive Committee of the party.
However, despite their absence, the PDP campaign flag-off took place at the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo on Momday.
Present were PDP chieftains, including the party’s presidential candidate and ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, his running mate, and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel.
Others in attendance include; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, his Adamawa counterpart, Ahmadu Fintiri, and the former lawmaker representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye among others.
The PDP campaign is coming barely four months to the presidential election in 2023.
Meanwhile, Atiku, Okowa, Ayu and Emmanuel took turns to address the crowd in Uyo, pledging to rescue the country should the PDP be elected into office next year.
Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine, says Peter Obi, presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party (LP), will not get “appreciable results” in the south-west.
On October 7, the PDP presidential campaign council appointed Momodu as its director of strategic communications.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, on Monday, Momodu said the race for the presidency in 2023 is solely between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said although Obi is popular among the youth, the support won’t lead to victory because “noise” and “rallies” don’t win elections.
“By the time you come to Lagos which is the traditional base of Asiwaju and of APC, you’re going to split into three because of the preponderance of the Igbo community,” he said.
“There would be Asiwaju, followed by Atiku and followed by Obi because there is a large number of Igbo people there and youth who believe in Obi. And that’s the most cosmopolitan state in Nigeria.
“But the moment you start moving into Ogun state, Oyo state, where PDP is king today, then you go to Osun state.
“In Ogun state, we will compete favourably. It’s going to be between Asiwaju and Atiku, there is no way Obi is going to get 25 percent in Ogun state, he is not going to get it in Oyo state, he’s not going to get it in Osun state.
“We can make all the noise. You saw what happened in the last gubernatorial election in Osun state. There was no party outside those two that could make an appreciable impact.
Speaking on the recent solidarity rally for Obi in Delta state, Momodu said there’s a likelihood that the participants are all from the south-east
“Rallies alone will not win the 2023 election. I have no doubt that Peter Obi is a popular candidate but don’t forget the proximity of south-east to Delta state. They are almost one and the same,” he said.
“If you have a rally in the Delta, all you have to do is cross over from Awka, Onitsha and everywhere, these things can be arranged.”
The recent happening in some of our towns and major Cities in worrisome, it’s becoming a great threat to our social and economic survival as a people and region of Oyo state and Nigeria nation. The spate of kidnapping, ritual activities and abuse of fundamental human rights by a section of security operative attached to Oke-Ogun region is worrisome.
Recently, Iseyin alone have witnessed two cases of kidnapping in less than a month. It’s not a gainsaying that our developing economy might get back to her absymal level if current challenges are not permanently addressed by all stakeholders. Iseyin as the most viable economy in all town and cities of Oke-Ogun is being confronted with kidnapping by armed bandits, situation that might forced investors (Indigenous and non-indigenous ) to take to their heels.
Ritual killing and exhumations of human body for ritual is another moral issue confronting our land, this immortality is begging for correction from both traditional leaders and rules as well religious leaders in our communities, this should be identified and confronted before it reach nextdoor or my immediate neighbors.
Security agencies are hereby implored to maintain their core standards of engagement and procedures, most importantly events that has to do with civilians such as farmers, illiterates and our drivers and motorcyclists and other downtrodden. The idea of using their conditions and level of exposure to extort them must be stop forthwith.
Politicians in government and those outside the current government should show more concerns and commitments to the plights and welfares of those people they are planing to govern. As we move closer to election years and days talks, programmes and promises should centred on security and some other issues affecting our people and region. They must have it in mind that government is only for the people and the so called people interest must be paramount than individual interest of politicians and political parties.
While we commend the government of the day in Oyo state for measure put in place to steam the tide of insecurity in the last 2 years, it’s glaring the current reality has go beyond those measures, we hereby appeal by this medium for more improvement and follow up by necessary agencies of government, this will ensure that the government investment on security is yelding desire results. Additional security post and officers, intelligent information and gardening is needed to combat these armed kidnappers who are bent on destroying the government and people of oke-Ogun region.
Officers of the Department of State Security service should do more to ensure proper intelligence information with collaborative efforts from other security agencies. Iseyin and Oke-Ogun must not surrendered to kidnappers the way some regions in Ekiti and Ondo did.
This is a wake up call on government, indigens, non- Indigens, well to do, politicians, religious organizations, traditional leaders and rules and every others to sphere no efforts and resources to ensure a secure Oke-Ogun region before it late.
Ismail Alani For Alliance for Oke-Ogun Development.
The National President of Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum, Alhaji Ahmed Raji SAN has described the rising kidnap cases in the Oke-Ogun area as condemnable, calling on the federal and State governments to find a lasting solution to the problem.
