Author: oduduwanews

The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde on Saturday accepted Court Verdict delivered last week nullified Park Management System established by the State Government to take over National Union of Road Transport Workers NURTW.

The governor admitted that the state government was wrong to have appointed park managers for the state.

Speaking at the quarterly media chat, Governor Makinde said the government was wrong to have appointed park managers since it is within the jurisdiction of local government.

During the week, an Oyo State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice M. A. Adegbola nullified the appointment of Park managers in the state.

The Park Management System, PMS, was introduced by the Seyi Makinde -led Oyo state government following the proscription of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in the state.

Delivering judgement in the case filed by the former chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Oyo State, Alhaji Abideen Olajide (a.k.a Ejiogbe), Justice Adegbola described as illegal the collection of rates by the park managers appointed by the state government.

The Osun State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has dismissed media report that listed Osun among states in the country that were yet to implement the new national minimum wage.

A newspaper had erroneously reported that during the last Central Working Committee and National Executive Council meeting of the NLC held in Abuja between 17 and 18 of February, 2020, Osun was mentioned among states in the country that are yet to implement the new minimum wage

However, a statement by the State Chairman of the NLC, Jacob Adekomi, described the reports as malicious and misleading, stressing that there was no time at the meeting Osun was mentioned among states that were yet to implement the minimum wage.

According to the NLC Chairman, it is glaring that Osun State is among the few states in the Federation that have implemented the new minimum wage.

“The media report is not only malicious but misleading because the State Council of NLC duly represented in the Meeting and there was no time that States that had not started implementing Minimum Wage was mentioned. This is verifiable through the Comminique released at the end of the NEC- in Session.

“Therefore, the reports should be discarded and thrown into the dustbin because it does not emanated from the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress,” the statement reads in part.

Adekomi said workers in Osun appreciate Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for approving the implementation of the new minimum wage and annual salary increment for them.

“The State has moved beyond the issue of Minimum Wage for now and we are awaiting other largesses promised the workers via the agreements signed between the Government and Joint Labour Force in the State.

“We shall continue to appreciate all the good workers in the State for their support, perseverance and commitment during the time past,” he added.

It will be recalled that Governor Oyetola in October, 2020 approved the payment of minimum wage to civil servants in the state beginning from November 1, 2020.

He also lifted the embargo on annual salary increment, promotion and conversion, which he said, was in fulfillment of his administration’s pledge to give the welfare of workers the deserved attention.

The Ogun state governor met with President Muhammadu Buhari on the farmer-herder crisis – Abiodun presented the reports of the crisis to the president and the measures his government has taken to stop ethnic violence.

Governor Dapo Abiodun on Friday, February 19, met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential Aso Rock villa over the farmer-herder crisis in Ogun state. The governor brought the report of violence that ensued over the weekend between host communities in Yewaland and the herders, and measures put in place by the government to put an end to the ensuing bedlam in the state. It would be recalled that the Governor Abiodun-led government on Monday, February 15, facilitated a town hall meeting with necessary stakeholders in a solidified effort to tackle and finally curb the ceaseless farmer-herder crisis.

…says it has concluded 21 out of 34 cases so far

The Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality, Human Rights Violations and Related Extra Judicial Killings on Friday ordered a subpoena compelling two officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to appear before it for being allegedly involved in the killing of one Master Idris Ajibola on September 15, 2020.

The panel also ordered the State Ministry of Justice to provide relevant documents in respect of the petition filed by one Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adetona whose kids were allegedly murdered by Police officers in Ilesa, Osun State, in 2016.

Recall that the parents of the late Idris Ajibola had approached the panel to seek justice in the gruesome murder of their son who was allegedly chased to death by the members of the Joint Task Force comprising soldiers, police, DSS and NSCDC officers.

The deceased alongside two other occupants who were in the car on the day of the incident were allegedly chased along East-pass Dual Carriage Circular Road, Osogbo, by the JTF personel.

