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JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu Alerts Residents On Potential 3rd Wave Of COVID-19 Pandemic In Lagos

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has raised an alarm over potential spread of 3rd wave of COVID-19 pandemic in the state, saying the state was now experiencing a disturbing spike in the number of confirmed cases.

His full statement below:

Fellow Lagosians,

It has become imperative to once again provide you an update on the Coronavirus pandemic situation in Lagos State, and our ongoing response as a State Government.

Starting around the end of March 2021, the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos State began to wind down, and we began to enjoy some reprieve from the worst effects of the virus. This allowed us to further open-up the economy to allow the start of the journey towards full normalcy in our lives and the pursuit of livelihoods, after what has been a very difficult year.

Regrettably, in spite of the hard work and dedicated efforts towards sustaining the return to normalcy, over the last three months, we are now finding ourselves at what appears to be the start of a potential 3rd wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in Lagos State.

From the beginning of July, we started to experience a steep increase in the number of daily confirmed cases, with the test positivity rate going from 1.1% at the end of June 2021 to its current rate of 6.6% as at 8th of July 2021. The rapid increase within a week gives great cause for concern. Also, within the last two weeks, the occupancy rate at our isolation centres increased from an average of 1% to 6%. This is the new and disturbing reality that now confronts us.

But we must not be demoralized by this. We must instead resolve that we will not leave any stone unturned in our bid to effectively mitigate the third wave of this pandemic in Lagos State. As you all know, Lagos has been the epicentre of the pandemic since the start, and the way we manage it here has a significant impact and reverberating effect on the national outlook and outcomes. So, Nigeria is counting on us in Lagos State to be resolute in our stand against the virus.

We will continue to test aggressively. We will also focus on sequencing the samples we are collecting to ensure we are detecting and keeping track of the different variants in circulation. It is only by testing and sequencing comprehensively that we can collect the data required for informed decision-making.

Epidemiology Update

As at the 7th of July 2021, Lagos State had recorded a total of 60,202 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 55,135 have recovered in-community and 770 are currently being managed actively in-community. Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 4,382 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos: with 357 registered fatalities. In all we have tested 563,679 samples in Lagos State since the pandemic started. Today we have 30 accredited testing centers: 26 private and 4 public health laboratories in the State, a significant improvement in capacity over the course of the past year.

Accredited Health Facilities

Let me make it clear that outside of the health facilities accredited for the management and treatment of COVID-19, and the EKOTELEMED program, no other health facilities, whether public or private, are permitted to admit or attend to COVID-19 patients.

The Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) is providing monitoring and surveillance and has been mandated to apply heavy fines and other punitive measures on all facilities found to be in violation of this.

Lagosians should desist from patronizing non-accredited COVID-19 treatment centers, and proprietors should also ensure that all suspected and confirmed cases are referred appropriately.

Vaccine Distribution and Access

One of the major tenets of our mitigation strategy against the 3rd wave is our vaccination campaign, similar to other parts of the world. It has been observed by various credible studies that those that have received their vaccines have demonstrated significant resistance to the effects of the virus, with fewer associated complications and deaths.

As of today, however, the percentage of residents of Lagos who have received two (2) doses of the vaccine stands at a mere 1%. We recognise that this is not adequate, and given the imminent third wave, and our priority to reduce COVID-19 related deaths, we are exploring all avenues possible to ramp up access to vaccination so as to reach our herd immunity target of at least 60% COVID-19 vaccination coverage of the population of Lagos State. We are confident that we will be getting a second batch of vaccines very soon, to kick-start the second phase of vaccinations.

Travel Protocols for in-Bound Passengers

Between 8th May 2021 and 7th July 2021, a total of 50,322 passengers of interest arrived in Lagos via the Murtala Mohammed Airport. Of the 50,322 passengers, 18 percent could not be reached by EKOTELEMED because of the provision of either wrong numbers or wrong Nigerian contact details to be reached on.

