The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Sunday, May 7, paid a courtesy visit to the Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka.
The visit comes weeks after Soyinka clashed with Obidients, a nickname for the supporters of Peter Obi.
Recall that Soyinka received heat from Obidients after he accused them of Fascism, adding that they don’t ‘entertain corrective criticism’. He also stated that he warned Obi that his supporters may cost him the election.
He further incurred the wrath of the Obideint movement after publishing an article in which he described the ‘Obidients’ as one of the ‘’most repulsive, off-putting concoctions I ever encountered in any political arena”
Putting aside the political issues, Obi paid Soyinka a courtesy visit on Sunday.
The Government of Osun state has described as outright falsehood and wicked fabrication, the fake news about demotion of workers and alleged plan for half salaries for state workers.
The statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed reads as follows:
“We affirm that the Osun State Government under Governor Ademola Adeleke has not and will not demote any worker. There is also no plan to introduce half salary.
“Additionally, we declare that the content of the said story and all the references to a supposed worker are mere fabrications to undermine the very strong bond between Governor Adeleke and Osun workers, both in the formal and the informal sector.
“The bond of partnership between this administration and the workers was further cemented at the May 1st workers day celebration where labour leaders praised the extraordinary commitment of Governor Adeleke to workers’ welfare.
“The May Day event also saw confirmation by all stakeholders that Governor Adeleke was the first Governor in Osun state to have workers’ welfare as the first item on his governance agenda.
“Members of the public and the labour movement also acknowledged that the present administration has been clearing the mess and the evil fallouts of years of maladministration by the APC in Osun state. Part of that acclaimed step is the template adopted to clear years of half salary and pensions owed Osun workers.
“It is therefore a failed hatchet job by the defeated All Progressives Congress (APC) to allege that a solution provider, a workers’ governor and a performing leader of a peoples’ government is planning any anti-labour agenda
“Let us remind the sponsors of fake news that the Adeleke administration inherited over N400 billion debt from the previous administration, a very low allocation from the federation account, a demoralized public service, vastly looted public facilities, a very deep state infrastructure deficit and a disillusioned citizenry due to a government of deceit under the former Governor.
“Governor Adeleke has since been working round the clock to restore public confidence in government, to bridge the infrastructural gap, to clear backlogs of salaries owed to workers, to rebuild the public service, to sanitize public finance, and to digitalize Osun economy.
“Osun people rewarded the Governor by massively voting for PDP in all recent federal and state elections. And across Osun state, citizens are undergoing intense prayers for the validation, confirmation, prevalence and sustenance of their governorship choice by the Supreme Court. The prayer of Osun voters is that good governance they are enjoying and the Peoples Governor they voted for will continue in office by God, man and the Lord Justices of the Supreme Court.
“We therefore urge members of the public to ignore the fake news about demotion of workers and re-introduction of half salaries. Governor Adeleke is an apostle of good governance and grassroots development who upholds workers’ rights and aspirations of Osun people.
Senator Abdulaziz Yari has reportedly refused the persuasion of President-elect, Bola Tinubu to step down for Godswill Akpabio for the Senate Presidency and will go ahead to contest according.
Yari had earlier on Friday said the contest for the Senate Presidency will be based on constitutional provisions and not instructions by anyone.
He said, “What is going to happen that day, it is going to happen based on the instructions of the constitution and not for anyone.”
The former Zamfara State governor described the contest as senators’ business, backed by the constitution to choose their leaders within themselves and not based on instructions from anyone.
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has drawn the attention of the federal government to the need to amend its procurement law in order to end incessant abandonment of projects that it handles.
Governor Wike made these remarks at the inauguration of the Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Flyover (12th Flyover) on Wednesday, which was performed by the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Rivers State governor explained that the current procurement law of the Federal Government only allows for about 15/30 percent to be paid as mobilisation fee to a contractor.
Such meagre sum, he said, usually does not allow the contractor to make appreciably progress on the project before being caught up by inflation effects and high cost of materials, which eventually requires variation of the contract terms.
Governor Wike said when he noticed a similar snag in the procurement law in Rivers State, on assumption of duties, he interfaced with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, who worked together with other lawmakers to amend the then existing law.
With the amended law, governor Wike emphasized that his administration got the latitude to pay an upward of 70 percent mobilisation fee to contractors handling various projects in the State.
The governor noted that such practice has led to the great accomplishment recorded in the delivery of development projects in the State by his administration.
Governor Wike said the Phase two of Ahoada-Omoku -Egbema road and the Emohua-Tema Junction road projects that are ongoing are at the cost of N80B.
The payment pattern, he explained, that is adopted is a monthly deduction of N4B by the contractor from the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the State, which will last 18 months that the projects will be completed.
Commenting on the 12th flyover bridge, Governor Wike explained that it is one among others started from 2019 and delivered by his administration.
