Category: Politics

Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued stern warning to former governorship aspirant of the party, Dotun Babayemi to stop further legal action if truly he is a genuine member of the party.

The party specifically frowned at apparent attempt by the aspirant to become a tool of the All Progressive Congress(APC) to truncate the overwhelming victory of PDP at the governorship poll, declaring that such treachery is an exercise in futility.

In a statement issued by the Caretaker Chairman of the party, Dr Akindele Adekunle, the party described as worrisome Babayemi’s refusal to listen to calls by elders of his group who urged him to discontinue legal challenge on Osun PDP primary, reminding him that he is increasingly emerging as an instrument of a defeated governor who is struggling to come to term with his crushing defeat at the poll.

While the aspirant had filed several cases and failed to upturn due process decision of the party, the party noted that the last ruling of the Court of Appeal should put paid to further litigation on the primary, warning that any decision to pursue the issue further will smack of open anti-party activity and a direct disrespect for the people of Osun state who voted massively for Senator Ademola Adeleke.

The party hinted that a very dangerous and self-destructive dimension is the emerging alleged collaboration between Babayemi and the APC to continue the primary case, affirming that such evil alliance will end in further legal defeat as the aspirant has no strong legal basis for his many litigations.

From the beginning of the litigation to date, it was obvious the aspirant was only holding unto straws as the primary that produced Senator Adeleke fulfilled all extant regulations and legal requirements in line with the electoral act among others.

The party not only duly authorized the primary, the right delegates participated at the right venue with right statutory supervision while a valid court order equally mandated the holding and organisation of the governorship primary.

We are therefore constrained to call on Babayemi to toe the path of honour and embrace the overwhelming choice of Osun people. Any hope of stealing people’s mandate for Senator Ademola Adeleke through the backdoor is a venture doomed from conception. Enough is enough.

Signed

Dr Akindele Adekunle
Chairman, CTC
Peoples Democratic Party
Osun State Chapter

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday, said everything about him, including his emergence as both a military Head of State and President of Nigeria, was by accident.

Obasanjo, who was an ex-military Head of State before he was elected as a civilian President in 1999, said he was a farmer by choice and not by accident.

Speaking on Saturday on a live radio interview with Segun Odegbami on Eagles7 Sports 103.7 FM, Abeokuta, Obasanjo said he was always proud to be addressed as a farmer.

Odegbami had asked Obasanjo to speak about what he termed his “romance with farming.”

In response, the former president said, “I don’t like the word you used, ‘romance with farming’. I am a farmer. What do you mean by romance. Everything I have done in my life is by accident. The only thing that is not accidental is farming. Every other thing that I’ve been is by accident. And you called that romance? No! What do you mean by romance?

“You know my beginning. I was born and bred in a village. I went to school by accident. My father just said, ‘won’t you do something different?’ So I went into farming.

“When you look at countries that have made it, they developed on agriculture. First, for the purpose of food security; second, for the purpose of processing what they get from their farms, which is the beginning of industrialisation. Third, to give it out as export, which is for the purpose of foreign exchange; and fourth, as a means of generating employment for the youth.”

Meanwhile, Obasanjo advised Nigerian youths to take over leadership positions right now.

Obasanjo said youths should not allow anyone to address them as leaders of tomorrow, saying the tomorrow may never come.

Obasanjo said some corrupt leaders would destroy the so-called tomorrow if the younger generation failed to rise up and take their future in their hands.

He said, “My advice for Nigerian youths is that, never let anybody tell you that you are the leaders of tomorrow. If you wait for tomorrow before you take over leadership, that tomorrow may not come. They will destroy it.

“This is the time, youths get up and make it happen.”

The Osun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to the outgoing Governor of OsunState, Alh. Gboyega Oyetola and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) against the purported plan to conduct Local Government elections across the Local Government Councils, Area Councils and the Local Council Development Areas in Osun State, maintaining that it is illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional to embark on such wasteful exercise especially at this crucial period and process of transition to the awaiting PDP Administration and countdown to the taking over of power by the Osun State Governor-elect, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke. The warning came on the heels of the reports from a reliable source filtering into the space and indicating that the rejected APC administration in Osun State led by the outgoing Governor Oyetola and the APC have concluded plans to embark on such illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional voyage, which is targeted at siphoning Osun public funds over an exercise that would definitely turn to be wasteful and fruitless in the end.