In a statement signed by the ODCF President, Barrister Ahmed Raji SAN and made available to ODUDUWA NEWS on Monday, he said the incident of kidnap of farmers in their farm is an indication that apart from seeking to collect ransom, the perpetrators aimed at crippling the source of food items for the common people.
Recall that four farmhands that includes the manager of a poultry farm and his girlfriend were abducted on Saturday afternoon at the Oyo State Farm settlement along Iseyin-Ipapo-Saki road in Iseyin local government.
Barrister Raji while commending the prompt response of the security agencies to the incident, called on the leadership of the Nigerian police and the military to increase the presence of their men in the Oke-Ogun zone, to discourage criminalities.
“We appreciate the efforts of the various security agencies on this particular issue as we have seen reinforcement from the Nigerian Army and Amotekun into the forest to search for the victims and the kidnappers, this is commendable.
“Now is time for our people to be cognizant of those things that happen around them and give prompt information to the security agencies to work on before crime is committed, we shall overcome this.
“We also want to call on the military and police leadership to please make possible an increase in the presence of their men in this areas within the Oke-Ogun region, their presence with good standard of operation will dissuade criminalities and give our people confidence to go about their businesses.”
Alhaji Raji also used the occasion to call on religion leaders to intensify prayers towards ridding Nigeria, Oyo State and Oke-Ogun region of unpalatable occurrences, saying only prayers and concerted efforts by all will make peace sustainable.
The search for the four kidnapped farmers has continued since Saturday, as the local security men, police and military personnel have been on the trail of the kidnappers till the moment.
ODUDUWA NEWS has just gathered that one truck driver has been feared dead while two others were severely injured in an accident recently occured along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.
ODUDUWA NEWS Correspondent who visited the scene reports that the accident which involved two trailers that had a head-on collision few kilometers after Ogere Bridge had resulted to a complete write-off of both trucks.
The driver who according to report was gasping for breathe was eventually rushed to the nearest hospital.
As at the time of filing this report, the health status of the driver and two other victims could not be ascertained.
The traditional ruler, Saheed Adamson, of Ajido community, in the Badagry area of Lagos State, allegedly beat up one of his high chiefs, Michael Kunnuji, during an argument.
Oba Adamson was said to have dealt a blow on Kunnuji, who doubled as his second-in-command, when they had an altercation at the palace.
It was gathered that the altercation led to a pandemonium when some youths threatened to destroy the king’s property over the incident.
However, the intervention of policemen from the Badagry division stopped them from carrying out their threat.
The policemen allegedly refused to make an arrest even after Kunnuji filed a complaint at the station but directed the high chief to the Badagry General Hospital, where he was treated.
A medical report from the hospital, stated that one Inspector Amina Bara referred Kunnuji to the hospital.
According to the medical report, Kunnuji was conscious when he was brought to the hospital, he was in pain and bled from an injury in the upper part of his eyes.
According to report, the high chief, said he was assaulted by the monarch when he paid him a visit after returning from Jerusalem.
Kunnuji explained that a crisis started between him and the monarch when he purchased a transformer for the community, a project the king did not support.
He said, “On September 30, 2022, I went to meet the monarch alongside the bishop that came to do thanksgiving for my coronation anniversary. When I got there, I greeted him in our Egun dialect, saying, ‘I hail you, your highness.’ Then he started shouting in public, saying, ‘Do you see him, look at the way he is greeting me.’
“He told me I was stupid and I also replied that he was stupid. Before I knew it, he punched me in my face with a ring and blood started coming out. I did not retaliate; I just left his palace with my bloodied face.
“I and my lawyer, who was present at the scene, went to the Badagry Police Station to report the assault on my person. After writing a statement, the police said they could not arrest him because he was a king.
“I am filing a case of assault against him; I have employed the services of legal professionals and I will see that I pursue this case and get justice.”
Kunnuji’s counsel, Ganiyu Adeola, said he was taking steps to ensure justice was served.
He said, “We know that nobody is above the law. If an Oba has committed an infraction that is criminal, he must be dealt with accordingly.”
According to PUNCH, when the monarch was contacted, he said that the high chief could go to court.
He said, “Let him go to court, what is your own problem? Are you not a journalist? Why are you asking me such a question? Why can’t you advise him to go to court? Is this the work of a journalist?”
He hissed and cut off the call.
The DPO of Badagry Police Station, SP Peter Gbesu, denied the allegation that the officers could not arrest or invite the monarch.
He declined further comment and referred to the state police spokesperson.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, promised to confirm and get back.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has identified true federalism as one of the strong pillars that can be used to build a prosperous nation.
Governor Akeredolu said true federalism is important in a diverse nation like Nigeria, adding that it will properly address the fundamentals of nationhood.
The Governor made this known on Sunday evening while speaking on the topic, “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Business of Nation Building”, during a Twitter Space session.