The governor stressed that ordinarily some of the flyovers are on federal roads and the State should be refunded by the Federal government. He therefore, requested the incoming administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider a possible refund to the Rivers State.
This, he pointed out, will serve as a motivation to other States, which will feel more encouraged to also work on federal roads in their jurisdiction.
Inaugurating the Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Flyover, the President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu noted that his presence to perform the duties of opening the flyover for public use is another way of building bridge, most essential for the country.
Tinubu also described governor Wike as a dependable ally, one who promoted the unity of Nigeria, fairness and championed Justice.
Without succumbing to gossips and speculations, Tinubu noted that governor Wike stood his ground as a principled man and worked for the presidency to come to the south.
“In His Excellency (Nyesom Ezenwo Wike), I see a man of principle, he took a principle stand that the presidency must return to South and he had the courage to stand by his conviction, not minding whose horse is gored. He is indeed a man of great integrity, he did not chose to serve his own interest. Not about him, rather the interest of the nation. You promoted unity, you promoted fairness, you championed justice. Thank you.”
He commended the audacity demonstrated by governor Wike in delivering quality projects to Rivers people to make them happy, create excitement for them and enhanced development across the State.
The president-elect said the demand for a refund on the flyover bridges so constructed on federal roads, though a worthy request, should not be borne with the mindset that he is owing the State because the projects are within Rivers and are used by the people.
President-elect, Tinubu, however, said there will be need for governor Wike to further discuss the issues with him and intensify his lobby to secure the refund.
The president-elect recalled that he went through gruesome campaign, fought hard, and with the likes of governor Wike providing structural support, he won the presidential election squarely.
“Nyesom, I say thank you for your contribution to my victory. I couldn’t have done it without some structural support.”
The President-Elect commended the Rivers State governor elect, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his electoral victory.
In his description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly Dakorinama Alabo said the Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Flyover Bridge is 1007.5 meters long, completed in 8 month instead of 10 months and delivered to eliminate traffic congestion by 98 percent in the State.
According to him, the flyover is the longest of the flyovers constructed by the Wike’s administration and has district features because whereas the other eleven flyovers are straight, it has a parabolic curve with a curvature radios of 225 meters.
In his welcome remark, Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, George Ariolu said the Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Flyover bridge is the 12th among similar projects that was conceived and constructed by governor Wike.
He noted that, as an evidence of the legendary infrastructural achievement of the governor, the 12th flyover has greatly eased vehicular traffic, boosting commerce and improved the aesthetics of the metropolis.
Some of the dignitaries present at the occasion include the wife of the Rivers State governor, Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; governors of Oyo State, Seye Makinde; Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa), Senator Hope Uzodinma (Imo), David Umahi (Ebonyi).
Other are former governors of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili; Chief Abdulkareem Adebisi Bamidele Akande (Osun), James Ibori (Delta), Chief Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Chief Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa).
The Executive Governor of Osun, Senator Ademola Adeleke has called on members of the People’s Democratic Party in Osun to come together in Unity.
He made this known while speaking at the 2023 State Congress of the party that held on Wednesday at Osogbo City Stadium, Osogbo the Osun State Capital.
The Governor noted that unity is very key to build the party adding that all members need to join hands together and move PDP from strength to strength.
He said, “We are electing our new leaders to work with the Imole government, and to support the people’s government.
“I call on all PDP members to unite behind the new executives that will be elected today, let’s hold the banner of love high.
“Unity is very key, we need all of us to join hands together and move PDP from strength to strength.
“To PDP members, be assured that your government is working, the dividend of democracy is here and is here to stay.
“To Osun people, this PDP government is for the people, of the people and by the people.
“To delegates, the field is open. Let’s do it and show that it is PDP, we have class. Let’s show them that in PDP, we know how to do things.”
In his own address, the Outgoing Acting Chairman of the party, Dr Akindele Adekunle noted that Governor Ademola Adeleke has demonstrated capacity to act to address situations in a timely and constructive manner.
He maintained that the Osun PDP must produce meaningful impacts on the ground, and make a difference as a house of champions – the ruling party in Osun State.
“What comes to mind, first and foremost, is the strong and active engagement of the executive governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke in advancing, promoting and protecting the sanctity of fairness and democratic principle of inclusiveness, no matter how inconvenient.
“In the face of many crisis tunnels, the governor has turned up brightly with a touch of unity and audacious sacrifices. With his leadership, we have crafted courage and demonstrated capacity to act to address these situations in a timely and constructive manner.
“The principle of continuous engagement bestowed on us by Mr Governor, must be more than just a one short exercise. We need to ensure that the common resolutions that we have expressly adopted till this day are followed up with concrete actions, so as to produce meaningful impacts on the ground, and make a difference as a house of champions – the ruling party in Osun State”, Akindele noted.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman of the party, Hon Sunday Bisi expressed commitment to support the tech innovation drive of the Ademola Adeleke led administration of Osun state.
