Category: Politics

It was a momentous occasion today, as Lagos State played host to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar and his team in Tafawa Balewa square Lagos.

The rally witnessed the presence of huge party faithful and supporters, with the presence of several prominent Chieftains of the party, including the National Chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the Chairman of the Party’s Presidential Campaign Council-Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom State, Governors Duoye Diri of Bayelsa and Darius Ishaku of Taraba State.

Speaking at the occasion, the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar told Lagosians to disregard the spurious claims by some individuals who continue to say that they developed Lagos, noting that Lagos is a creation of the Federal government and was actually developed by Nigerians and not one individual.

He urged Lagosians to take their destinies into their own hands with a determination towards liberating themselves from one family dynasty, by voting for Jandor, who is the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate in the State.

Furthermore, Atiku promised to set up a $10 billion development fund, which will be used to support the MSMEs in the country. The former Vice President stated that the funds for these incentives would come from the privatization exercise that would be carried out by his government, if elected into power.

The Wazirin Adamawa also promised to restructure the country by devolving more powers to the states and local governments.

Earlier at the occasion, the Gubernatorial Candidate of the party in the state, Jandor decried the state of poverty and unemployment ravaging the entire Lagos and promised to bring to an end the illegal activities of touts and miscreants who constantly extort people of their legitimate incomes, even as these harassments are alleged to be perpetrated by agents of the state government.

Jandor enjoined the people of Lagos to vote massively for Atiku, whom he described as calm and sober to the plights of Nigerians, coherent and truly Presidential in attitude.

Speaking in the same vein, the PDP National Chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu, thanked the mammoth crowd of party faithful and supporters, who trooped out in their numbers to welcome the PDP team and mentioned that their determination and commitment to bring PDP back to power will not only liberate Lagos state, but the whole country.

The former Senate President stated that the PDP administration will implement policies that will create wealth and alleviate poverty.

On his part, the chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom State, praised the people of Lagos for the courage to troop out in their numbers to attend the Presidential rally, despite several reports of intimidation by some overzealous Lagos State government officials, who were alleged to have blocked the route to the venue of the rally.

He saluted their resistance, even as they equally placed embargo on all PDP adverts, all in their quest to frustrate the party in the state. He urged Nigeria to vote Atiku/Okowa to rescue Nigeria from the current APC maladministration as the PDP Government will attract the right investments that will restore the economic fortunes of the country.

Supporters of the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, bickered with former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, who had gone to protest at Chatham House in London, where Tinubu was speaking.

In this video, as he chanted, “Tinubu”, the supporters of the APC candidate responded, “For President,” drowning out his own response. They later started to sing.

The voices of the Pro-Tinubu’s supporters were seen in the video going viral loud and clear above a lone voice of the former presidential media aide, Reno Omokri.

The Accord Party candidate for Atisbo/Saki East/Saki West Federal constituency, Jacob Funmi Ogunmola, is dead.

Sources said, Ogunmola, an ex-Chairman of Atisbo local government, died a few hours after attending a function in Saki.

It was gathered that the politician breathed his last when he was being moved from Saki, his base to Lagos.

Another source said that he had just finished a programme in Saki when he complained he was not well, which prompted the move to take him to Lagos.

In a post on his campaign Facebook, the Ago Are-born politician was seen telling his host that it was not in his habit to come late to events but that he had a crisis.

A few months ago, Ogunmola’s successor in office as council chairman, Wasiu Owolabi, died in an auto accident.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has confirmed the receipt of 13 per cent oil derivation, subsidy and SURE-P refunds from the Federation Account in the last two years (2021-2022).

A statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, explained that the refunds received by the state were expended on capital projects and payment of accumulated salary arrears.

The statement also disassociated Governor Akeredolu from those alleged to have been stealing funds meant for the Local Governments from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

According to the statement, the refunds received from the Federal Government were judiciously expended on some key capital projects across the three senatorial districts of the state.

“Some of the impactful projects undertaken and completed by this administration include the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the 32.6km Araromi-Alape road in Ilaje Local Government Area; 16.65km Ikaramu-Akunnu-chainnage 7-Oke Agbe Road in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area; 4.5km Agadagba Obon-New Ajapa Road in Ese-Odo Local Government Area; 3.0km Oke Igbo Township roads, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area, among others.