It was reported that the car of the chased victims swerved off the road and rammed into a ditch and crashed leading to the instant killing of the deceased.

When the case was returned for further hearing on Friday, the counsel for the petitioner, Barrister Kanmi Ajibola, filed an application and prayed the panel to order the appearance of the two identified NSCDC officers who were among the JTF personel that were involved in the incident.

He said the appearance of the two erring officers would aid the investigation and give support to the prosecution of the case as the petitioner was able to identify them by name.

In his ruling, the Chairman of the Panel, Justice Akin Oladimeji (rtd.) granted the application and ordered the two erring officers -Inspector Jimi Awoniyi and Togun Babatunde -to appear before the panel on March 5th, 2021, the adjourned date.

Justice Oladimeji ordered the immediate issuance of subphoana to the two officers for them to appear before it for defence on the adjourned date.

He said the appearance of the two officers would give more credence to the defence of the case and further strengthen the principle of fair hearing and equity that has been the hallmarks of the panel.

Justice Oladimeji however adjourned the case to March 5th, 2020 for further hearing.

Similarly, the panel ordered the Ministry of Justice to provide all the necessary documents regarding the prosecution of the case filed by one Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adetona against the Police.

Mrs. Adetona approached the panel to seek redress in the murder of her two kids by Police officers in Ilesa.

Adetona had in her petition alleged that two of her children were killed by police officers who drove recklessly at her residence in Ilesa.

She explained that the deceased who were playing in the front of their house were killed by the electric pole hit by the Police Patrol Vehicle.

The mother of the deceased, who had prayed the panel to prevail on the police to fish out the killers of her kids, said she was not convinced that the erring officers had been brought to justice as claimed by the police authority.

Ruling in the case, Justice Oladimeji ordered the Ministry of Justice to provide all the necessary documents in respect of the case to enhance smooth prosecution just as he ordered the Police authority to provide relevant documents to substantiate the status of the alleged officers if truly they have been dismissed by the police.

The panel disclosed that it had concluded 21 cases out of the 34 cases before it.

According to the panel, 10 cases out of the finalised 21 cases are awaiting final recommendation to the government while the remaining 11 were struck out on the basis of different irregularities.

The panel further revealed that 13 cases had reached different prosecution stages just as it reiterated its commitment to dispensing justice before the stipulated time allocated to it.

The cases heard by the panel on Friday were: OS/JPIPB/08/2020 Chief Adegboyega Agbaje & 1OR versus Osun State Commissioner of Police; OS/JPIPB/12/2020 Alhaji Dele Nafiu versus Osun State Commissioner of Police; OS/JPIPB/27/2020 Mr. Ibrahim Olagoke versus Osun State Commissioner of Police; OS/JPIPB/01/2020 Alhaji Ayo Dauda Adigun & 1OR versus Osun State Commissioner of Police; OS/JPIPB/11/2020 Mr. Kehinde Ajibola versus Osun State Commissioner of Police.

Others were: OS/JPIPB/28/2020 Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adetona versus Osun State Commissioner of Police; OS/JPIPB/31/2020 Good Governance and Leadership Assessment Initiative versus Osun State Commissioner of Police; to and OS/JPIPB/32/2020 Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji versus Osun State Commissioner of Police

The Lagos Judicial Panel has awarded N2m each to two petitioners each as compensation on Restitution and Inquiry set up to investigate cases of police brutality especially involving officers of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

The two petitioners, Kudirat Abayomi and Hannah Olugbodi, were awarded the compensation on Friday.

The panel also recommended the prosecution of the erring police officers in the case involving Abayomi.

Apart from the N10 million compensation to the family of Abayomi, who was killed by a police stray bullet in April 2017, scholarships were also awarded for the children of the deceased.

The panel also recommended that a letter of apology be written to the family of the deceased by the police.