He assured Nigerians that the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will bring a new vista into governance and ensure that true federalism thrives if voted into power.
Governor Akeredolu said the APC Candidate understands the serious issues affecting the wellbeing of the country.
“If voted into government, Nigerians will see that we have someone in place who had gone through democratic tutelage. He has been Governor. He led a party.
“Asiwaju has deep knowledge about the problems of this nation. He has been part of the struggle to ensure that democracy is enthroned and that a true federal system runs in the country,” Arakunrin Akeredolu said.
The Governor recalled that Asiwaju Tinubu was part of the founders of NADECO and participated in the struggle that led to the return of civil democratic rule in the fourth Republic.
He said: “Tinubu’s contributions in the NADECO struggle can not be denied. As you know, when the 1993 presidential election was held, MKO Abiola was deemed to have won that election. But the military junta canceled the election and set up an interim government.
“Asiwaju Tinubu and few others felt they weren’t going to take it. They formed the NADECO and fought the military. They stood on June 12. Then the whole country conceded that the next President must be from the Southwest. That is why in 1999, only former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Olu Falae ran for the election.
“You can not deny Asiwaju his role. He ran away from the county and set up the Radio-Kudirat. Those were the struggles we had before the forth republic came up.”
On the endorsement of Peter Obi by the Pan Yoruba Socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, the Governor declared that Afenifere doesn’t speak for the Yoruba people.
Arakunrin Akeredolu noted that Afenifere is divided in respect of the purported endorsement and emphasised that the group’s views do not represent the stance of the Yoruba people.
Governor Akeredolu said Asiwaju Tinubu has always remained a progressive despite the prevalence of political prostitution in the country.
“Prostitution in politics is very common. When you have people who stick to their guns and stay in their parties, you must respect them. It is not common. We have seen a situation where governors left their parties and go to other parties. For me, it is integrity. Asiwaju has shown integrity. Asiwaju’s form of politics has taught us that political prostitution is unnecessary.”he stressed.
Governor Akeredolu said Asiwaju Tinubu made efforts to build Lagos State when he was governor of the state, adding that the APC presidential standard bearer was able to make Lagos State a country within the Country.
He noted that Asiwaju Tinubu promoted national unity by appointing people from different ethnic backgrounds across the country into his government.
“Asiwaju was able to make Lagos a country within country. As you know, Asiwaju was in the saddle for eight years in Lagos. And you will find out that because of Lagos peculiarities, people from virtually all parts of the country were part of his government.
“Asiwaju Tinubu assembled the best brains for the job and these people moved from Lagos to become leaders in their respective states. Aregbesola was there as a commissioner and went from there to become governor in Osun State.
“Everybody has its own part to play. Today, we have people who have been senators in Lagos and gone back to their states to contest. Lagos can be described as a mini Nigeria. An Hausa man can thrive in Lagos. An Igbo man thrives in Lagos.
“Aliko Dangote lives in Lagos and his business is in Lagos and he’s thriving. So many other people thrive in Lagos. Our brothers from the East own the whole of Alaba. They have representatives in the National Assembly and Lagos State Assembly . You must give credit to Asiwaju for laying the foundation for such things to thrive in Lagos,” Governor Akeredolu said.
The Governor expressed confidence that the APC Presidential candidate would make state police happen in the country.
He said: “I strongly believe that the Presidency of Tinubu will give chance for State Police. He is lucky. Today, all governors in the 36 states of the federation support creation of state police. That should be a centre piece of his campaign.
“There must be restructuring and Asiwaju is one President that will come and restructure the country in accordance with the APC constitution. I look up to him as a leader who would say come 2023, a state police would happen.
Expressing his view on the Muslim/Muslim ticket, Governor Akeredolu said what is important to the country is capacity and knowledge, not religion and ethnicity.
“There are lots of discussions about the Muslim/Muslim ticket. And some of us have tried to explain to our people. The ticket itself can not be the issue. The main issue is who will serve the country. When you talk about the issue of ticket, you also want to talk about the issue of inclusivism. Should the presidency go back to the north? No!
“And what are we left with? We are left with an Obi and Asiwaju. Then you will weigh the two. Some of us have made a decision about Asiwaju. And the decision is based on what he has to offer.
“When put together on a scale, Tinubu weighs higher. We look at intellect, experience and what we stand to gain from his presidency. Capacity and knowledge are different from religion and ethnicity. We have always voted for experience and capacity.
“We have said it clearly. President must come to the South. It has come to us now to make a choice. In making the choice, we must think about capacity and competence. And the scale tilts towards Asiwaju Tinubu,” He stressed.
The Governor further assured that Asiwaju Tinubu will promote youth inclusion in his government, adding that young Nigerians will have enough participation in the government.