He added that It is a mandate for reform and for investment in the future and it is also very clearly an instruction to deliver.
“Let me also say that in line with the wish and vision of our leader, the constitutional father of Osun State, His Excellency, Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the exercise of today comes as a remarkable and historic victory for our party but I am in no doubt at all as to what it means.
“It is a mandate for reform and for investment in the future and it is also very clearly an instruction to deliver.
“Investing into the future demands that we share in short and long term policies of our dear Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke on the need to start building the economy from the ruins of past administration.
“This the party, under my watch will support with our full chest because we appreciate the need to be assured of the future based on skills and talents and education and the application of technology, knowing that for Osun State to be relevant in the future, the forces of global competition and technological innovations mean that we can only compete on the basis of skill, ability and meritocracy.
“To this end, the domestication of the start-up act and tech innovations to strengthen tech savvy youth demography of the state by the Imole administration is the way to go and we will also deploy instrumentality of the platform of our party to support and see this noble idea of the state government to fruition”, Sunday Bisi said.
Sunday Bisi emerged chairman of the Osun PDP after securing 914 votes at the congress.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo has sent a stern warning to those planning to sabotage the judicial process at the election tribunal cases.
The Minister noted that those who are planning to tamper with the judicial process would end up creating another Sudan In Nigeria.
Keyamo made this known via a Twitter post on Monday.
The minister, who was President-elect Bola Tinubu’s campaign spokesperson during the just concluded 2023 elections, said such a move was one of the “cheap tactics.”
Parts of the tweets read, “The Tribunals and Courts should decide these cases devoid of any kind of intimidation from any of the parties and their supporters.”
“I call on all supporters of the APC and all patriots to remain calm and be respectful towards the judiciary and be ready at all times to respect and defend the judiciary and our constitution no matter which way the wind blows. Any attempt to destroy the judiciary (as these characters are bent on doing) is an invitation to another ‘Sudan’.
“Well, just as they often issue the empty boast that they are a different ‘movement’ and the judiciary should not ‘mess’ with them, they will soon realize that the judiciary is also a different kind of institution with which they cannot ‘mess’.”
President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that he is a co-labourer and friend to workers in the fight for social and economic justice.
He disclosed this in a statement released in commemoration of 2023 Workers Day. The former Lagos governor who promised to always fight for workers, stated that they will have “more than minimum wage”.
Tinubu said, “In me, you will find a dependable ally and co-labourer in the fight for social and economic justice for all Nigerians, including all the working people. Your fight will be my fight because I will always fight for you. My plans for better welfare and working conditions are clearly spelt out in my Renewed Hope Agenda for A Better Nigeria. It is a covenant born of conviction and one I am prepared to keep.’
The Nigerian government, with the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the indefinite postponement of the 2023 Population and Housing Census, which was previously scheduled for May 3-7, 2023.
This was announced in a press statement signed by Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, and made available to journalists on Saturday morning.
According to the statement, Buhari gave the postponement after meeting with some members of the Federal Executive Council and the Chairman of the National Population Commission and his team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, April 28, 2023 to discuss a new date with the incoming administration.
This is the second time the government would be shifting the census in 2023.
In March, the National Population Commission (NPC) said that the postponement of the 2023 gubernatorial and state house of assembly elections would affect the conduct of the 2023 Housing and Population Census.
The commission had previously suspended the training of adhoc staff who would carry out population count due to finance and logistic issues.
But when asked if a new date has been fixed, he said he could not reveal it as the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, but he would make a broadcast on it.
Recall that the Census was earlier scheduled for March 27 but was shifted to May 3 due to the earlier postponement of the gubernatorial elections.
Also, the chairman of the commission had on Thursday, during a meeting with the diplomatic corps in Abuja, stated that the commission was yet to get all the devices needed to carry out the census, noting that some devices will be procured in a few days’ time.
On the donations for the census by the private sector and other key stakeholders, he had said “But you know the way they operate; it is not as if the money will come like that. They have to talk with their own government and look at their budget. So, that process is ongoing. But we cannot say any money has come in. It is a process, and the process is unfolding.”
According to the source, the NPC chairman was accompanied to the State House by Dr Ipalipo Harry, NPC’s Rivers State Federal Commissioner; Dr Abdulmalik Durunguwa, NPC’s Kaduna State Federal Commissioner; Tellson Osifo Ojogun, the Director General of NPC and Ms. Evelyn Olanipekun, NPC’s Director of Census.
Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has released the timetable for the elections into the existing 33 Local Governments’ Councils in the state.
