Category: Politics

The Oyo State Executive Council has approved the sum of N279.2 million for the production of ballot papers to be used for forthcoming local government election.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr.Wasiu Olatunbosun, who disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the 9th executive council meeting of year 2021, also stated that the production is directly awarded to the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, NSPMC.

He said the government did this to show its seriousness and commitment towards conducting free and fair local government election.
He said: “The Council approved the production of ballot papers to be used for the forthcoming local government election, which is scheduled to hold on May 15, 2021. And the production is directly awarded to Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company.
“We did this to show how serious and transparent we are and how prepared this administration is towards the forthcoming election. We are giving the contract for the production out to a reputable printing company known for printing of security materials.
“In the past elections in the state, they made use of the government printing press, but, this time around, we want a third party to handle this sensitive material so that nobody will have access to the ballot papers.”
Also, the council approved the construction of a new Oyo State Governor’s Lodge at No 2, John Kadiya Close, Abuja, through alternative project funding approach (APFA) at the cost of N1,201,760,000.
The Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Prof. Kehinde Sangodoyin, who stated this while addressing newsmen on the outcome of the executive council meeting, added that the project will be completed in the next six months.
The commissioner stated that the lodge will have the Governor’s Lodge, Deputy Governor’s Lodge, some chalets, fittings and some furniture, which he said will be of modern type, adding that this is part of what the present administration will leave behind as legacy.
“The executive council has approved the construction of the new Governor’s Lodge at No 2. John Kadiya Close, Abuja, which is under APFA.
“The lodge has been there for a while and our government noticed the dilapidated condition. The new lodge will have the Governor’s Lodge, Deputy Governor’s Lodge, some chalets, fittings and some furniture, which will be of modern type. This is part of what the administration will leave behind.
“The edifice will cost the government of Oyo State the sum of N1,201,760,000 only. Once the construction has been awarded, the duration for the completion of the project is just six months. So, it is believed that six months after the award of the contract, the project will be completed and it will have the facilities I have mentioned earlier.”
Similarly, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Barr. Abiodun Abdu-Raheem, said the council approved the construction of two modern Government Reserved Areas for residents of Oyo State, adding that new GRAs will be well-packaged so that they can meet the test of time.
He said the two GRAs are the late Lere Adigun GRA, which is behind the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) and the other one is named after Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, which is along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
“Furthermore, we have two GRAs that we have packaged in a way that shows a new narrative that is different from what we are used to.
“You know that the GRAs we have in Ibadan don’t have the infrastructure but the new ones we are bringing on board are well-packaged and they can meet the test of time.
“The GRAs on the ground now are late Lere Adigun GRA, which is behind BCOS, and the other one is named after Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, which is along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. We have been welcoming applications on these GRAs.”
He also used the medium to explain the activities of the ministry and some products available for the benefit of the people of Oyo State
“This afternoon, we showcased the products of the Ministry in a very symbolic way and that is why we made a request that all members of the exco, including the governor, should dorn our customised shirts, which indicate that we are working for the state.
“We are with the good people of Oyo State, which is a sort of obligation on our part that, within a certain period of time, we are going to make some products available for the benefit of the people of Oyo State.”
He said that the ministry is vigorously marketing the payment of Land Use Charge, 60 days C of O and collection of land and property titles.
“We are using members of the Executive as a point of contact to the people with regards to our activities. We noticed that before the inception of this government, the trust index has been very low but we thank God that with the activities of the present government and other laudable programmes that this government is coming up with, the trust index has improved and we want to leverage on that to sell our products to the people.”
Signed
Taiwo Adisa
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde
April 20, 2021.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has described the judgement of the State Election Tribunal as a true reflection of the position of the Law and the collective wish of the people.

Governor Akeredolu similarly posited that he had no enemies to hold any grudges against as a result of the Tribunal case.

The Governor made this known shortly after the Election Tribunal struck out the case brought before it by Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, the PDP governorship candidate in the October 10, 2020 governorship election.

“For every purpose and mission endorsed by God, the will to navigate the clouds of uncertainties and the path of thorns becomes stronger if backed by faith. In our case, our faith is unshakable. It is, therefore, with gratitude to God that we accept the verdict of the Honourable Tribunal.

“We have gone through this legal process and the path of Justice with the hope that the true position of the Law shall once again, be examined and exposed. The industry and legal expertise demonstrated by the Honourable Tribunal has corroborated this desire.