Olugbodi, a 35-year-old hairdresser, had in November 2020, narrated how she ended up on a crutch after her left leg was shattered by a stray bullet fired by some men of the disbanded police Special Anti-Robbery Squad who were attempting to arrest a young man with tattoos in June 2018 at the Ijeshatedo area of Lagos.

She said the SARS operatives were at one Ogun City Hotel, to demand money to fuel their vehicle when they saw the young man with tattoos among a group of persons watching a football match at the hotel.

A pan-Fulani group for cattle breeders, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has alleged that Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, created the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, to kill the Fulani and northerners residing in the South-West.

National Secretary of the Association, Saleh Alhassan, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Alhassan called for calm among his people, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to proffer a permanent solution to the challenges.

He urged state governments to quit enacting laws that will widen cracks in the unity of Nigeria, but rather promote steps that will further strengthen the fragile peace and unity in Nigeria.

Alhassan, however, lauded Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, for constantly speaking for the Fulani pastoralists who, he said, are being persecuted in many states through the enactment of negative obnoxious laws against their means of livelihoods, and issuance of illegal eviction notices from their places of abode against the constitutional provisions.

Alhassan also accused Akeredolu of being “the brains behind the creation of Amotekun” allegedly unleashing terror on herders and northerners in the Southwestern states of Ondo and Oyo”. 

He said, “Akeredolu created an ethnic militia (Amotekun) that is now unleashing terror and mayhem on innocent herders and northerners living in the South-West against unconstitutional and blanket eviction notices for herders to vacate places where they earn their livelihoods (sic). 

“Akeredolu will be held accountable for the ongoing genocide against innocent pastoralists and northerners living in the South-West.”

Akeredolu had last month issued a seven-day quit notice to the herdsmen operating illegally in the state’s forest reserves.

The governor also banned underage grazing, night grazing, and movement of cattle within cities in the state and on highways.

The issue generated an uproar and after a meeting with different stakeholders, Akeredolu asked herdsmen to register with the government so that they can operate unhindered in the forest reserves.

The Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday flagged off the construction of Olaiya flyover in Osogbo.

He said the project was in swift response to the need to secure the future population explosion, meet traffic needs, eradicate needless auto crash and enhance the quality of lives of the people through timely and prompt infrastructure development.

The proposed flyover, which will be handled by Messrs Peculiar Ultimate

Concerns Limited, is a 4-span of 15m each, with two Underpass bays for U-turning to Fakunle/Justrite and MDS/Post Office.

It is a 295.95m length of Bridge Approach Ramp, 196m long Fakunle Ramp, 99.95m long MDS Ramp, with slope of Ramp being 3 percent.

Similarly, the project is designed to accommodate articulated vehicles with intelligent lightening devices and smart traffic control devices.

The project is expected to be completed in nine months.

Addressing the people at the ceremony, Governor Oyetola disclosed that the project would cost the State a total sum of Three Billion, One Hundred and Eight Million, Three Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Nine Naira, Seventy-Six Kobo (N 3,108,379,829.76).

The Governor said the expenses comprised the net sum of N 2,688,748,552.74 and a 13.5 percent statutory deductions which include the percentage withholding tax, 7.5 percent Value Added Tax and 1 percent stamp duty deduction.

Oyetola diaclosed that the project would be funded through the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA).

According to him, the APFA entails that the contractor will fund the project, while the State repays the contractor over a period of time so as to enable government to free up resources for other important obligations.

He added that the construction of the flyover would not in any way stop the government from delivering on other dividends of good governance, including citizens’ welfare, regular payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, completion of ongoing projects and initiation of more.

“Indeed, the adoption of Alternative Project Funding Approach is another leg in our model of creative funding of projects in a depressed economy and an assurance that we shall always keep our pact with our people.

“The Olaiya Flyover project is in response to the need to enhance the quality of lives of our people and improve the infrastructure our city, which in recent years is becoming more populated and boisterous on account of increasing business activities.

