The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to misrepresenting reports in a section of the media alluding strange and unfounded motives to the Housing Allowance duly approved and paid to NWC members and staff of the Party
The NWC has noted that this misleading report stemmed from an unfounded publication by a particular media outlet which suggested that the Housing Allowance, an entitlement duly approved and paid to national officials and staff of the Party amounted to bribery.
For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP states in an unequivocal term that no funds were paid into the account of any member of the NWC as bribe for any purpose whatsoever for that matter.
To set the record straight, the Housing Allowance being referred to went through the Due Process of the Party in line with the Conditions of Service and Entitlement of the Staff and Principal Officers of the Party.
If any individual, for any reason decides to return money duly approved and paid, such does not in any way suggest that the money was paid as bribe or indicate that it was illegitimate or unlawfully paid.
A bribe is defined as “money or any other valuable consideration given or promised with a view to corrupting the behavior of a person especially in that person’s performance as a public official…”. This is not the case in the payment of Housing Allowance duly approved for officials and staff of the Party.
The PDP therefore urges all members, teeming supporters and the general public to disregard the report and misleading insinuation which are clearly designed to malign the PDP, cause disaffection and distract our Party from our mission to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC have arrested two siblings: Lateef Afeez Abiodun and Lateef Abdullahi Olalekan alongside twenty-four others, for suspected internet- related fraudulent activities in Ibadan, Oyo State.
They were arrested Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Apete area of Ibadan based on actionable intelligence worked upon by the Commission.
The other suspects are: Awotunde Joseph Sunday, Ojekunle Ifakorede Apesinola, Oladepo Kayode Samuel, Emmanuel Michael Blessing, Shittu Hassan Taiwo, Olubanji Michael Remilekan, Bakari Ibrahim Oluwatosin, Nafiu Hassan Ayomide, Shittu Toheeb Ife, Kehinde Abiodun, Ibikunle Lolade Tanimola, Ahmad Sodiq Adekola, Joshua Sowemimo, Adeleke Adegoke Yusuf and Ahmad Ridwan Adeniyi.
Others are Lawal Ayomide Alani, Olayiwola David Olateju, Quincy Okonma, Omotayo Bright Happiness, Okunlaja Joshua Opeyemi, Olasantan Adewola Seyifunmi, John Uroko Amuta, Olaoye Ifasola Ifasegun and Ayomide Adeleke Olamilekan.
Items recovered from the suspects include a car, laptops, and exotic phones.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi on Wednesday presided over the valedictory session of the state Executive Council.
The session, which was attended by members of the Council as well as members who served between 2010 and 2014, took place at the state executive council chamber, Governor’s Office, Ado- Ekiti. Some former members also participated virtually via Zoom.
Governor Fayemi thanked all past and current members of the Council for their sacrifices, patriotism, diligence and committment to the development of the state. He said Ekiti State made appreciable improvement in all aspects of development, through the collective contributions of members of the Council.
“Let me thank all of us, this is a historic day and we must start by thanking God Almighty for making this day possible. We’ve worked hard for the success of our state, for the development and growth of our people over the past few years and all of us have contributed immensely in the various capacities we have served Ekiti and I am glad that everybody was able to honour the invitation extended by the cabinet secretariat to this valedictory Executive Council meeting.
“ I thank all of you, yes, the Governor takes all the credits and also takes all the blames, but the reality is that there is nothing we were able to do in government that I have done alone. You have all contributed your quota to the development of our dear state.
“This certainly is not the Ekiti we met when we came in October 2010. Things have improved, the GDP per capital in our state has gone up to about $3Billion, population has also gone up, we see some evidence of significant progress on maternal mortality, child mortality, school enrolment, school performance record and on a whole range of indices that clearly depict that we have made significant progress.
“I must thank you for your service, your sacrifice to Ekiti State and to our people, some of them may not be recognized now but in future they will be recognized. We also have to thank Ekiti people for giving us the opportunity to serve and for also rendering the services to the best of our ability. Resources are not always unlimited and as a matter of fact we have to struggle over the years to maintain all of what we have done. Be that as it may, we’ve delivered on our own task, posterity would judge us one way or the other.” He said.
Each of the EXCO members spoke glowingly about their experiences as members of the highest decision making body in the state and saluted Fayemi’s visionaryand exemplary leadership.
The Governor later adjourned the council meeting sine die after a motion to that effect was moved, thus marking the end of the weekly meetings of the state executive council for the tenure which ends on October 15th.
Ekiti State Governor-elect, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who was the immediate past Secretary to the State Government and Cabinet Secretary was in attendance at the valedictory session. He also lauded the visionary leadership of Governor Fayemi as well as his commitment to the development of the State. ” I will follow in JKF footstep”, he said.