It is the responsibility of passengers to ensure they provide the right details for us to reach them for proper monitoring. Going forward, passengers that do not provide the right details, including a phone number they can be reached for monitoring and an address for isolation, will face serious sanctions including fines and imprisonment according to our Lagos State Coronavirus Law of 2021.

Sanctions Against Quarantine Defaulters

As dictated by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC), passengers from red-listed countries (India, South Africa, Brazil and Turkey) are required to observe mandatory isolation. So far, we have successfully isolated 2,386 passengers in Lagos State. Of this number, 15% have absconded.

The following sanctions are being recommended and have already been meted out to defaulters:

● For Foreigners: Revocation of their Permanent Residency, and deportation; and

● For Nigerians: Prosecution to the full extent of the Lagos State COVID-19 Law.

Religious Activities

Greater vigilance is required at this time in our Churches and Mosques and other places of religious worship. Even as we are pleased that religious houses are now open for worship, after the lengthy closures of 2020, we must not allow ourselves to be carried away by the illusion that all is now back to normal. This is especially critical, as Sallah approaches, in a little over a week from now.

The festivities will no doubt bring people together in large numbers and create conditions that can sadly cause the spread of the Coronavirus. We must not allow this to happen.

For this reason, we are mandating full compliance with all protective protocols. Compulsory use of masks in all public places, Social distancing, Temperature checks, Provisions for hand-washing and sanitizers, and a maximum of 50 percent occupancy in enclosed spaces.

Resisting Pandemic Fatigue

Whilst both the Federal and State Governments have a huge role to play in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the responsibility of managing the third wave ultimately belongs to all of us.

Without the cooperation of the public at large, we stand the risks of losing both lives and livelihood, on a devastating scale. Therefore, I would like to once again reiterate that this is not the time to get tired or complacent. Instead, we must be re-energized to battle this invisible and seemingly relentless enemy.

After almost 18 months of daily confronting this virus, it is understandable that many are tired and want their old, pre-pandemic lives to return. Unfortunately, we do not have a choice in this regard, and fatigue is not an option. We cannot afford to be tired, frustrated or distracted.

The enemy is formidable – and opportunistic. It will only go as far as we allow it. Having triumphed over the first and second waves of the pandemic, we must now find within ourselves new reserves of energy to quell this emerging third wave before it snowballs out of control. Let me assure us all that victory over COVID-19 is much closer today than at any other point in our recent history. But we must persevere to see this victory. We must maintain our vigilance even as we ramp up the vaccination coverage.

At this point, I would like to thank all the members of the Incident Command Structure for their resilience in the management of this never-ending pandemic, and also the Federal Government, through the Presidential Steering Committee, for all their support and collaboration.

Lagos State will continue to work with all our partners, across government and the private sector, to ensure that we permanently triumph over this virus. We will not rest until this is achieved.

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

Incident Commander

July 11, 2021

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Yoruba traditional rulers team up to rescue Igboho, call for immediate release of arrested 13 aides

Notable Yoruba traditional rulers from Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Kwara and Kogi states, under the auspices or Forum of Yoruba Obas on Sunday called for the immediate release of 13 aides of the Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, who were arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS) during a recent raid on his Ibadan residence.

The monarchs, under the banner of the Forum of Yoruba Obas, also demanded adequate compensation for the families of two aides who were shot dead by the DSS during the midnight invasion of Igboho’s house, located at Soka, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

In their statement released titled: “The Position of The Yoruba Obas on the Invasion of Sunday Adeyemo’s House by the DSS and State of The Nation”, the traditional rulers described the invasion as illegal and a gross violation of the fundamental human rights of Igboho, his aides and the deceased.

According to the statement signed by the president of the forum, Oba Samuel O. Adeoye, who is the Molokun of Atijere kingdom in Ondo State and his secretary, Olukotun of Ikotun Ile, Oba Abdurasaq Adebayo Abioye in Kwara, “We strongly condemn in its entirety the invasion and the gruesome murder of the people at Sunday Igboho’s house on the1st July, 2021.”