In compliance with Section 30 of Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), Section 5 (a), and Paragraph 1 (1) Schedule 2 of the State Independent Electoral Commission Law CAP 154, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000, the general public is hereby informed that Elections will be conducted in thirty-three (33) Local Government Councils in Oyo State on SATURDAY, 27th April 2024 between 8:00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m.
“In the circumstance, prospective candidates are expected to obtain nomination forms in respect of the elections into their Local Government Councils at the Commission’s headquarters situate at Quarters 484, Total Garden –Gate Road, Agodi GRA, Ibadan. Oyo State on or before Monday 28th August, 2023.
The breakdown of the election time table is hereby shown below:
Friday 28, April, 2023 a) Publication of notice of Election b) Release of Election Time Table c) Release of Election Guidelines
Tuesday 2 May, 2023 to Friday, 19th April, 2024
a) Commencement of Political Activities b) Commencement and end of Campaigns by Political Parties
June 19th to July 24th, 2023
Conduct of Party Primaries by Political Parties and observation of Primaries by the Commission
Wed. 4th Sept. – Wed 31″ 2023
a) Display of Voters register b) Collection of Personal Data Forms for candidates by Political Parties
Monday 18th Sept to Friday 29th Sept, 2023
Submission of Personal Data Forms for candidates by Political Parties
Monday 2 – Friday 13th October, 2023
Verification/Screening of Councillorship Candidates by OYSIEC
Monday 16th Oct. to 27 Oct, 2023
Verification/Screening of Councillorship Candidates by OYSIEC
Monday 6th Nov., 2023 Delivery of list qualified candidates to Political parties by OYSIEC
Monday 13th Nov., to 27th Nov. 2023
Appeals/Substitution of un-cleared candidates
Monday 4th Dec., to 8 Dec., 2023 Screening of of substituted candidates by OYSIEC
Monday, 8, Jan., 2024 Publication of names of qualified candidates by OYSIEC
Monday 15 Jan-Wed 31 Jan, 2024 Display of Voters’ Registers
a) Submission of names and addresses of Parties’ agents to the Commission
b) Publication of Notice of Polls End of Electioneering Campaign (12 midnight)
Friday, 26th April, 2024 End of Electioneering Campaign (12 midnight)
Saturday, 27th April, 2024 ELECTION DAY (8:00AM-3:00PM)
Saturday, 4th May, 2024 RUN OFF/RE-RUN ELECTION (IF ANY)
In conclusion, stakeholders are hereby enjoined to give their support and cooperation to the Commission so as to organize and conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent Local Government Councils Elections in Oyo State Dated 26th day of April, 2023.
Ifaki-Ekiti in Ido/Osi local government area of of Ekiti State was in celebration mood on Wednesday during the presentation of the Staff of Office to the traditional ruler of the town, Oba John Adegbenro Falore Ajibade III, by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji ably represented by her Deputy, Chrs Mrs Monisade Christana Afuye.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oyebanji congratulated the monarch following his assession on the throne prior to confirmation by the kingmakers on 25th September, 2021 leading to this Presentation of Staff, first of it’s kind under his regime in Ekiti State making it historic.
“I rejoice with the good people of Ifaki-Ekiti for the triumphant entery of Oba Adegbenro. He further commended the people for ensuring peace since the death of their last monarch in 2020, noting that peace is necessary to enable his administration bring in adequate development to the area.
Oyebanji urged the monarch to rule his people with fear of God, saying the community is really lucky to have a monarch like him. I appealed to the good people of Ifaki-Ekiti to be supportive and patronize government dealings because people play great role in national development.
In his response, Oba Adegbenro thanked the governor for presenting him the Staff of Office whilst his recent appointment of Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi as his Chief Economic Adviser. He further urged the Governor to rise to Ifaki-Ekiti development with laudable projects and more appointments for sons and daughters of community.
He also appreciated Owa of Ajero, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, for finding time to attend the event, who he described his Mentor, whose mentorship is legendary.
“I expressed gratitude to the monarchs present from the nook and cranny of Ekiti State led by Oba Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon, Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers. Your shown of love is highly cherished.
“Leading Ifaki-Ekiti has come to stay following my confirmation by High Court verdict days ago after my coronation two years ago. The people am leading have been supportive while urging them for more fruitful support for development. I see everyone in my community being important without hatred for anyone, he added.
The event held at the palace of Oba Adegbenro saw people rolling talking drums, dancing with outpouring kind words and prayers for longevity of years of the monarch on the throne in good health yielding development for the benefit of all and sundry.
Eminent Personality like Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi represented by his Personal Assistant Lawal Moshood Bamayi, Hon. Sola Ogunsina, Chairman of Ido/Osi local government, Chief Kayode Adetunmbi, Commissioner of Police in charge of Intelligence Department in the Force Headquarters, Mr Jide Borode, Spiritual Fathers, Community Leaders and host of others attended the event.