“We were equally enamoured by the inexorable quest to renew our social bond with the good people of State while the legal tussle was on. Unambiguously, the Tribunal verdict has further fermented this bond and strengthened the wish of the people.

“Notwithstanding, the legal process was not just part of our democratic culture. Legal paths, without doubt, provide in some cases, certain opportunities that permeate fresh frontiers.

“Therefore, the ability to extend the hands of friendship, the courage to absorb even the undeserving as well as the magnanimity to reinvigorate old, relaxed relationships without grudges is what makes a real democrat. I hold no grudges against anyone.

“Once again, the good people of Ondo State, without any stratification, remain my constituents. We shall together, move the State to higher and loftier heights.

“For my brother, friend and colleague, Eyitayo Jegede, my respect for him cannot wane and I enjoin him to join hands with us in this Ondo Project. There is no victor, no vanquished

The Aba Paanu, Osoogun/Akinwumi town, Araromi LCDA of Iseyin Local Government was agog as one of the honourables at Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Dele Adeola flagged off empowerment of farmers in his Constituency.

The empowerment, a first phase which was kicked off today in Araromi LCDA having the people of Aba Paanu of Akinwumi/Osoogun as the first beneficiaries was an initiative of the honourable Dele Adeola born out of the desire to support farmers in enhancing food security, growth of Iseyin/Itesiwaju economy particularly this trying time of ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

The farmers whose farming activities have been put on hold due to lack of funds for ploughing of lands were assembled at Aba Paanu and two acres of farm lands were ploughed with tractors for each of the farmers.

It will be recalled that the pandemic has severely affected the farmers whose means of livelihood solely relying on farming outputs.

The farmers, while their farm lands were being ploughed for planting could not hide their deep feeling by expressing their profound gratitude to Adeola for coming to their aide at a time they had thought all hopes in getting succour from government seemed to be lost.

Dele Adeola while speaking, enjoined the farmers to continually support the State Government in its unrelenting efforts at revamping the economy of Oyo State through agricultural revolution.

Adeola said, he appreciated the good people of Aba Paanu, Akinwumi/Osoogun community for the support giving to him and assured them of his support in all ramifications.

He further reiterated that the empowerment was the first phase as other phases shall cut across the entire Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency.

He said, he would continue to give support to farmers because of the role they play in nation building.

“It is high time we gave support and focus more on famers to enhance food production and the state economy as a whole”, said Adeola.

The head of the community who spoke on behalf of farmers, appreciated Hon. Dele Adeola for keeping them in heart all the time and used the medium to thank Governor seyi Makinde while praying that Almighty God would continue to guide and protect them.

Lagos State has moved to deepen the culture of accountability and transparency in the expenditure of appropriated public funds, with the signing of a bill by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, establishing an anti-corruption commission in the State.

The Governor assented to Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Bill of 2021 at a brief ceremony held in Alausa. The legislation, sponsored by the executive arm of the Government, was signed into law days after it was passed by the House of Assembly.

With the legislation coming into force, the anti-corruption commission, which will be formally set up in the coming days by the Governor, is backed by the instrument of law to investigate and prosecute officials of the State Government and registered contractors indicted for economic crimes and financial misappropriation.

Also, Sanwo-Olu assented to the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Bill of 2021, initiated by the executive arm to coordinate activities of lotteries agencies operating within the State.

After the signing of the two bills into law, Sanwo-Olu said the action was a testimony to the State Government’s effort towards entrenching accountability in governance and checking malfeasance among officers entrusted with public resources.

He said: “The bill establishing Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission is an important legislation critical to the delivery of quality services to the citizens. When we came in, we had said we would be accountable and responsible in the appropriation of the State’s resources. We want to stand in front of the citizens to give account on how public funds are being spent.

“To give credence to this promise, the executive arm initiated the bill and sent to the Assembly for approval. We believe that this law would not only ensure accountability of public funds, responsibility of public office, but also promote dialogue among public officers to keep the trust of the people in the discharge of their duties in line with transparency. The anti-corruption commission will ensure that all approved activities are implemented in accordance with budgetary allocation.”

Sanwo-Olu said the anti-corruption commission would be independent in its operations and functions, pointing out that the agency would complement efforts of similar agencies in the police and federal establishment.

The Lotteries and Gaming Authority Bill of 2021, the Governor disclosed, is to simplify and incorporate technological innovations in the gaming sector.