The Osun PDP wishes to remind Governor Oyetola and his OSSIEC that for close to 4 years since the coming into office of Governor Oyetola, and since the inauguration of OSSIEC by the Oyetola- led APC Administration, the APC has failed to conduct Local Government elections in the State, despite persistent demand by the PDP. It is also to be put on record that the PDP resorted to a litigation which is still pending before the High Court of Osun State in HOS/M.139/2021 with PDP as the plaintiff, and Governor of Osun State, Attorney-General of Osun State, the Osun State House of Assembly, the OSSIEC, the APC and the caretaker chairmen in the LGAs, ACDAs and the LCDAs as Defendants to question the legality, propriety and lawfulness or otherwise of the caretaker committee set up by Governor Oyetola instead of conducting valid Local Government elections to usher in a constitutionally recognised Local Government Administration in Osun State, so the matter is subjudice. The concern of the PDP is further premised on the fact that by the provision of Section 28 of the Electoral Act, 2022, notice of any election must be given not less than 360 days before the holding of the election, while by the provision of section 29 of the said Electoral Act, every political party fielding candidates for the election must submit the list of it’s candidates not later than 180 days before the election. By the doctrine of covering the field, the OSSIEC law cannot give a shorter notice for the holding of an election than what is contained in the Electoral Act, otherwise, the OSSIEC law would be running into a collision course with the Electoral Act, and in that circumstance, it is the OSSIEC law that would give way, while the Electoral Act guides through. This is the settled principle of law to which the attention of the Governor Oyetola and OSSIEC is hereby drawn as in the case of OSSIEC. V. ACTION CONGRESS decided by the Supreme Court in 2011. Between now and 26th November, 2022 when the Administration of Governor Oyetola will come to an end, it is clearly less that 360 days, therefore making the planned Local Government election dead on arrival being a nullity ab initio.

It is on this premise that the PDP hereby alerts members of the public to another wasteful spending by the APC administration in Osun State, an administration that failed to conduct Local government elections for close to 4 years, blaming same on lack of enough funds, only to wake up in the wake of countdown to transition to the PDP administration to begin the process of the Local Government election. This is clearly one of the indicators of the concerns raised by the Governor-elect in a release on Thursday 22nd July, 2022 that APC administration has embarked on a last minute looting spree, conversion of public assets, pilfering of public property and conversion of Osun public assets to private use.

Osun PDP hereby calls on the people of Osun State to rise to the occasion by holding Governor Oyetola and OSSIEC responsible in this voyage of illegality and unconstitutionally. The Governor is hereby advised to focus on how to give account of his stewardship and to set up a Transition Committee of Joint Teams of the outgoing and incoming Governor so as to lay a solid foundation for a seamless, transparent and hitch free handing over of power to the incoming Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke post November 26th, 2022.

Barely a week after the Osun 2022 governorship election, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, today, met with members and supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Governor Oyetola charged the APC members and supporters not to allow the outcome of the election cause dissatisfaction and division within the party, adding that the APC remains the ruling party in the State.

He preached peace and unity among party leaders and members across all levels, from ward to local government to state. The governor also advised party members who have grievances to channel them to the appropriate quarters and stop expressing them in the social media, in the interest of the party.

He noted as Governor of Osun, he will continue to govern with fear of God and love of the people, just as he reiterated his commitment to the well-being of the people and development of the State.

The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, HIM Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale,has congratulated the Osun State Governor elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

In his congratulatory Message, Oluwo commended Senator Ademola Adeleke for his tenacity, courage and commitment to his goal, praying for a divine wisdom and understanding to effectively manage the state.

He enjoined every patriot of the state to cooperate with the governor elect to ensure Osun continuous greatness in the face of global economic hardship.

A statement by Oluwo through his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, further called for a collaborative effort with technocrats whose inputs will do the state a lot of good.

“I congratulate the Osun State Governor elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke on his victory at the keenly contested poll. He has demonstrated an uncommon courage, tenacity to have survived many hurdles. His life is a lesson for many aspiring youths. There is always reward for hardwork”

I look forward to having an Iwo man as the Osun State Governor if God permits ! I pray for a divined wisdom, courage and understanding for Senator Ademola Adeleke to effectively manage Osun State affairs “

The Governor-elect of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has warned Governor Oyetola and his allies against the diversion and looting of government assets and public properties.

