Category: Politics

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has described his main challenger in the last two governorsjip elections, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN as a worthy son the State should be proud of.

This was contained in a statement signed and released to the newsmen by the Chief Press Secretary To the Governor of Ondo State, Olabode Richard read in part:

“Beside describing Jegede’s virtue of humility as legendary, Governor Akeredolu says notwithstanding the last two political outings in which they were both the major players, their bonds of friendship, brotherliness and professionalism remain very strong.

“It is without doubt that Tayo remains an appreciable figure in our dear State. His palpable passion for the State is incurable even as he remains one worthy son we should all be proud of in Ondo State.

“Between Tayo and I, there have been two keenly contested governorship elections which to the Glory of God, have both come my way. In spite of this, our friendship, brotherliness and professional bonds have remained strong and largely unaffected.

“In all these, our shared commonality and virtues have played a big role. But above all, Tayo’s legendary humility deserves a huge commendation.

“As Tayo clocks 60, it is our profound prayer for God to keep him in good, sound health and increased wisdom to achieve his heart desires. On behalf of my Adorable Betty and the good people of Ondo State, I congratulate my dear brother, learned friend and worthy compatriot.

“CONGRATULATIONS. All honour, glory and adoration belong to the Lord for seeing you to this enviable age. Asodunmodun, àsosùmòsù, igba odun odun kan. Age gracefully!”.

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has released the names of Electoral officers and their various assistants across the three Senatorial district in Oyo State.

According to the release obtained by ODUDUWA NEWS, it was gathered that the release is in furtherance to the preparation for the election schedule to hold May 22nd, 2021.

Recall that the election was planned to hold May 15, 2021 but shifted a week for thorough planning and effective conduct of local government election, to May 22nd, 2021.

The governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has disclosed that the State government would ensure that pensioners in the State would never be owed their pensions and gratuity.

The governor also vowed that his administration would have offset the N56billion accumulated gratuities the past administration owed pensioners before his tenure of office lapses.

These promises were made at the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) that was held at Abuja recently, where the governor was honoured by the body as the Pensioners’ Friendly Governor and conferred with an Award of Excellence in Governance.

While appreciating the gesture of NUP, Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his Executive Assistant, Administration and General Services, Reverend Idowu Ogedengbe said the award was an encouragement for the governor to commit more, to the welfare of pensioners in Oyo State.

“When we came into administration in May 2019, we promised the people to serve them with sincerity, probity and accountability, we promised to run a government of inclusiveness and we are very mindful to let the people know the challenges we were facing when we came into office, we had quite a huge liability of arrears, pensioners’ gratuity was amounting to about #56billion and we did not want to give any excuse for non-performance.

“We decided to start off-setting these gratuities and as of today, we have paid out of that amount, N11.7billion, which translates to an average of over N500million naira every month, we desire to do more because it is our firm belief as an administration that you do not muzzle the mouth of the horse that trash the corn, our pensioners deserves the best, they have used their active years to to serve the State, now that they are out of service, we owe them the responsibility to ensure that they live a good life.“Our desire is to ensure we clear all the backlog as soon as it is possible and to ensure that we do not leave any outstanding gratuity to future administration, to date, we ensure that all our pensioners are paid on the 25th of every month, just like every other government worker in Oyo State civil and public service, when we came in, initially, a sum of N100million was committed towards payment of pension monthly, we increased it to N180million in June 2019 and as at January 2021, it has been increased to N235million monthly, we plan to do better.”

The Chairman of the occasion, who is former governor of Kano State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, while presenting the award, said governor Makinde has shown sincerity in leadership and was worthy of the honour from the pensioners.

The event which was packaged by the national executive council of NIgerian Union of Pensioners had in attendance, the President of Nigerian Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba and his members of executive, States executive members of NUP, invited political office holders, among whom was the Special Adviser to governor Seyi Makinde on Labour Matters, Comrade Titilayo Sodo.

In his comment, The Secretary, Oyo State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Comrade Olusegun Abatan said the present administration in Oyo State has done enough to be celebrated as the friend of the pensioners in the State.

He called on his members to give their support to the government of Engr. Seyi Makinde so that the people would continue to benefit from dividends of democracy accruable from the programmes and policies of the State.