“Recently, the Governor commenced the rehabilitation of over 35 kilometers network of roads in Akure, the state capital. The roads being rehabilitated are the existing ones built by past governments several years ago and which are already in bad shapes with potholes and failed sections. The 9.5km Emure- Iporo Road and rehabilitation of 15.2km Akure phase “D” road networks have all begun.

“The 10km Okitipupa-Igbokoda virgin road which will be commissioned by the Lagos State Governor, Mr.Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is another evidence of Governor Akeredolu’s commitment to infrastructural development. These intensive capital projects are financed from these refunds and Internally Generated Revenue.

“The monthly FAAC receipts are devoted to the payment of salaries and pensions as agreed by Labour Leaders at the monthly meetings presided over by the Head of Service and Chairman of Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).

“Despite Governor Akeredolu’s vow to always pay salaries and pensions as and when due, the financial crisis across the country occasioned by the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic resulted in non-payment of salaries in full for some months. As at January 2022, Government was owing four months salary arrears as against seven months inherited.

“Governor Akeredolu, having promised the civil servants in the state to prioritise payment of salaries, has continued to clear these backlogs of arrears. On three occasions this year, Government has paid double salaries in a month, thereby reducing the number of arrears. All salaries will be cleared before the year ends.

“If the amount expended on these infrastructural projects and payment of salary arrears is juxtaposed with the refunds, it is crystal clear that the monies were not mismanaged in Ondo State.

“The administration of Governor Akeredolu stands on the tripod of Transparency, Accountability and Integrity. We will continue to hoist the flag of transparency in governance while pursuing excellence in the journey to transform the state for the better,” the statement said.

On the allegation that some Governors are stealing Local Government Funds, the statement noted that the Akeredolu administration has not touched funds meant for Local Governments since its inception.

“As a matter of policy, monies meant for Local Governments are shared at their monthly Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC). Mr Governor doesn’t touch local governments funds. The local government Chairmen can attest to the fact that they have total freedom in the management of their funds,”the statement added

Ogun Labour Party Chairman, state secretary and National Secretary suspended for alleged gross misconduct and anti-party activities.

Hours after expelling Director General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Doyin Okupe, Ogun state chairman of the party, Michael Ashade, the Secretary, Feyisola Michael and the National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, have been suspended for alleged gross misconduct and anti-party activities.

Rexall the Director General of campaign for the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi was said to have been suspended by the state party few days ago on the allegation of financial misappropriation.

The intrigues and politicking continue to hold sway as the party excos were also alleged of sabotage and betrayal of trust who may likely work for the opposing parties.

Details later.

The State of Osun House of Assembly has congratulated the newly sworn in Governor of the State, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

The Assembly late Tuesday, at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, responded to recent events in the state, saying the legislative arm is saddled with the responsibility of law making, only disagreed with the Governor on matters of law.

Owoeye, while briefing members of the Assembly on the outcome of the private meeting he held with Governor Adeleke earlier in the day, stated that there now exists a mutual understanding that the house will be carried along on matters that concerns the legislature.

The Speaker in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Alabi held that the position of the House of Assembly, was purely from the point of law and not in anyway antagonizing the Executive arm of government, saying the positions from the point of law was also related to the Governor at the meeting.

On the issue of LG administration, Hon. Owoeye informed the plenary of a notice of appeal against the decision of a Federal High Court judgment, served on the 7th Assembly.

The House resolved that the issue of Local Government administration should be left to the court of law, ordering a status quo on all Local Government administration pending the exhaustion of all legal means.

Owoeye, while thanking his colleagues for their service and steadfastness to the State said “This is the Osun State House of Assembly, anything we are doing has to be to the development and progress of this state, we have not done anything wrong or foul of the law.

“As an institution, we x-ray and scan whatever we disseminate because as far as the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is concerned, we are performing legislative duties and our functions as legislators.”

“When Aregbesola took over the mantle of leadership in 2010, the PDP controlled local government was still in place and the status quo remained. Nobody dissolved the local government until all legal processes were completed,” the Speaker emphasised.

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West zone, has condemned the hardship brought upon Nigerians, most especially students, by the increment in fuel pump prices in the southwestern region of the country.

NANS, in a statement signed by the zone’s Coordinator, deputy Coordinator and Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Olatunji, Alao John and Awoyinfa Opeoluwa respectively, said the country’s economy had been in a state of uncertainty and didn’t know what to expect next.