Adeleke however alerted the general public to clandestine moves to convert public properties to private ownership and bankrupt state finances ahead of the change of government.

The Governor-elect in a statement signed by his spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed alleged that Osun state assets within the state, Kogi, Lagos, Abuja, and outside the shore of the country are being allegedly tampered with for private acquisition.

“The attention of the office of the Osun State Governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke has been drawn to unwholesome criminal activities by some government functionaries and appointees under the watch of Governor Gboyega Oyetola directed towards pilfering of state assets, conversion of public assets into private ownership, illegal awards of licenses and incurring of superfluous loans and expenditure.

“We have it on good authority that Osun state assets within the state, Kogi, Lagos, Abuja, and outside the shore of the country are being tampered with for private acquisition.

“We have detailed reports of several properties currently being processed for ownership transfer involving serving commissioners and top government officials, a hence serious warning to those involved in the illegal deals.

Emerging reports also indicate several shady conducts ongoing within the state finance ministry Aside N17 billion loan allegedly taken by the Governor to prosecute the lost election, we are inundated with credible reports of emergency contract awards, hurried processing of payments vouchers, and a grand agenda to incur further debt under the guise of project implementation. There is an elaborate plot to further bankrupt the state to complicate governance under the new administration.

“We want to use this medium to warn all those involved in this criminal endeavor to desist from these nefarious activities as we will hold everybody accountable for their conduct. Let it be known to the Governor and his team that we have the complete records and inventory of Osun state assets.

“We have records of what was handed over to the Governor by his predecessor as well as the true state of Osun finance and properties. Therefore, we put on notice that any attempt to divert state properties and muddle up Osun finances will be visited with a full measure of accountability.

“Every government official from top to bottom will be called to account for their deeds and handling of government’s assets. We specifically warn bureaucrats to safeguard their careers by refusing to collaborate with any appointed and elected officials engaging in such criminal conduct.

“We also wish to alert the public on this subject matter. Let the public be aware that our common patrimony is being tampered with by an administration they just voted out of office. We promise to follow this matter closely and ensure that Osun assets remain secure and protected for the benefit of the public”, the statement concluded.

It is on this premise that the general public and the good people of Osun State are hereby alerted to the dastardly plan by Governor Oyetola and some of his officials, and for the public to report any such criminal moves which they may sense regarding this public alert.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, fixed November 1 to commence hearing on a suit seeking to compel the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Usman Baba, to initiate a perjury case against the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The court, in a ruling that was delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo, granted permission to the Incorporated Trustees of Center for Reform and Public Advocacy, a Civil Society Organization, CSO, to apply for an order of mandamus, to compel the IGP to in line with Sections 31 and 32 of the Police Act and Section 3 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2015, prefer charges against the APC flag-bearer, following an allegation that he lied on oath.

Justice Ekwo held that an ex-parte application the group brought before the court on Thursday, was meritorious.

He, therefore, ordered service of all the relevant processes in the substantive suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1058/2022, on the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, and the IGP, who were cited as 1st and 2nd Respondents, respectively.

The group, had through its team of lawyers led by Mr. Ugo Nwofor, told the court that the suit was necessitated by the IGP’s refusal to take action on its petition against APC’s presidential candidate over an offence it said was established by report of an investigation that was conducted by the Lagos State House of Assembly in 1999.

The CSO, told the court that it earlier forwarded a petition to Police authorities, demanding further action on the said investigative report.

It maintained that by virtue of Sections 214 and 215, of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as Section 4 of the Nigerian Police Act, 2020, the Police, have the statutory responsibility to “prevent, detect and investigate criminal allegations whether brought to their notice by individuals, person or persons, corporate bodies, institutions etc”.

It further claimed that by Section 31 of the Nigerian Police Act, the Respondents, are duty bound to investigate alleged crime brought to them and report their findings to the Attorney General of the Federation or of a state, as the case may be, for legal advice.

The Applicant added that by Section 32(1) of the Police Act, “a suspect or Defendant alleged or charged with committing offence established by an Act of the National Assembly or under any other laws shall be arrested, investigated and tried or dealt with according to the provisions of this Act, except otherwise provided under this Act”.