“As traditional rulers we cannot bury our heads in the sand like the ostrich on a very sensitive issue like this which if not well managed could further polarise the oneness and unity of Nigeria, considering the recent calls by prominent people in and outside the shores of Nigeria for the disintegration of Nigeria as one indissoluble and indivisible entity.

We believe that the killing by the officers of the DSS is unwarranted and unjustifiable, a violent breach of the fundamental right of those who were killed by the overzealous officers at Sunday Adeyemo’s house his residence.

“We hereby call for the immediate release of those arrested at his residence. We demand that there must be adequate compensation for the family of those people who were murdered during the operation. We equally in the same vein call on President Muhammadu Buhari to cause a discrete and holistic investigation on this volatile issue.

While we as custodians of tradition and advocates of peace will not shield or encourage anyone to break the law of the land, we make bold to state that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is very clear and unambiguous that the governor of the state is the Chief Security Officer of the state and as such Governor Seyi Makinde ought to be apprised of any move to cause the arrest of anyone in Oyo State who has or is likely to cause serious security breach before such a person or group of persons can be arrested.

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Oyo Govt Discovers Deadly Delta COVID-19 Variant, Tells Residents To Be Safety Conscious

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has discovered new Delta variant of the COVID-19 in the State.

The deadly variant said to have multiple mutations that appear to give it an advantage over other strains. The most important apparent advantage is that the mutations may make the strain more transmissible than any other variant, which would also make it the most dangerous variant.

The State Incident Manager and coordinator of the Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Olabode Ladipo, who confirmed the development, said that the general public is notified of the need to take extra caution and consistently apply all adversories earlier released by the Task Force.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, on behalf of the Task Force, indicated that the Task Force “wishes to notify the general public of the isolation of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus in the State.”

The statement read: “This strain has been associated with high transmission, increase severity of infection and outcomes.

“As such, this is to warn that the virus is still very much within the society.”

It warned residents of the State to continue to comply with all advisories aimed at curtailing the spread of COVID-19.

The statement also asked all in-bound travellers to always isolate for seven days and submit themselves for tests.

It further read: “The ‘Own Your Action’ (OYA) initiative of the State Government should be seriously considered by adhering to the guidelines of wearing nose and mouth masks in public gatherings, washing of hands with soap and water and use of hand sanitisers, among others.

“The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force hereby appeals to the good people of Oyo State to comply with these and other advisories as they apply to individuals and organisations.

“It would be appreciated if all in-bound travelers from overseas maintain the mandatory seven-day isolation and subsequent testing before mingling with the populace.

“In addition, residents are enjoined to seek medical care and avail the opportunity of free testing whenever there’s any feeling of unwellness.

“Vigilance on the parts of both the Government and the people will surely go a long way in stemming the transmission of this disease within the Stat

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Ogun Gov, Dapo Abiodun Embarks On Tour To Reconstruction of Ijebu-Ode Epe Road

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has embarked on tour to the ongoing reconstruction of Ijebu-Ode Epe Road.

This was made known today by the governor via his official social media handle as read in part:

“Reconstruction of the Ijebu Ode-Epe Expressway has now been successfully completed. This is another promise kept by our Administration. Today, we have begun tour to access level of completion of the work. Travellers will now have relief while safely journeying through the road, with ease and comfort”.

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Loyalty, Hardwork Were The Main Reasons I Picked Ayedatiwa As Running Mate – Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Saturday, disclosed that hardwork and loyalty were the main reasons behind his choice of Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa as his running mate in the October 10, 2020 governorship election in the state.

Governor Akeredolu said Aiyedatiwa has also displayed unreserved commitment and support to his political aspirations from the beginning.

The Governor who was a Special Guest of Honour at a Grand Reception organised in honour of the Deputy Governor by the Ilaje League of Professionals, ILP, described the reception as important.

He urged members of the group to always keep eagle eyes on the Deputy Governor not to derail but remain focused.

Arakunrin Akeredolu used the opportunity to assure the people of his administration’s commitment to continue to pursue polices and programmes that will accelerate the development of the state.