ODUDUWA NEWS has just gathered that Ife-Mooro road has on Saturday been named after the late Afenifere Spokesperson, Yinka Odumakin by Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan, Ojaja II.

The Ooni, represented by Kemade Elugbade, at the funeral service of Mr Odumakin in Moro, described the late Afenifere chieftain as an unforgettable patriotic descendant of Oduduwa and a positive factor in Nigeria’s democracy.

He said: “Odumakin’s death was a rude shock when Yoruba nation in particular and Nigeria at large needed him.

“The news of his demise was a very bitter pill to swallow for the entire country and to us particularly in the House of Oduduwa.

“He was a disciplined Yoruba leader who has been one of the loudest pro-democracy voices in the country,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a short clip of Mr Odumakin’s lifetime and his wife, Joe, attending a television interview was played in remembrance of the human rights activist at the event. (NAN)

As the race for 2023 presidential seat seems to be a subject of debate among opinion moulders, politicians and social affairs commentators, there has been an indication that the erstwhile governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu might have given a nod to his political stalwarts to kickstart underground process that will lead to the realisation of his supposed dream to become the president of Nigeria.

Earlier today, our correspondent has gathered that campaign posters of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu have have been seen in some major roads across Lagos State. Below are the photos of the campaign posters seen.

Oyo State Governor, Governor’Seyi Makinde has said that his tenderness and kindness should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness, adding that he is not a leader who leads with force, neither is he a superman who knows all.

The Governor made this statement while addressing Muslim faithful at the 7th Omi Tuntun Ramadan Public Lecture held on Wednesday at the Government House Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan.

Gov. Makinde in his address noted that the fact that he is the Governor of Oyo State today is by God’s power and the power of the people of Oyo State, both Muslims and Christians alike. He added that because of this, he is compelled to do what is right for the people irrespective of religious or political leanings.

In his words, “Being the governor of Oyo state today, is by God’s power and the power of the people of Oyo State both Muslims and Christians alike.

“If people say that my family is of a Muslim background, they are correct. The man who bears the name Makinde that is my surname is a Muslim.

“So, it is a given that I must do what is right irrespective of religious leanings or political leaning.

“You would notice that the topic of discussion today is Unity in diversity.

“How do we get united in our state and the nation at large, even though we might have different leanings or inclinations through religion or politics?

“Some people came to me to say that this person needs to be punished by the government, my final word on that is that tenderness and kindness are not a sign of weakness. In fact, some people have approached me to say that Oyo state needs someone who can rule with iron hands.

“I apologise, but I don’t lead with force because I believe that if we apply calmness and gentle reasoning to every challenge we encounter, it is actually a manifestation of strength and resolution and that is the only way that what belongs to each and every one of us will get to us.

“Anyone who is angry or feels offended that Seyi Makinde is not a superman should know that I’m only human. I also sleep like everyone else, even though it might be late and for few hours.”

The Governor also responded to criticism from various quarters alleging that the Seyi Makinde-led administration was not doing anything new but just completing projects started by the past administration.

Gov Makinde said, “I don’t want anyone to greet me, to start with, that, we did this or that, because it is not Seyi Makinde’s money that is being used in facilitating those projects.

“We are spending the money that belongs to the people of Oyo State.

“If we are in power and you are comparing us with our predecessors to try to determine what we are doing and you keep mentioning that this project or that project was started by past administrations.

“I and a former Governor who happens to be a father to me visited the site of one of the projects he started while in power, the Ijaye Asphalt Plant. The project was abandoned by his successors but the project was initiated by the funds from the state coffers. So, if we already spent Oyo state money, we must try to get value for the people of Oyo State and that is exactly how we will continue to run this administration.

“And the person who said this administration will spend 8 years, only God can say how many years anyone would spend on earth not to talk of in governance.

“So, let’s keep praying and seeking the mercy of God towards all our endeavours. We want the will of God to be fulfilled.”

The Governor also expressed appreciation for the support shown to his administration, noting that this, along with the amicable relationship among the people of the state are the major reasons why Oyo state is peaceful.

