Category: Politics

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has reacted to the alleged media attacks by Governor of Zamfara State against its chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, saying the recent attacks were sponsored by those on the watchlist of the commission.

This was contained in statement made available by the Commission via his official Twitter handle as read in part:

“The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been drawn to a trending interview granted to the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, by Bello Muhammed Matawalle, governor of Zamfara State, where he allegedly made wild bribery allegations against the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa

“Matawalle’s recourse to mudslinging is symptomatic of a drowning man clutching at straws. But despite the irritation of his phantom claims, the Commission will not be drawn into a mud fight with a suspect under its investigation for corruption and unconscionable pillage of the resources of his state. If Matawalle will be taken seriously, he should go beyond sabre-rattling by spilling the beans – provide concrete evidence as proof of his allegations.

“Again, the Commission wishes to alert the public about plans by some of the alleged corrupt politically exposed persons to flee the country ahead of May 29. The Commission is working in close collaboration with its international partners to frustrate these escape plans and bring those involved to justice.”.

Recall, EFCC has made it known to the public that it has sent invitations to some serving governors and other government officials to turn themselves in at the EFCC headquarters immediately after their tenure expiration.

Among those invited by the EFCC are the erstwhile Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, serving governor of Zamfara State, Matawalle, Yahya Bello of Kogi State among several others.

Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has described as cheering the Federal Government’s approval of Ondo Deep Sea Port.

Governor Akeredolu, who thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and other members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), said the approval was an impressive parting gift from the Buhari administration.

The Governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, noted that actualising the port project was very important to his administration.

“The Port Ondo is one of the most important projects of this administration. We are determined and committed to actualising this project that will set our state on the path of economic prosperity.

“Our dream for this port of Ondo is to serve as a conduit for our goods, agricultural produce, and very soon, our bitumen.

“It is the goal of this administration to ensure that the potential of Ondo State is maximised and that all necessary infrastructure required to make this a reality is put in place to achieve this.

“We thank the minister of Transportation, Hon. Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, for his interventions and commitment. Our state is very grateful for this yeoman service. History will be kind to him.

“We equally noted with candour, the role of the Minister of State for Transportation, our own, Prince Ademola Adegoroye. Your impactful struggles and efforts have started yielding enduring fruit of development. Indeed, you have proven to be a true representative of your people. Your doggedness is admirable.

“We also appreciate everyone who has, one way or the other, contributed to the process of getting this approval. It is just a phase. We expect that this development will renew our vigour and drive our passion to deliver the Port Ondo project.

“Like we say, we are planting a tree, under which shade we may not rest. Nevertheless, it is a worthy cause for the generation yet unborn. We are committed to any effort that targets the good of the next generation.

There was drama at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal on Wednesday when the two factions of Labour Party clashed.

Trouble started when Lamidi Apapa, factional chairman of the party, walked into the court premises alongside some of his supporters.

Apapa who is locked in a battle with Julius Abure, suspended chairman of the party, had arrived the court for the case of a petition which Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the party, filed against the victory of President-elect Bola Tinubu.

He made attempted to sit where Labour Party officials were and a shouting match ensued.

“Who are you?” a party official asked Apapa, who fired back saying, “Who are you too?”

When the LP matter was called, Peter Obi and the party’s Women Leader, Dudu Manoga, introduced themselves on the record of the court.

But when Apapa stood up to introduce himself as the National Chairman, the presiding justice of the court, Justice Haruna Tsammani requested him to stop the introduction as the court will not recognise the ‘National Chairman’ on record.

Abure, who sat next to Obi, did not, however attempt to introduce himself.

Apapa had earlier vowed to take control of the party and to withdraw the petition and motions before the court ahead of the sitting following the ruling of an FCT High Court sustaining Abure’s suspension. The LP has since appealed the ruling.

During Wednesday’s sitting, the LP’s lawyers, the lawyers to Bola Tinubu, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are expected to show the extent of their harmonisation of non-contentious issues and motions to be relied upon during the main hearing

The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has today inspected the ongoing projects of the newly constructed bridge at the 34.85 km Oyo-Iseyin Road and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH.

According to statement made available by the Governor via his official Twitter account as read in part:

“The bridge is now open for use. However, we urged the contractor to increase the pace of work to ensure that the road reconstruction is completed before the end of this year.

“We also visited the LAUTECH Iseyin Campus for an on-the-spot assessment of the progress of the ongoing construction. The administrative building is complete. However, there is still some work to be done on the other buildings and the access road. The plan is for students to resume on this campus by September this year.