He disclosed that efforts are being intensified to ensure that electricity supply is restored to the Southern part of the state.

The Governor said:”We are doing our outmost on restoring electricity supply to the South. I must acknowledge the efforts of your Chairman, Chief Benson Obayelu, Engr Ife Oyedele at completing the electricity project by NDDC in your area.

“We brought the Interim Administrator of NDDC to the project site and they promised to release the needed funds for the completion of the project. Unfortunately they are yet to fulfill their promise

“It was in view of our concerns for our people in the area that we have embarked on the construction of mini- grid thermal stations to provide electricity for people in the affected areas”, He said.

Governor Akeredolu who used the occasion to reiterate the commitment of his administration to getting through the Port Ondo project however expressed concerns that the expected approval for Port Declaration for Port Ondo has not been given despite having submitted its Business Case Outline .

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ijale League of Professionals, Chief Benson Obayelu, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for making a choice of an Ilaje man as the Deputy Governor .

“This grand reception in honour of a great ILAJE son in the new Deputy Governor of Ondo State has been put together by Ilaje League of Professionals and this could not have come at a better time.

“Foremost, this is the very first time in the 45 years history of Ondo State that the Ilaje linguistic group has produced the Deputy Governor. The vast expanse of Ilaje land with its abundant resources has never had the fortune of having any of its own this close to the corridors of power in the state.

“We would thus like to commend Mr. Governor for beaming his ray of light in this most deserving direction. We appreciate this gesture of Mr. Governor and sincerely want to applaud this.Thank you sir”, the Chairman said.

Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 11, 2021.

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Breaking: Iseyin-Born Singer, Sound Sultan Is Dead

Nigerian singer, songwriter, actor and movie producer, Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan is dead.

According to a statement released by the family and signed by his sibling Kayode Fasasi, the 44-year-old singer died from “a hard-fought battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma”.

He hailed from Iseyin, Oyo State and is survived by a wife and three children.

Sound Sultan came into the spotlight in the early 2000’s when he released his first single ‘Jagbajantis’, which became an instant hit in Nigeria.

After independently releasing other singles and featuring in hit songs of other artists, he was signed by Kennis Music where he released four of his total seven albums.

He also produced and acted in the successful comedy movie ‘Head Gone’ in 2014 and in 2018, produced the stage musical ‘Jungle Story’.

Fellow singer, Innocent Idibia’s manager also confirmed the news on his Instagram handle.

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Osun pensioners commend Oyetola’s administration, Say He Takes Their Welfare As Priority

Members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) under the Contributory Pension Scheme, Osun Chapter, have lauded the Administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for taking their welfare and general wellbeing as priority.

The retirees, who belong to the pressure group, also commended Governor Oyetola’s administrative acumen and noble approach to governance, saying, ‘God has given Osun the right man to do the job.’

This is even as the Governor reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to continuously making life comfortable, worthwhile and meaningful for the citizens in general and both active and passive workers in particular.

The members of the Osun Contributory Pension Scheme, an arm of the State Chapter of NUP, gave the commendations on Friday during an interactive session with the Governor at Governor’s office, Abere, Osogbo.

Speaking, the leader of the Group, Mr. Oyadare Gbenga, applauded the governor for the continued hands of fellowship being extended to them.

He attributed some of the peaceful negotiations and dialogues between the government and the workforce to the rare leadership quality displayed by the Governor whenever there is an agitation.

“We are here for few reasons and one of them is to thank you for the hands of fellowship extended to us since your assumption of office. We must commend you because you have been taking us as your own people.

“Your listening skills and capacity are unsurpassable and unparalleled just as your gentility is second to none. We equally want to appreciate you for your swift response to our plight, particularly when we had little challenge then. This has given us joy and conviction that we have a Governor that we can be proud of.

“I remember vividly the rare leadership quality that you displayed the other time when we took our matter to a Human Rights Radio station (Berekete Family) in Abuja. With that, you have once again proved to us that indeed you are a father to us.