“The implication of this is the growing traffic around major routes in the State and specifically, the Olaiya axis, leading to waste of man hours by residents in our State.

“Sadly too, there have been countless cases of accidents of commuters. I have personally witnessed few of these unfortunate incidents. We cannot afford to waste more lives.

“Besides, response to the infrastructure needs and demands of a growing city is a proactive exercise. Therefore, this flyover is a project for today and the future because when the project is completed, we are assured that it will significantly eradicate traffic hassles and make the lives of our valued citizens more secured.

“Just as I promised in my inauguration speech, our Administration is committed to providing relevant infrastructure that supports the prosperity of our people. With this project and many more across our State, we are keeping faith with that promise,” he added.

Governor Oyetola, who assured the residents, particularly business owners around the site, of government’s consciousness to their livelihood, said, “we are therefore appealing to owners of businesses around the project site to bear with us, as we will try as much as possible to minimise inconvenience.

“Realising that the closure of this road will bring some temporary difficulties, we have made enough provision for alternative routes to serve vehicular needs.

“The demonstration we carried out a few weeks ago has provided us relevant information with which to plan and make life easier for you all.

“I urge you all to bear with us as we strive to improve the socioeconomic status of our State, and I assure you all that this project will be completed in record time,” Oyetola added.

Earlier, the Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, lauded Governor Oyetola for giving Osun, particularly Osogbo, a facelift of socioeconomic and infrastructural development.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Remi Omowaye, said the idea to construct the flyover was conceptualised as part of efforts to reduce traffic, lessen accident rate and advance the infrastructure development in the State.

He said the project would as well go a long way to complement some of the new roads approved for construction and rehabilitation by the Oyetola’s led administration.

Also speaking, the Chairman/CEO Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, Mr. Abel Adeleke, assured the government and residents of quality and standard service that can stand the test of time.

Adeleke who promised to bring his repository of experience in civil engineering to bear on the construction of the flyover, pledged that the project would be delivered within the stipulated record time.

“What we are operating in Osun is based on integrity and this project will be done in such a way that will not impact negatively on the debt profile of the State. We are glad to have this opportunity and I assure you that we will deliver the project within the stipulated time,” he stressed.

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, applauded Governor Oyetola, for taking the welfare and well-being of the people as priority just as he commended the government for deeming it fit to build the flyover as part of efforts to complement the existing road infrastructure.

Also speaking, a frontline Osogbo indigene and business mogul, Chief Olatunde Badmus, said the project is a confirmation of the fact that Osun has always been blessed with good leadership.

He commended Oyetola’s concerted effort to engender good governance as reflected in the monumental achievements the Administration had recorded so far despite the socioeconomic challenges occasioned by global realities.

Those in attendance were the Wife of the Governor, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola; the Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi; the Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon.Timothy Owoeye; former Osun Deputy Governors, Chief Adeleke Adewoyin; Senator Christopher Iyiola Omisore and Mrs. Titilayo Laoye Ponle; and Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji; traditional rulers among others.

Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate Sylvanus Ofekun for alleged criminal defamation and incitement capable of threatening national security.

The petition, submitted to the IGP on February 16, alleged that Ofekun, with the moniker “Sleeky Sly” on social media, accused the minister of daily benefitting from Lagos Concession Company (LCC), operator of the Lekki Tollgate, which has been at the centre of the #EndSARS protests.

The petition reads: “Our client was surprised when Mr. Sylvanus Ofokun, also known as Sleeky Sly, published unfounded and baseless allegations of corruption against our client through direct reference and innuendo.

“Mr. Ofekun is a sports journalist who currently plies his trade with Kiss FM radio station, Abuja. The summary of the allegations was to the effect that our client was receiving constant revenues from the LCC, the managers of the Lekki Tollgate. Our client was, therefore, alleged to have deployed governmental resources to reopen the tollgate for personal profit.