“Lastly, we visited the Akinyele Resettlement Centre to assess the project. Under Omituntun 2.0, we will ensure that the centre is properly utilised to serve as a holding place for beggars on our streets prior to their rehabilitation and relocation.~ Governor Seyi Makinde FNSE”.

The Governor of Ondo State has expressed his displeasure on the proposed zoning formula of the All Progressives Congress APC on the Senate President seat and the Speakership position.

This was contained in a statement personally signed and made available to newsmen by the Governor as read in part:

“It is with great concern, and indeed, with a huge burden that I read in the news of the purported zoning arrangement released by the National Working Committee of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) as regards the leadership positions in the yet-to-be inuagurated National Assembly.

“Aside the unpretentious ambiguity in the purported Press Statement issued by the leadership of the APC, the contents, intentions and motives of the zoning formula represent early signs of steps aimed at attempts to cabin the hard-earned Presidency for our Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a few individuals with eyes on ASO ROCK POWER BUTTONS.

“It is trite to aver, that, it stands logic on the head that one geo-political zone, Northwest in this regard, will be favoured with two presiding officers positions out of four while North Central suffers the consequences for its innocence and shrewd loyalty by having none.

“It is an insidious permutation that North East will be deprived in the face of the unsavoury generosity dispensed through two slots to a particular geo-political zone. It is self-repudiating for one to argue, therefore, that the Speaker of the House of Representatives cannot also emerge from the North East.

“Therefore, the move to zone the National Assembly leadership positions on the behest of interested personalities with perceived closeness to the President-elect manifestingly, lays the dangerous foundation of distrust, needless suspicion even as it structures nothing but a combination of booby traps. We must avoid all these.

“Let the North play a stronger, more robust and all-inclusive roles in the emergence of the positions zoned to the region, especially the Speakership.

“Furthermore, it strikes a huge ingratitude that the role of the Progressive Governors Forum appears unimportant. As leaders of the Party in their respective States, there cannot be a greater disservice to them that a consensus was yet to be reached when the NWC hurriedly released a dangerous tool for the opposition in the guise of a zoning formula. To me, even on this note, it’s unacceptable.

“Does it not also exude a serious discomfort that the aspirants to the Speakership were not consulted, approached and effectively engaged before the purported zoning formula? It does, and clearly so.

“It is in this regard that I salute the courage of the Speakership aspirants for their show of solidarity, companionship and applaudable love for the Party in their rejection, resentment and objection to the brazenly teleguided zoning arrangement that is skewed and targeted against some zones and identified individuals. Their action is commendable just as they are urged to ensure they pursue this to a logical conclusion. This is an unworkable arrangement that reinforces injustice and enhances inequity; and I join them in rejecting this zoning formula.

“I call on the NWC of our great Party to follow the path of purity and Justice. It is perhaps expedient that Mr. President-elect interrogates this skewed arrangement and give direction that reflects our collective commitment to equality and fairness.

“In this particular case, and for the purpose of avoiding a repeat of untoward situations, it is advised that the APC NWC immediately summons the National Executive Committee (NEC)after robust National Caucus/Stakeholders parley to agree on terms that would strengthen our great Party”.

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to the Supreme Court verdict affirming Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory.

ODUDUWA NEWS reports that in a statement released by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, the APC expressed acceptance of the judgement, acknowledging that in every contest, there must be a winner.

However, the party also stated that it would not shy away from its opposition responsibilities in keeping the government accountable, despite congratulating Governor Adeleke on his victory.

According to Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, the Acting Chairman of the APC in the state, the party is a democratic political body that upholds the rule of law and accepts the finality of the Supreme Court’s decision. Lawal emphasized that, though the party is not pleased with the outcome, there is no legal recourse to challenge the verdict of the highest court in the land.

He said: “The members and supporters of our party should refuse to be downcast with the current political situation in the state as the nature of politics is that one doesn’t win all the time.

“The prevailing condition of the winner(s) of today does not make him the perpetual winner as the political office which was contested for is a tenured one for a period of four years after which we shall have the opportunity to slug it out with those who are rejoicing over today’s victory.

“It is however, worthwhile to state that our party and our candidate, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, might have lost the election as it was pronounced by the apex court of the land but it is visible to the court of the public that they never lost the battle.

“That Osun State is a common patrimony is the reason why we are assuring the PDP and the government that we shall be meeting in the trenches when it’s constitutionally ripe to do so.