Former Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, who led members of the 2010- 2014 EXCO to the meeting, also praised Governor Fayemi for the giant strides recorded in the last four years, which she said dwarfed the achievements of of the JKF1 administration.
Meanwhile, while Wednesday’s valedictory session marked the end of executive Council meetings for the administration, which winds down on October 15th, commissioners and cabinet members would continue with government activities till the very last day of the administration.
The Oyo state government on Thursday (today) marked the Sod-Turning Ceremony for the Senator Ladoja GRA and the Official Flag off of the Construction of the 32km First Phase of the Ibadan Circular Road.
His Excellency, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom fagged-off the GRA and the 110km Ibadan Circular road, which were named in honour of a former Governor of the state, High Chief Senator Rashidi Ladoja, in commemoration of his 78th birthday.
The event, which was held at kilometer 8, Lagos-Ibadan express road, had in attendance Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state, Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdulraheem Lawal, Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Dr. Senator Lekan Balogun, Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi, Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao and top government functionaries.
Speaking at the event, Governor Seyi Makinde said the projects were done to celebrate an elder statesman who he said has contributed immensely to the development of Oyo State.
The governor equally declared that the 110 Ibadan circular road, conceived by Sen Ladoja’s administration, will be named after the former Governor, stating that when the road is completed, it will boost the economic activities of the pacesetter state and increase the revenue base of the state.
“Senator Ladoja’s significant contribution to the development of Oyo state, he said, cannot be overstated, and the occasion is about honoring those who deserve it.
The idea behind Ibadan circular road was based on reality. When we came in, we attempted and brought Ibadan circular road to light. We also commended the last administration for its efforts.
The construction of the road has begun. We are confident that the project will be finished in the following months. Because of my father’s many contributions to the state, I have named the circular road Senator Rashidi Ladoja’s GRA”, he stated.
According to the governor, the first phase of the road which is 32km, will be completed in the next 12 months, and the 110km road, which connects Oluyole, Ona Ara, Egbeda, Lagelu, Akinyele, and Ido Local governments.
In his remarks, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, the Osi-Olubadan of Ibadan, appreciated Gov. Makinde, who deemed it fit to honour him with the two remarkable projects. He thanked the governor for resuscitating most of the projects that were abandoned by the previous administration.
Ladoja further praised Makinde’s vision, saying he is a dreamer that others must emulate.
He said: “We must not lose focus because, as I mentioned, politics can be both wonderful and terrible. People will win and lose.
“I am delighted that my governor is consulting, and he will keep doing it, he said, adding that every representative ought to engage their constituents before starting any project.
“Let the people you are governing to be aware of what you are doing for them, and they need to be consulted on how to make their constituency better.”
“I will be available for the service of Oyo state anytime you need me, and I will keep praying that God will henceforth give us the governor that only loves the people of Oyo state,” he said.
On his part, Governor Samuel Ortom noted that Makinde has continued to blaze the trail by redefining good governance in Nigeria and commended his approach to project funding and execution.
He added that his brother governor, Makinde, has redefined good governance in Nigeria, and he keeps wondering how his administration keeps executing laudable projects despite the current economic hardship in the country.
He urged Makinde not to be distracted by critics who are hell-bent on derailing and making him lose focus, saying that he has learned lots of lessons from the Oyo Governor despite he being a first-term governor.
Despite the distance, he further praised Makinde and asked him to be prepared to visit Benue state to commission and launch a project that would promote togetherness between Oyo state and Benue state.
“This is not the first project you have completed. You have done well. I was wondering how you’ve been getting funds for this project. And the take home is that I will also try to get funding for the sake of incoming government after my tenure for the sake of our people”, he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria, on Thursday, declared Ademola Adeleke as the authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the just concluded Osun Guber Elections.
The court dismissed an appeal filed by Prince Oyedotun Babayemi seeking to be declared as the candidate for the now-rested July 16 Governorship election.
The apex Court in Suit No: SC/CV/914/2022: (Prince Oyedotun Babayemi V PDP, INEC & Ademola Adeleke), affirmed Senator Ademola Adeleke as the validly elected PDP candidate for the said election.
Babayemi had filed his Notice of Appeal in time but but filed the second one on Day 15, contrary to Section 285. He abandoned the first and based his Brief on the second ‘incompetent’ one. The Justices noted that the Notice of Appeal was incompetent and dismissed same with no cost.
The panel led by Justice Amina Augie ruled that the case was statute-barred having been filed outside the 14 days Constitutional period set out for Appeal. Prince Babayemi and Senator Adeleke had locked horns in a legal battle over who was validly elected after parallel primaries were conducted in different locations of the State Capital, Osogbo.