“The calibre of people in the committee that you set up to handle the issues even before we went to Abuja are very superb. That is why we have the confidence to go back to our people with smiles on our faces after we have had fruitful meetings with members of the committee.

“One thing I appreciate most about you is the fact that you are very tolerant and accommodating and this fact can be attested to by your approach to issues that concern the welfare of the people, particularly workers.

“We acknowledge all you have been doing for us. I have taken my time to study you, particularly to know why you have been doing so much for us. I went through your profile and I saw the empirical facts. When I also heard that you always insisted on the barest minimum for every expenditure, including the ones that concern you personally as Governor in line with the economic mood of the State, I concluded that we have got the right man to do the job in Osun.

“It takes high intelligence to be doing all you are doing. When you promised full salary, minimum wage among other benefits, many thought it would be difficult. But today, they are living witnesses to all of those things.

“This is a government that has devoted N35 billion into pensions payment. This is not a small amount. We shall continue to be grateful to you and your government for the passion and love you have shown to us

“Aside this, your Administration has taken socioeconomic and infrastructure development as priority. In my Local Government Area, Egbedore, we have felt the impact of your government in this regard, particularly the road network spanning towns and villages, even to Ejigbo.

“We shall continue to sing the song of your good works because we have confidence in you and your government to continue to champion our course. We can assure you that your re-election is guaranteed since you are doing what we want.

“All we humbly demand from you is to speed up our bonds and work towards offsetting the backlog pensions arrears. We need about N50 billion to do that. We are of the view that FG can give us bailout and give us five years holiday or moratorium before they begin deductions and spread the repayment over 20 years,” Mr. Gbenga said.

In his remarks, Governor Oyetola commended the NUP members for their unflinching support and show of understanding.

“I am happy to receive you. I commend you for the courage at fighting for your colleagues to claim your rights. One thing is that if we have money, we will pay, as you all know that despite the meagre resources, we have been faithful to our obligations.

“I want you to exercise patience. As things improve, we will be fulfilling our obligations. We want you to be more tolerant, patient and perseverant. We are working assiduously to do all that is necessary to make life meaningful and worthwhile for you. Let us continue to dialogue and negotiate.

“As we all know, Contributory Pension Scheme is the best, but it requires discipline. As you have attested to it, we are moving and progressing in fulfilling our obligations.

“We are doing regular deduction and remittance. If not for the outstanding, we would have offset everything. You all know what we are passing through. You know what we earn from Abuja and what we generate internally.

“Osun is not the only State that is challenged as far this backlog of pensions is concerned. Therefore, I doubt if FG will single us out for a bailout. The country is challenged economically. So, we must all put on our thinking caps and devise creative strategies and means of resolving the issue; and that is what we are doing here in Osun. As I speak, those whose outstanding are N500, 000 and below have been cleared up till December, 2020. They are collecting their bonds as we speak. This is our way of taking care of the less privileged. Soon, we will look at those who have between N550, 000 and 650, 000 and so on. Like I said earlier, be patient with us. This phase, too, shall soon pass,” Oyetola added.

Earlier, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ismail Omipidan, attributed the successful parley to high level of understanding displayed by the pensioners during the Abuja encounter.

Omipidan, who facilitated the courtesy visit, lauded the members of the NUP in the State for allowing dialogue to rule their relationship with the government.

Also, the Head of Service, Dr. Olowogboyega Oyebade, thanked the pensioners for their understanding.

He urged them to continue to support the Administration of Governor Oyetola, saying the State meant well for them.

Those in attendance were the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Adebimpe Ogunlumade; Accountant General, Mr. Sunday Igbaroola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Loan Board, Mr. Kayode Aliu; and Director, Bureau of Public Service Pensions, Mr. Bayo Raji.

Other members of NUP in the State in attendance were Local Government Representative, Mr. Adegeye Olagbaju; Primary Schools Representative, Mr. Isaac Olufemi; Secondary Schools Representative, Mr. Awodele Abiodun; and Women Leader, Mrs. Salami Bamidele.