He said, “Of course, our county is faced with all kinds of challenges particularly in the area of security and ethnic/religious crisis. We experience issues with farmers and herders almost on a daily basis and people are clamoring that the Northerners should leave the South-West, which is not the solution to the challenge we are facing.

“But, I appreciate the people of Oyo State because you do not allow everything happening to affect our relationship with our fellows and that is one of the major reasons why Oyo state keeps being peaceful till today.

“So, I implore you to keep praying because our prayers are being answered.

“I am also using this opportunity to appreciate everyone for their support for this administration. It is the people’s government and we appreciate and value your support which has been a great source of strength to us.”

He finally implored participants at the lecture to show mercy to everyone around in this month of Ramadan while promising that in subsequent lectures there would be more emphasis placed on spiritual growth and less on politics.

He said, “This Ramadan lecture is meant to be a session of spiritual nourishing for our people so I will discuss further will the guest lecturer because if I come for a lecture like this, I want to go home as a better person who has gained something tangible. I don’t want to take requests or political issues home. I want to take home with me something that will stay with me till I meet my Maker. So, I assure you that in subsequent lectures, we will ensure that spiritual things are being taught and spoken on.

Finally, in this month of Ramadan, it is a month of mercy, let us show mercy to those that are near us. May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be with us all.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has advocated the inclusion of provisions in the country’s constitution to guarantee a “more equal” society where both men and women could contribute to development.

He noted that doing so was the only way Nigeria could achieve the success it desired, adding that women in particular should be free to “pursue their highest aspirations and achieve their maximum potential.”

Gbajabiamila spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the opening of a two-day retreat on ‘Achieving Gender Equity in the Constitution Review Process.’

The event, an initiative of the Office of the Speaker and the House Committee on Women Affairs, was organised in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute.

The speaker stated that there was no better time to push for the protection of the rights of women than now that the National Assembly was reviewing the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

Gbajabiamila explained that such practical steps must include giving girls and women more access to education, healthcare, commerce and participation in politics.

“To achieve such a society, we have to make sure that girls across the country have access to education and healthcare.

“We have to create opportunities for women to thrive in politics and commerce, and we must make sure that the laws of our land do not take away the rights of Nigerian women to participate fully in every sector of our national life”, he told the session.

The speaker asked participants to use the opportunity of the retreat to dissect the Electoral Act and the constitution to identify for excision, “any discriminatory provisions that might exist”, so that actions would be taken to “include provisions that guarantee a more equal society for all.”

He commended the timing of the retreat, coming at a period of increased awareness in the country that gender equity was no longer a women’s issue, but something that would guarantee peace and justice for all Nigerians.

Gbajabiamila assured women that the 9th House under his leadership would act on the recommendations of the retreat, as he told the organisers that he eagerly awaited the report.

The Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Rep. Onanuga Adewunmi Oriyomi, in her welcome address, said both the constitution and the Electoral Act needed “reengineering to reflect equity.”

She added, “This, among other things, is the crux of this retreat.

“It is my hope that this event inspires ideas and discussions around ways to improve gender integration mechanisms and systems that can be adopted into the amendment of both the Nigerian constitution and the Electoral Act.”

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, observed that Nigeria, the ‘Giant of Africa’, appeared left behind in recognising and granting equal opportunities to women to participate in governance.

She cited the case of the 3.8% representation of women in all the legislative houses in Nigeria, which she said was not good enough.

The minister said the demand of women in Nigeria remained 35% representation in elective and appointive positions.

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, and the Country Representative, UN Women, Comfort Lamtey, delivered goodwill messages at the occasion, supporting the call for gender equity in Nigeria.

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has described the passing of the Olufon of Ifon in Orolu Local Government Area of the State, Oba Almorouf Adekunle Magbagbeola, as a colossal loss.

The Governor in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan on Thursday in Osogbo, offered his sympathies and prayers to the Royal Family and the people of Ifon.

Oyetola who described Oba Almorouf as a symbol of history, culture and heritage, said the late monarch would be remembered as a visionary leader who made important contributions to cultural identity, national unity, peace and progress of Osun and Nigeria as a whole.

He prayed Allah to grant him Aljana Fridaus and equally grant the family and people of Ifon the fortitude to bear the loss.