On March 8, Babayemi was declared winner of the primary election held at the Women and Children Development Initiative Foundation (WOCDIF) in Osogbo. However, on the same day, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored and recognised the NWC-backed Primary held at the Osogbo City Stadium, under the supervision of Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as Chairman with Senator Adeleke announced winner.
In a list of candidates later released by INEC, Adeleke was recognised as duly elected, a decision which set a template for a flurry of litigations.
Babayemi has prior to this, approached a federal high court and his case was dismissed before heading to the Apex court.
National Examinations Council, (NECO) has released this year’s Senior School CERTIFICATE Examinations, (Internal) results
The number of candidates who made Credit and above in the English language is 889,188 representing 74.89% while the number of candidates who made Credit and above in Mathematics is 929,140 representing 78.23%.
The result also shows that the number of candidates who made five credits and above including English and Mathematics is 727,864 representing 60.74%.
Total number of candidates who actually sat for the examination is. 1,198,412 out of 1,209,703 actually registered for the examinations.
Today, the presidential candidates of major political parties in Nigeria assembled today to sign peace pact. This has been historic in the political time of Nigeria where all candidates come together to agree to shun violence during or after electioneeing time.
Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, was absent as the presidential candidates of other political parties were physically present for the signing of the now-customary peace pact.
However, Tinubu’s running mate, Kashim Shettima, was present at the signing alongside, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party among others.
In a leaked letter obtained in the wee hours of Thursday, September 29, Adamu accused Tinubu of breaching the agreement he had with the NWC with regard to the composition of the campaign council.
The recommendations of the NWC team are to have Senator Adamu as Deputy Chairman of the Council; the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Abubakar Kyari as Deputy Regional Coordinating Chairman (North) and his counterpart in the South, Hon. Emma Eneukwu as Deputy Regional Coordinating Chairman (South).
The demand also includes having APC National Secretary, Sen. Iyiola Omisore as Vice Chairman (Party Affairs); the National Organizing Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Argungu as Deputy Director-General (Organizing); the APC National Vice Chairman (South South), Hon. Victor Giadom as Deputy Zonal Campaign Coordinator, South-South and the APC National Vice Chairman (South West) as Deputy Zonal Campaign Coordinator of the zone.
Others are APC National Vice Chairman (South East) as Deputy Zonal Campaign Coordinator; APC National Vice Chairman (North Central) as Deputy Zonal Campaign Coordinator; APC National Vice Chairman (North East) as Deputy Zonal Campaign Coordinator and APC National Vice Chairman (North West) as Deputy Zonal Campaign Coordinator of the zone.
The NWC team was said to have also recommended the creation of more directorates like the Directorate of Media Relations to be headed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary; Directorate of Compliance to be headed by the National Legal Adviser; Directorate of Organizing, Contact and Mobilization to be headed by the National Organizing Secretary.
“The NWC also wants the National Women Leader to coordinate the Women Wing; the National Youth Leader to be in charge of Youth Wing and the National Leader, People With Disabilities (PWD) to coordinate people with disabilities in the Presidential Campaign Council PCC,” a top-ranking party official was quoted as saying.
The letter read in part, “On behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I present my compliments to Your Excellency, and have the honour to convey to you, in truth and respect, the Committee’s opinion and position, regarding the above-mentioned subject matter, with a view to having a clear understanding about the respective roles and responsibilities of the principal organs of the Party charged with the duties of conducting the campaigns in the forth-coming general elections.
“It is against this background that the NWC received with astonishment and regret, the press release by the PCC on 23rd September 2022, in which a purported list of appointees was announced, which effectively served as the approved roster of participants in the Party’s Presidential Campaign Council.
“The purported list not only came as a complete surprise to the NWC and the Party’s leadership, but also contravened the principles and purposes of the arrangements that you and I had led towards the adoption of the Organogram of the PCC, and its principal officials.
“Perhaps it has become necessary owing to the passage of time, that I should draw Your Excellency’s attention to the agreements that we reached in principle around the final adoption of the PCC list, based on the understanding that it was a work in progress, until such a time that the Joint NWC/PCC Committee that was established to formalise the structure and populate the list, submits its report.
“Your Excellency will no doubt recall our meetings in my office and also at the NWC Conference Room at the Party’s National Secretariat, on Wednesday, 7th September 2022, during which we discussed the details of the Organogram of the PCC and its composition, as a collaborative project between the two entities. Our recollection of those meetings clearly leaves us in no doubt that a breach of agreement has occurred, and that a return to the principles of cooperation and respect for each other is required.
“In Your Excellency’s own words, which I take the liberty to quote here, which I also hold dearly, you stated that “there is a burden on everyone’s shoulders towards delivering the elections to the Party and the candidate”.
This has been the view of the NWC and myself all along since Your Excellency’s emergence as our Great Party’s Flagbearer.