NANS added that timetable of protests across southwestern states, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti would be released in less than 48 hours in their next press release.

Adeleke said yesterday his administration has not sacked any worker and dethroned three monarchs.

Adeleke spoke against the earlier announced Executive Order 3, 4 and 5, which stated nullification of employment, appointment made by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola from July 17, 2022 till his inauguration and vacation of the throne of three monarchs appointed by past administration.

The order states: “All employments in the service of Osun State Government made in any capacity into any capacity in all the ministries, departments, agencies, commissions, boards and parastatals after July 17, 2022 are hereby nullified.

“All appointments in the service of Osun State Government made in any capacity into any capacity in the ministries, departments, agencies, commissions, boards and parastatals after July 17, 2022 are hereby reversed.

“All appointments of traditional rulers made by Osun State Government after July 17, 2022 are hereby ordered to be reviewed to ensure there was strict compliance with due process of chieftaincy declarations and native law, custom and tradition relating to such chieftaincies. In the case of Ikirun, Iree and Igbajo, to avoid further breakdown of law and order, the appointments of Akinrun of Ikinrun, Aree of Ire and Owa of Igbajo are hereby put on hold pending review. Subsequently, the palaces of Akinrun of Ikirun, Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo should remain unoccupied, while security agencies are hereby ordered to take charge.”

However, the governor through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, speaking yesterday on a private radio station, Rave FM, in Osogbo, during a talk show programme, ‘Frank Talk’, said Adeleke had not sacked any worker.

He said the appointment and employment made by the Oyetola administration would be reviewed to ensure legality and due process, stressing that nobody had been sacked, the executive order was misquoted.

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has described the setting up of review panels by Governor Adeleke as an afterthought designed to arrive at predetermined outcomes.

The party urged the governor to settle down to study the handover notes, so as to prevent the blunders he was committing.

In a statement signed by its Director of Operations, Sunday Akere, APC said: “We told you from day one that these people have nothing to offer. We can all see from their first action that they are even confused.

“They had told us long time ago that they were coming to sack. They came and announced it. Why set up a panel after taking a decision? What they are doing can be likened to doing ablution after observing prayers. Who does that?”

Governor Adeleke has ordered the dissolution of non-statutory boards.

Spokesperson Malam Olawale Rasheed said in a statement that the directive was conveyed to heads of ministries, departments and agencies by Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, the Secretary to the State Government

Ajelewa 2.0 is the 2nd Edition of the South West Local Government Trade Fair thag held at the Ibadan Recreation Club Exhibition Ground, Adamasingba, Ibadan, whereas it was recorded that the first edition was held at Aje International Market, Ido Osun, Oshogbo, Osun State.

The Official Opening was performed by His Excellency, Barr Bayo Lawal, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State ably represented by Barr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Honourable Commissioner of Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy.

While commending the Organisers of the trade fair; BTG Africa, DAWN COMMISSION, ODUA Chambers of Commerce, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and Miners Association for their foresight and aspirations in facilitating attention to non oil opportunities, he made cold to declare that the Federal Government couldn’t raise any revenue from crude oil in the outgoing Year. He therefore stressed the importance of consuming what we produce in our community and encouraged everyone to come out in large numbers to grace this marketing event which creates avenue for producers and consumers to meet.

Furthermore His Excellency said ‘Oyo State will keep supporting and participating in the trade fair, in an unrelenting effort as the economy expansion agenda of His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, The Executive Governor of Oyo State’

Hence, he declared the 2nd edition of the Trade Fair officially open, while visiting every Exhibitors booth.

In the entrouge of the Representative of His Excellency are the Permanent Secretary and Directors of Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

At the event, those present are Honourable Minister of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development represented by Dr Kakulu Florence, The Baale of Ekotedo Dr Taiye Ayorinde, Mrs Akinola Funmilayo (Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture), Mr Babatunde Abatan (Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment), Organisers: Dr Delight Owoyemi, Mr Olajide Olatubosun & Mr Dele Adebanjo, Exhibitors and others.

Equally, The Baale of Ekotedo Dr Taiye Ayorinde endorsed His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde for Seocnd Term in office, stating that the governor has done very well.

Ogun State hosts Ajelewa 3.0