Governor Oyetola said “I sympathise with the royal family and the people of Ifon, Orolu Local Government Area of the State on the passing of our father, the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Almorouf Adekunle Magbagbeola. His passing is a colossal loss not only to the State but to Nigeria as a whole.

“The late Olufon was an important symbol of history, culture and heritage whose contributions to cultural identity, national unity, peace and progress of Osun and Nigeria as a whole won’t be forgotten.

“I pray Allah to grant him Aljana Fridaus and equally grant the family and people of Ifon the fortitude to bear the loss”.

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has announced the shift in the date for the conduct of local government election in the state.

The election which was earlier scheduled for May 15 date has been shifted by a week to now hold on May 22.

Chairman, OYSIEC, Mr. Isiaka Olagunju made the announcement at the flag off of the statewide voter education and mobilisation campaign towards the local government election organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in Ibadan, on Wednesday.

According to the OYSIEC Chairman, the one week shift became imperative in view of the discovery that the Ed-el-Fitr celebration and holidays will fall around the previous May 15 date.

Assuring that the OYSIEC will be impartial and declare only ballots cast, Olagunju said the success of the election is dependent on residents coming out enmasse on election day.

The event also saw the OYSIEC boss list four other documents aside from Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) that will be tenable by voters to cast their ballot.

He listed the other acceptable items to vote as Temporary Voters Slip, Drivers Licence, National Identity Card and International Passport.

Speaking further, Olagunju said what was imperative was for a person’s name on any of the identification documents to match the name on the Voters Register, which he said will he displayed across the 33 local government election areas from next week.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Communication(NCC),Professor Adeolu Akande has called on the governor of Oyo State,Engr Seyi Makinde, to respect the autonomy of tertiary institutions in the state to ensure quality education and academic freedom in the institutions.

According to Akande, a Professor of Political Science, Makinde’s frequent interference in the administration of tertiary institutions has the danger of turning them into mere departments of government with the attendant consequence of stifling the performance of the institutions in their primary duties of research,manpower development and community service.

It will be recalled that Engr Makinde recently directed the Vice Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University(LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Professor Michael Ologunde to resign from office. In addition, the governor introduced consultants to the management of tertiary institutions, undermining the authority of their governing councils.

Professor Akande said the removal of the Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH is against the laws setting up the University and global best practice in the administration of universities.

“The governor, as the Visitor to the university, has appointed a governing council to oversee the affairs of the university. Whatever inadequacies noticed in the conduct of the Vice-Chancellor should have been reported to the governing council, who will investigate and decide the necessary course of action in accordance with the laws of the university.

“The approach adopted by Engr Makinde violates the spirit of the law and is tantamount to a miscarriage of justice.

The allegations against the Vice-Chancellor were not investigated according to the regulations of the university and the victim may have been punished for an offence he did not commit. This is against natural justice.

“The approach of Governor Makinde is fraught with danger. Oyo State is not a one-man business; due process must be followed in the exercise of power otherwise the governor will unleash a chain of crisis that will undermine the development of the state.”

“LAUTECH is an important institution that is dear to the people of Oyo State and its affairs should be handled with care to avoid a return to the crisis that had slowed down the giant strides of the institution.

“The institution started strong in April 1990 and it quickly established itself not only as the best state university but one of the best universities in the country. I commend Engr Makinde for the initiatives that brought the University out of its ownership crisis. I however plead that he should respect the time-worn tradition of university autonomy to return LAUTECH to its old glory and avoid a relapse into crisis.

“Engr Makinde should extend this respect for the autonomy of tertiary institutions to other higher institutions in Oyo state so that they can discharge their responsibilities without undue official interference.”

“The introduction of a consultant to collect revenue and supervise expenditure is alien to the autonomy of the institutions. The law allows the governor to appoint a governing council of his choice to superintend the affairs of the institutions. It is incumbent on the governor to appoint men of honour and integrity into the governing councils which will ensure they respect government financial regulations in their transactions. The introduction of consultants to perform the functions of the councils under the guise of seeking financial integrity is a suggestion by the governor that he appointed men of shady characters to the councils. That would be sad if it is so.”