“According to the publication, evidence of our client’s receipt of funds from LCC could be found in bank statements, which were attached. A cursory look at the said bank statements will show that the transactions contained therein are between LCC and Loatsad Media and our client’s name did not appear in any of the transactions.

“The facts can be gleaned from the public records available at relevant government agencies that our client has since 2017 relinquished all interests he had at Loatsad Promomedia Limited (as it was then known) and stepped down from its Board of Directors. It is, therefore, clear that not only were the allegations false, they were published with malice aforethought with the intent to disparage our client.”

“The facts can be gleaned from the public records available at relevant government agencies that our client has since 2017 relinquished all interests he had at Loatsad Promomedia Limited (as it was then known) and stepped down from its Board of Directors. It is, therefore, clear that not only were the allegations false, they were published with malice aforethought with the intent to disparage our client.”

The Olubadan-in- Council has hinted that the decision of Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to make use of the State Security Committee as well as the local government security committee has signalled the end of insecurity in the State.

The disclosure was made on Tuesday by the Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin Owolabi at the swearing-in ceremony of the new executive committee of Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) which was held at Ibadan.

Olakulehin was the royal father of the day at the event said the decision by the State government should be supported by all indigenes of the State as security of lives and properties required volunteering information for the security agencies to nip crime in the bud.

He urged members of NATA in Oyo State to key into the security programmes of the government and solicit information as according to him, no successful crime could be perpetrated without the use of automobiles.

“It is no more what the government will do or is doing to address insecurity, the government has taken the right step by giving logistics support to the agencies in charge of security and has also recently adopted the use of State and local government security committees to preempt and nip the crisis in the bud.

“What is left is to give our support, as the traditional council or traditional institution is concerned, in Ibadan for example, every compound has a Mogaji, it is the duty of this Mogaji to bring reports of security breach to the ears of the committee before it escalates, this is the best way to go.”

The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, who was represented at the event by the Director Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilization, Mrs Busola Adetunji, called on NATA members to continue in giving its support to the State government by being security conscious.

Olatubosun said the unity of the association was sacrosanct to get success in their immediate and future endeavors, charging them to use their position as individuals who see and hear information about what is happening in the society to brief security accordingly whenever they noticed any attempt to disrupt the peace in Oyo State.

The newly-sworn in Chairman of NATA, Oyo State, Comrade Wemimo Oladokun said the power of number, which the association has would be deployed to support the present administration in Oyo State to succeed in stamping out insecurity.

Oladokun said the 2.5million members of NATA in Oyo State would be engaged to be the eyes and ears of government at every nook and cranny of the State.

He however sought the intervention of governor Seyi Makinde in helping the association achieve its aims and objectives in moving the association forward, part of which he said was the need for an association bus and empowerment programme for members.

“We have over 2.5million members in the State and we are ready to mobilize them to be the eyes and ears of security agencies so as to give support to the stride of our dear governor in ridding Oyo State of crime.

“The governor has shown us all that he is all ears especially on issues that affect the common citizens like security, health, public education and public infrastructures, we need to give him our own support and I pledge this before my people that we will start doing that to make Oyo State the best among its equals.”

Among the dignitaries at the event was the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Co-operative, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, represented by Mr Olanrewaju Olawale, National President of Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Alhaji Muhammed Mogaji Sanni who was represented by the National Secretary, Comrade Oladokun Samuel, His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, invited State Executive members of NATA from the Southwest States, Alhaji Mogaji Musibaudeen Salaudeen, representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mrs Titilayo Olayiwola among others.

…as gov presents another N963m bond certificates to retirees

The Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday disclosed that the Administration has released and paid about N31billion as pensions to all categories of pensioners in the State since 2018.

He said his administration had equally kept faith with his promises to ensure prompt and adequate payment of salaries and pensions to all categories of workers, both active and passive.