The Family of Adagunodo Oluwatukesi has announced the passing away into glory of their beloved, brother, father and an illustrious son, Hon. Clement Olasoji Adagunodo which sad event took place yesterday in a hospital in the United States of America after a brief illness.

According to an official message from the family of the deceased, Hon. Adagunodo gave up the ghost late yesterday (early this morning, Nigerian time).

Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo was a member of the Osun State House of Assembly between 2003 and 2007.

He was also the Deputy Chief Whip of Osun State House of Assembly between 2003 and 2007.

Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo was the immediate past State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party between 2018 and 2021 before he was seconded to the position of the National Vice Chairman of the party in the South West on November 25, 2021

Hon. Adagunodo was the National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, South West until his death.

He was also a member of the National Working Committee of the party by virtue of his position as the National Vice Chairman of the party and also a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Hon. Adagunodo was a graduate of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, A Masters Degree holder in Managerial Psychology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and also a holder of Masters in Business Administration, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso.

Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo was a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Nigeria, (FNIQS).

Hon. Adagunodo was survived by a wife, three children and grandchildren, uncles, sisters and brothers.

The Supreme Court has affirmed the victory of the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke.

The judgement was delivered today at the apex Court.

Details later.

The Oyo State House Committee on Local Government today met with the members of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Committee, OYSIEC to deliberate on the released guidelines and time table for the conduct of local government council election.

The meeting held today at the Caucus Room of the Oyo State House of Assembly and was chaired by the Chairman House Committee on Local Government, Hon. Akintunde Olajide AKT.

Hon. Akintunde AKT while giving his opening remark, thanked all the participants for deeming it fit to honour the committee’s invitation. He discussed briefly on the time table released by OYSIEC on the proposed Local Government Council election, he stated that the purpose of the gathering was to be intimated with the plans and preparations of the members of the OYSIEC on the released timetable.

In his words, while discussing the rationale behind the prompt release of the time table, the Chairman of OYSIEC, Alhaji Isiaka Olagunju SAN said it was necessary to conduct new election due to the fact that the tenure of office of the incumbent chairmen is gradually coming to end, he cited a section of the constitution, which empowers the Commission to reel out at least 360 days notification before the election day. He further made clarification on the timeframe by making reference to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of Osun OSIEC/opposition parties which ruled that notice of 60 days could be given as well.

“We followed the section of our law that stated 360 days should be given before the commencement of election and this brought about the release of time table on the 27th April, 2023 which will culminate into election on the 27th of April, 2024”, said OYSIEC Chairman.

Hon. Wale Gbadamosi popularly known as Wale Canada while speaking, asked the OYSIEC chairman to clarify the insinuation from certain quarters that the OYSIEC election would not give everybody level playing ground as there was a grand plan for “selection” as against “election”.

While reacting to the question, the OYSIEC Chairman said, when he was appointed to lead the Commission, he asked a direct question from Gov Makinde if he would allow him to operate freely and conduct free and fair election in which the Governor acceded to his request. He however expressed his displeasure to the inability of the opposition parties to participate in the last election having done everything possible to convince them of his mission to conducting free and fair election without any fear or favour.

“I am reiterating my commitment now in the presence of PRESS that the commission I am leading would not condone any act that is capable of jeopardizing the smooth conduct of peaceful, free and fair election.

“If you are looking for someone that would rig election, count me out, my stance at the commission is to ensure that everybody is given level playing ground”, said the OYSIEC Chairman.

House of Representatives Member and an aspirant for the Speakership of the House of Representatives, Aliyu Betara have accused Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila of picking someone who’s not popular to succeed him as the next Speaker.

Betara who was referring to Tajudeen Abass who has also being picked by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) as its consensus candidate for the speakership vowed to go ahead to contest for the speakership during his official declaration in Abuja.

He said, “Femi Gbajabiamila gave me a name, He called me the “Head Boy”. I was surprised when my boss (Femi Gbajabiamila) nominated Tajudeen Abass outside of all of us seated here.

“If today, the deputy Speaker of the House is contesting, the chairman appropriation is contesting, the majority leader is contesting, then who’s closer to the speaker ?

Betara went on to say that Gbajabiamila is picking someone (Abass) that most members of the 9th assembly don’t know.

Idris Wase, Alhassan Doguwa and other members of the House of Representatives were also present during the official declaration of Aliyu Betara to run for the Speakership of the House of Representatives.