The law sought to harmonise five gaming and lottery formats, such as casino, jackpot, pool, lotto and sports betting, thereby regulating the sector and checking fraudulent activities of unregistered game centres within the State.

Sanwo-Olu said the former lottery law of the State did not meet the contemporary needs in the industry, which was why the executive initiated the bill to accommodate technology in regulating the business.

“As a forward-looking Government, we are doing the needful to ensure fair play, regulation and monitoring is brought back into the gaming industry. The law is not in any form to stifle investment, but to offer better platform for lottery companies to enhance equity, transparency and make their investment more rewarding,” the Governor said.

Sanwo-Olu reiterated that his Government’s actions would continue to be taken in a way that would boost confidence of the public and promote accountability in governance.

He thanked the Speaker and members of the Assembly for cooperating with the executive arm and consistently prioritisng executive bills aimed at delivering good governance.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, said the two bills signed by the Governor made it 10th legislation sponsored by the executive and passed by the House of Assembly to strengthen good governance. Twenty-six executive bills, he said, have been initiated since inception of the current administration.

He said: “The anti-corruption commission agency to be established is akin to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute misappropriation of public funds in the State. The chairman of the agency will be appointed by Mr. Governor, subject to the ratification of the House of Assembly. If the investigation leads to prima facie case, the offender will be prosecuted in the court.”

Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, and his counterpart in Public Complaints and Judiciary, Hon. Victor Akande, attended the event.

The Youth Initiatives of Ilana Omoodua led by Prof. Banji Akintoye, has insisted on creation of a Yoruba Republic, saying agitation for restructuring of Nigeria is too late for Yoruba people.

The coalition spoke on Saturday at barricaded Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, the original venue the group planned to hold its self-determination rally.

The movement, which has over 200 groups, home and abroad, speaking through its Secretary, Dr. Akin Adejumo, also said there won’t be an election in 2023.

The Yoruba groups have been agitating for the Yoruba nation over the last few years, citing several challenges facing the country as the reason for the agitation.

At the rally were representatives of Itsekiri in Delta State, Yoruba people in Edo and Kwara states, youths across the Southwest states and Yoruba leaders.

Adejumo said the nation is not working and that there is a need for Nigerians to go back to the drawing board and make a profitable decision for their people.

He said: It is only a lunatic that will be doing things in the same way and expect a different result. Yoruba people are not lunatics and that is why we want a better future for our children. Nigeria is not working.

“If you are a student of history, you will agree with me that Nigeria is not working. It is the movement that said there won’t be an election in 2023 and not me. If you go round and ask our people, you will know that our people are not supporting the election in 2023.”

Representing the Yoruba in Itsekiri land, Issac Ajatitan said the Yoruba people in the land are fully in support of Yoruba nation’s self- determination

Another leader, Basorun Kunle Adesokan, described the movement as the solution to challenges facing the country.

“We can no longer tolerate this undemocratic government again. Nigeria is not working and it won’t work. We want our Odu’a nation and we must achieve it,” he said.

Thousands of people across Yorubaland have assembled currently at Mapo Hall, Ibadan for the Oduduwa Republic mega rally.

ODUDUWA NEWS correspondent at the scene of the rally had earlier reported how security agencies stormed the venue to prevent the rally from holding which was later resolved amicably.

As at the time of filing this report, the rally is currently holding peacefully as people were seen dancing and chanting secession songs.

Details later.

National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu, has denied distributing bags of rice in some states in the northern part of the country.

Tinubu stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and signed by his Media Aide, Mr Tunde Rahman, in Lagos.

NAN reports that a viral video of images depicting the face of the APC leader on bags of rice was recently being circulated on some social media platforms.

“We have seen the images being circulated of bags of rice depicting Asiwaju’s face being distributed across parts of the North,” Tinubu said.

The former governor of Lagos said he was not responsible for this initiative.

He, however, commended the efforts of the various groups for their benevolence.

“I am not responsible for this initiative but l commend the efforts of the various volunteer groups responsible for this benign act of charity and love for one another, particularly in this Holy month of Ramadan”.

The Nigerian Army on Thursday applauded the Administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for its commitment to the security of lives and property of the citizens.

The nation’s military also lauded the Administration for its timely support for security agencies, particularly officers and men of the Nigerian Army operating in the State.

This is even as the Governor reassured of the Administration’s determination to ensure timely and prompt support to security agencies in the provision of modern security apparatuses to enhance their service delivery.