This is even as the Governor presented a total sum of Nine hundred and sixty three million, two hundred and forty-six thousand, five hundred and thirty naira, fifty-three kobo (N963,246,530.53) to pensioners in the State.

Governor Oyetola spoke while addressing the retirees at the presentation of bond certificates to retired public servants, at the Multi-purpose Hall, Local Government Service Commission Abere, Osogbo.

Oyetola who said the Administration has been doing everything possible to fulfil his promise despite the harsh economic conditions arising from national economic challenges, said the administration has been consistent in ensuring the release of Five Hundred and Nine Million (N509,000,000.00) on a monthly basis to cater for pensioners under the old pension scheme.

“So far, we have released about 31 Billion Naira since 2018 when we came in, to cater for our pensioners. This represents about N26 billion for those on the old Pension Scheme and about Five Billion for those under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

“Since we came on board in November 2018, our administration has been doing everything possible to fulfil this promise despite the harsh economic conditions of our State arising from national economic challenges.

“Our Administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers, both serving and retired, remains unwavering. This, we have continued to do through regular and prompt payment of full salaries and allowances to all categories of active workers as well as full pension to all our pensioners at all levels.

“To cater for our pensioners under the old pension scheme, we have been consistent since November 2018, in ensuring the release of Five Hundred and Nine Million (N509,000,000.00) on a monthly basis.

“Similarly, we have never defaulted in discharging our responsibilities to those under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

“Apart from this enviable position among the comity of States, especially in the Southwest, we have been attending to other issues related to Pensioners in the State.

“Despite the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, which sorely affected our economy, our government ensured prompt full payment of salaries and pension without fail all through.

“At a time when it seemed impossible and when most States were thinking of downsizing their workforce, we implemented the new minimum wage and lifted ban on promotion and conversion to the surprise of all and sundry,” Oyetola added.

Presenting the bond certificates to the beneficiaries, Oyetola said the decision was in continuation of his administration’s irrevocable commitment to the welfare of retirees, especially those who retired on the Contribution Pension Scheme.

“Of this number, sixty nine (69) retired State Civil Servants and those that retired from Higher Institutions in the State will receive bond certificates to the tune of five hundred and nine million naira (N509, 000,000.00).

“Forty seven (47) retired Primary School Teachers will receive bond certificates worth four hundred and four million, seven hundred and thirty five thousand, ninety nine naira, fifty three kobo (N404,735,099.53) while twenty seven (27) retired Local Government Staff will receive one hundred and forty nine million, two hundred and forty-six thousand, five hundred and thirty naira (N149, 246,530.00),” he said.

While commending the workers for their continued support and loyalty to his government, Oyetola pledged his commitment to continue to champion their welfare and well-being.

He therefore urged them to continue to put in their best and rally round government in its onerous effort to reposition the State and stimulate its economy for prosperity and abundance.

He said: “We shall not relent in our efforts to ensure that all categories of workers and retirees get their entitlements as and when due. As a responsible government, we shall continue to adopt creative measures to power our economy, including intensifying efforts to encourage our people and our teeming youths to imbibe entrepreneurship as a way of creating jobs and defeating unemployment.

“Let me also use this opportunity to once again charge all public servants in the State to double their efforts in the area of internally generated revenue (IGR) to enable government to continue to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the entire citizenry of the State.”

In his remarks, the Head of Service, Dr. Festus Oyebade Olowogboyega, applauded the Administration of Governor Oyetola for prioritising the welfare and well-being of the citizens, particularly both active and passive workers in the State.

Olowogboyega who enumerated some of the tremendous achievements of the administration so far, said it is worthy of note that the State government had released and paid a whopping sum of N31billion to all categories of pensioners in the State.

Also, the State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jacob Adekomi, expressed gratitude to the Governor for taking the welfare and well-being of the civil servants as priority.
He described the Administration of Governor Oyetola as one whose passion and love for workers is second to none.