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Kunle Sanni Writes Makinde, Demands More Muslim Representation In His Cabinet

The Oyo State Muslim Community has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure more Muslims are appointed in the next cabinet appointments. This they said was necessary to ensure balance and religious justice.

In a statement released on Friday which was signed by their Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni (Chairman) and the Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, the group demanded a more representative ratio than the 11 Christians to 5 Muslims used in the first appointments.

It would be recalled that the community had earlier condemned what they termed lopsided appointment along the religious line in the first two years of Governor Makinde’s administration.

The statement below:

PRESS RELEASE – 8th July 2021

ENSURE RELIGIOUS JUSTICE IN YOUR NEW CABINET

It is no longer news that the Oyo State Governor, H.E. Engineer Seyi Makinde, in exercising his constitutional right, has dissolved his cabinet. Nobody conversant with the law can query the power of a Governor to hire and fire any of his political appointees.

The buck of Governance of the State ends on the Governor’s table.

If the Governor’s performance is perceived to be marvellous, commendable and praiseworthy, his aides don’t take the credit, he does. However, if his performance is lacklustre, poor, condemnable and worthless, his appointees are not blamable nor condemnable, the Governor bears the brunt and wholly takes the blame.

Only the Governor knows the qualities he found in who those he appoints before appointing them and why he decided to relieve them of their appointments.

What concerns us as a Muslim Community is, ensuring that the rights of the Muslims are not jeopardized in the hurly-burly and political gerrymandering In the State.

When Governor Makinde first came into office in 2019, he (in August of that year), appointed 14 Commissioners, as members of the State Executive Council. He had earlier appointed Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff, the highest-ranking members of the Executive Council, both of whom are Christians. In the same vein, while His Excellency and his Deputy were both elected, he inherited the Head of Service.

In this write-up, we are only going to be looking at appointments directly made by His Excellency, The Governor. Thus, the SSG, Chief of Staff and 14 Commissioners, totalling 16, were the only officials appointed by The Governor directly in 2019. The lion’s share of 11went to the Christians while only a smattering 5 were Muslims – ratio 11:5, against Muslims

Please find below the list of the 2019 appointed members of the Oyo State Executive Council:

1. Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun – Secretary to the State Government –
(CHRISTIAN)
2. Chief Bisi Ilaka – Chief of Staff –
(CHRISTIAN)
3. Hon. Barrister Adeniyi John
Farinto – Commissioner for Budget
& Planning –
(CHRISTIAN)
4.. Mr Adeniyi Adebisi –
Commissioner for Commerce
(CHRISTIAN)
5. Hon. Muyiwa Jacob Ojekunle – Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development – (CHRISTIAN)
6. Prof Oyelowo Oyewo –
Commissioner for Justice
(CHRISTIAN)
7. Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye – Commissioner for Establishment and Training – (CHRISTIAN)
8. Barrister Seun Asamu – Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources – (MUSLIM)
9. Mr Rahman Abiodun AbdulRaheem – Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development – (MUSLIM)
10. Chief Bayo Lawal – Commissioner for Special Duties
(MUSLIM)
11. Hon Funmilayo Orisadeyi – Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Matters
(CHRISTIAN)
12. Dr Bashir Bello – Commissioner
for Health – (MUSLIM)
13. Hon Wasiu Olatunbosun –
Commissioner for Information
and Mass Mobilization – (MUSLIM)
14. Prof Kehinde Sangodoyin
– Commissioner for Education,
Science and Technology
– (CHRISTIAN)
15. Mr Akinola Ojo – Commissioner
for Finance – (CHRISTIAN)
16. Rt Hon Kehinde Ayoola –
Commissioner for Environment
and Natural Resources
– (CHRISTIAN)

In our usual manner, we called the attention of His Excellency to this unbearable lopsidedness. While the Governor initially exhibited some gubernatorial taciturnity, some of his strong supporters attempted to pull the wool over our face by pointing to two of his appointees who bear Muslim names but are proud and unrepentant Christians. These were Mr Luqman Bisi Ilaka and Prof Daud Sangodoyin

The Governor’s ultimate demonstration of wanting to hearken to our protestations resulted in the eventual appointment of Alhaja Fausat Sanni as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion; In addition, when the first Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, who happened to be a Christian died, a Muslim, Dr Abdulateef Idowu Oyeleke was appointed to replace him. Alhaji Siju Lawal also came on board as Commissioner for Establishments and Training. Muslims perceived this as perhaps a starting point for righting the wrongs.