Speaking during the courtesy visit to the Governor, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Gold Chibuisi, said the Nigerian Army remains committed to partnering the State in its efforts to strengthen the security of the State and to protect the lives and property of the citizens.

Chibuisi who led other top military officers to Osun said he was fully aware of the unparalleled commitment of the State government to raise the bar of security in the State and maintain its status as the most peaceful State in the country.

The new GOC who said the senior military officers were on a familiarisation and thank you visit to the State, said the visit was imperative in view of the numerous support and cooperation the Division particularly the Engineer Construction Command situated in the State have been receiving from the government over the years.

“I took over on the 11th of March this year and it is important that I take a tour to all the formations and units in the Division. This is in line with the position to move in the direction of the new leadership of the Nigerian Army led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Attahiru Ibrahim.

“We recognised that there are stakeholders that we need to interface with and one of those is the State authorities, so I felt it was very important to pay a courtesy call to the Executive Governor of Osun as part of effort to further let government know that the Nigerian Army remains fully committed working with the states especially in matters of security to ensure that the good people of our land are law-abiding and they go about their lawful businesses without any harassment.

“I have been briefed by the Commander, Engineer Construction Command, who is physically present here, and he had told me of the immense support he had got from your government. I have to put it on record that your government has been very supportive to the Nigerian Army.

“We are very grateful for your timely support and we know that this synergy with the state government and indeed with other stakeholders in the state have gone a long way to ensure adequate security in the State.

“On our part, we are supporting other security agencies, particularly the police to further enhance the security in our land hence the need for our soldiers and the personnel to discharge their duties professionally, efficiently and in accordance with the rules of engagement ascribed to military norms.

“Your Excellency, the purpose of this visit is to thank you for all you have been doing to keep the State safe, peaceful and secure for the citizens, particularly for finding time out of your tight schedule to receive us,” he added.

In his remarks, the Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, appreciated the high sense of commitment and dedication of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army to security in the State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Oyetola who expressed delight at the visit said their presence was a confirmation of the fact that the government had kept faith with its commitment to strengthen the bond of relationship between it and the security agencies, particularly military.

“Let me first of all congratulate you on your appointment as the new GOC and I welcome the team of Generals to our State too. Thank God that, from all indications Osun remains the most peaceful State in the country, and we couldn’t have achieved that without your support as well as the support received from other security agencies in ensuring that we maintain peace.

“I must also thank you most sincerely for providing the right leadership at all times, particularly your prompt and prominent role during the Endsars protest to maintain peace for us. I must commend you and appreciate that. So also, the Chief of Army Staff for ensuring that the peace of the State is not compromised.

“We are always willing to work with security agencies. That is why we formalise regular support for the security agencies, particularly the military because the rate of insecurity is on the increase virtually across the country.

“So, for this, we shall continue to need you, particularly at a time the issue of kidnapping, banditry among other criminal acts are on the increase. We will need more of your support to put an end to the influx of illegal miners in our State.

“We need your assistance in that direction because regular forces might not be able to cope with the level of influx because it has been discovered that the illegal migrants have access to virtually all our roads. We need your support to be able to flush out all criminals coming into our State in disguise for mining.

“We are desirous of development, and this can only be achieved in the atmosphere of peace. We welcome people who want to do legitimate business. We are very friendly and we are very accommodating, but if the peace of the State is being threatened by illegal migrants, then, we must ensure that they are flushed out and this can only be achieved through collaboration with security agencies.

“I want to appeal to you to further strengthen your collaboration with other security agencies to be able to flush out those threatening our peace in the State and by extension, the country as a whole. I must thank you once again for your past support and I want to assure you that the kind of existing relationship between the State and the Service would be maintained,” Oyetola added.

Those in attendance at the courtesy call included Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi; member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Wale Adedoyin; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola; Head of Service, Dr. Olowogboyega Oyebade; Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ismail Omipidan; Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mrs. Abiodun Ige.

Other top military personnel in the GOC’s entourage were Commander 2 MIB, Brig. Gen. A. Adanogu; Commander Engineer Construction Command (ECC), Brig. Gen. N. Yakubu; Commander 42 EB, Brig. Gen. I.E Ekpeyong; Commander 2 Division Provost Group, Col. E.E Egoche; So2 G1/G4, Major M. Anzaku; 2 Div APR Offr, Major I.O Iweha and Aide De Camp, Lieutenant A.O Taiwo.