“The NWC is striving under trying circumstances to keep faith with this vision, and to take our Party and candidates to victory, not only in the Presidential elections but in all others across the elective strata of offices.
The Lagos State Taskforce has reclaimed, cleared and demolished all illegal structures on a portion of land belonging to the Lagos State Government allocated to the State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS) from unauthorized occupants who had illegally occupied the space by erecting structures as against the original plans of usage by the State Government.
The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye who co-ordinated the operation today at Olufemi Street, Bajulaiye, Shomolu, stated that the exercise was long overdue as residents of the community expressed their displeasure over the illegal occupation of basic social amenities meant to cater for the health needs of the populace had been monopolised and converted by a few saboteurs for their selfish interest.
Speaking at the Headquarters of the Agency, Jejeloye said that the property belongs to the State LASAMBUS Services and is meant solely for that purpose and anyone who occupies it without permission from the State Government does that at his own peril.
“We received complaints from members of the public concerning this space meant for public health services and moved in to evict those who had converted it to a business centre. We arrested two individuals, one of which is the owner of the cafeteria where they sell foods while the other is an artisan who fixes generators there, and tried to prevent officials of the Taskforce from carrying out their job.”
One of the suspects arrested, Iseoluwa Adekankun,35, runs an eatery on the open space and claims to have have acquired the space from the representative of omo-onile, named Buddy (not real name) who let it out to him for 50,000 Naira yearly. He had set up the stand before receiving warnings and official visits from LASAMBUS management which fell on deaf ears. He disclosed that his visit to LASAMBUS Headquarters in Alausa was unsuccessful.
Jejeloye while parading the suspects sounded a note of warning to every other unscrupulous elements within the society who have made it a habit of occupying Government properties for their personal gains.
“It is selfish and inhuman for anyone to convert amenities meant for public usage to personal properties and we will make sure we arrest all that are involved in such practices within the State. We have had instances in the past where people even coverted designated Bus Stops to shops or something else, but this time around we will put an end to the mess. Every economic saboteurs undermining the efforts of the State Government will be brought to book”
CSP Jejeloye also appealed to residents, community leaders and the good people of Lagos within any given locality to embrace and take charge of any basic amenities provided by State Government to better the lives of the citizens and ensure that any illegal occupation or usage of such properties are reported to the nearest police Station or relevant Government Agencies. He promised to recover more points and Government facilities within the State which have been converted for illegal usage and prosecute anyone found wanting.
The Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde was on Wednesday honoured with the ‘Golden Prize of Teachers’ award at the just concluded 58th National Delegates Conference of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT. Speaking at the event, which held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, after receiving the award on behalf of the governor, the Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi noted that the current administration in Oyo State would continue to prioritise the welfare of teachers as a crucial part of educational system.
He stated that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration is doing everything humanly possible to give the welfare of teachers topmost priority, with a view to boosting their morale and make performance better while dispensing their duties.
“Gone are the days when you have signages on properties that a particular house is for rent but not for teachers. Of course, we have changed that narrative in Oyo State by restoring the dignity of the teaching profession through the various incentives we have provided.
“Since assumption of office on May 29, 2019, His Excellency, Gov. ‘Seyi Makinde, has ensured that all workers in the state, including teachers, get paid on the 25th day of every month, which is popularly regarded as ‘GSM Day’. “Aside that, arrears of primary school teachers’ salaries for four months were cleared off immediately the governor assumed office in 2019.” Ogunwuyi asserted. He further disclosed that the disparity in the payment dates for teachers’ salaries and that of other civil servants was removed immediately. “Teachers were paid a month after civil servants before we assumed office but, today, there is nothing like that. All workers and pensioners in Oyo State receive their emoluments the same day. “Part of the achievements of this administration include 27.5 per cent teaching allowances, leave bonuses, 13th month salaries, regular training for teachers, appointment of 10 Tutors-General and 10 Inspectors-General with equivalent rank of a Permanent Secretary.
Ogunwuyi, however, appreciated the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Teachers for honouring his principal, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, with the award and for giving him a new name – ‘The Teachers’ Governor”, he stated. While saying it was a call to do more as one good turn deserves another, Ogunwuyi maintained that the award was an attestation to the fact that the people-oriented governance style of the governor is yielding results. While speaking on behalf of over 40,000 Teachers in Oyo State, Comrade Oladimeji Ismael Raji, the NUT Chairman, Oyo Sate Chapter appreciated Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for prioritising their welfare and for the teachers’ friendly policies which always motivate them towards outstanding service delivery. In the meantime, some of the dignitaries who graced the event were: Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; the representatives of Lagos State Governor; Minister of Education, House of Representatives Speaker, amongst others.