Recently, in June 2021, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde announced the dissolution of the Oyo State Executive Council. Just this week, we heard of the appointment of Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi as Chief of Staff to His Excellency, The Governor. Our thinking was that, since a Christian had occupied the position of Secretary to the State Government, the only other BIG Executive Council position, Chief of Staff, should have been given to a Muslim.

This would have gone a long way in assuaging the feelings of Muslims in the State.

We hereby admonish H.E. Engr Seyi Makinde, to spare us a listening ear. Your Excellency, you don’t lose anything by promoting religious equity in all that you do sir. Rather, you win more hearts.

In the demographics of Oyo State, Muslims are unarguably in the overwhelming majority. What we have always clamoured for, despite our numerical superiority, is an equal number of Christians to that of Muslims in all appointments. We also clamour that in other policy decisions of government, the two major religions should be given equal considerations.

It is distasteful and demeaning to our sensibilities for somebody to be talking of meritocracy as the yardstick for appointment into offices. We do not know of any professional calling where we don’t have higher-flying Muslims.

It is pertinent to state that, when we talk of the appointment of Muslims into political offices, our focus is only on members of the Governor’s political party, PDP. It is equally a truism that there is a preponderance of Muslim professionals within the PDP. We, therefore, urge the Governor to collaborate with all Muslim principal stakeholders within the party. This would enable him to pick genuine Muslims for his new Cabinet and he should then be assured of the support of the Muslims in the state, in as much as he ensures religious justice in all spheres of governance.

May Almighty Allah continue to grant us peace and peaceful co-existence in Oyo State, Aamin.

(SGD)
Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni
Chairman

(SGD)
Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade
Secretary-General

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JUST IN: Mobile Police Officer Shot Dead By Armed Robbers In Lagos

It has just been gathered that a mobile Police Officer has been gunned down by Armed Robbers terrorising Orile, Mile 2.

According to an eye witness who narrated how the mobile Officer was killed said, “as he would always do, on that unfurtunate night he got an sos from a woman whose husband and others were being robbed at gunpoint at a GTB bank ATM near my Plaza.

“He called the First bank and GTB mopols security but none of them responded.

“He quickly ran with his pistol to help the people being robbed. He shot at the robbers and bullet didn’t enter, they shot at him and the bullet didn’t enter too.

“Unknown to him, the criminals gang had their colleagues stationed around. Two of the criminals grabbed him from behind; hit him with 4*4 wood at the back of his head; he fell down and they messed him up more with more and then riddled him with bullet and went back and continued the robbery operation. More than 10 people at the GTB bank Coker / Oduade branch were robbed as other groups blocked the express road while robbing cars that were passing.

“These criminals operated unchallenged for hours despite sos to police station Orile and police officers we saw Police men collecting money from motorists at Coker bus stop nearby.

“Mopol Buba was rejected at a nearby hospital and later died at about 2am Thursday morning leaving his wife and children fatherless.

‘I am pained because Buba was not just my CSO, he was a Gallant officer who would go to any length outside his comfort for the safety of others.

“Buba had been a torn in the flesh of these criminals for years now. Few weeks ago, he rescued someone while being robbed by the same criminals which left one of the criminals critically shot by mopol Buba. The criminals regrouped and rescued their fellow criminal who was shot but we heard he later died.

“Rumor has it that killing of Mopol Buba yesterday was a planned revenge from the hoodlums.

“Please this is an SOS call for the RRS to come to our help. This is enough evidence as they requested before. Please help escalate this appeal. Lives are being lost and terrorized daily by the criminals along Orile, Odunade, Suru-Alaba to Mile 2 axis”.

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