It contended that it has the legal competence to invoke the jurisdiction of the court to compel the Respondents to discharge their legal, constitutional and public dutiesy in line with the law.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Thursday marked his 66th birthday with a special holy communion service held at the Chapel of the Epiphany within his residence at the GRA, Ijebu Owo.

The wife of the Governor, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who also celebrated her birthday yesterday, attended the holy communion service as well as other members of the Akeredolu’s family.

Members of the House of Assembly, Commissioners, Heads of Security Agencies, Council chairmen, political associates and others were also in attendance.

The Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Right Reverend Stephen Fagbemi, in his sermon titled “Living A Purposeful Life” congratulated the governor and applauded him for redefining governance in the state.

In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu, who was full of gratitude to God for His grace and mercy, said God has been merciful to him and his family in all ramifications.

He took time to sing various songs of praise to God for His protection and goodness towards him, his family and siblings in general.

“We want to thank God for His grace, thank God for His mercy. We cannot ask for a better thing. God has been faithful to us. Is it the children He has blessed us with, is it the grandchildren,” the Governor said.

The Governor, who described his siblings as a very strong pillar of support, noted that he is proud that he has a good and supportive family.

In the area of governance, Governor Akeredolu emphasised that God has always been with him since he assumed office as Governor of the state despite numerous challenges.

He appreciated the support and cooperation of members of the State Executive Council, party members, heads of the security agencies among others, saying their supports have greatly assisted him in the development of the state.

The celebrant, who believes that it is God who gives position to man, equally thanked God who has been directing the affairs of the State, even as he prayed for more divine guidance.

The Oore of Otun Ekiti and paramount ruler of Moba kingdom, HRM Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, has described the decision of Ekiti State Governor-elect, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, to embark on a ‘thank you visit’ to palaces after his victory at the polls, as unprecedented in the history of the State.

Oba Adeagbo, alongside other traditional rulers from Moba Local Government received Oyebanji, his Deputy, Chief(Mrs) Monisade Christianah Afuye, State Chairman of APC, Barrister Paul Omotoso and other party leaders on Tuesday and prayed for the success of the incoming administration.

The Oore said: ” Oyebanji is not the first politician that would approach traditional rulers for royal blessings before election and this is not the first time a governor would emerge in Ekiti but this is the first time a politician would come back after winning election to show appreciation,”

The royal father extolled the good virtues of the Governor-elect and lauded him for his act of gratitude.

“We are extremely excited for your act of gratitude which shows the kind of person you are. Though, I am not too surprised with this good step you have taken. It has further affirmed the ‘Omoluabi’ trait in you. With this, you have simply shown that you have passion for Ekiti State. We are not in doubt that your tenure in office would be spectacular”

Similarly, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, who spoke on behalf of other Obas in Ido-Osi Local Government expressed same feeling and admitted that the Governor-elect has taken an entirely different step.

He relayed the laudable role played by the Governor-elect during the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State, stressing that Oyebanji’s victory at the poll was a reward by God for his selfless sacrifice towards the creation of Ekiti State.

“We are happy that the people of Ekiti voted for you. Your amiable personality won you the election. We are having for the first time one of the agitators for the creation of Ekiti State as Governor-elect and that makes the difference.

“You are part of bolt and nut that brought this state together. Beyond that, this is the first time a Governor-elect would deem it fit to say ‘thank you’ for the favour done him,”

All the traditional rulers present at the meeting venue unanimously agreed that the step being taken by the Governor-Elect is a genuine step and at the right time.

Earlier, Oyebanji had restated his commitment to prioritize the welfare of the traditional rulers in his administration as well as according them their due respect.

“I made a commitment before my election and I am here today to reaffirm that commitment before man and God. The commitment is that I will reference you, respect you and give priority to your welfare in my administration”

Oyebanji acknowledged the great role played by the traditional rulers during the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State which, according to him, placed them as critical stakeholders in Ekiti state. He promised to engage them from time to time and incorporate them in his administration.

Speaking at another forum attended by community leaders, market women, politicians and the neutrals in the local governments visited, Oyebanji said his administration would assist promoters of small scale businesses and artisans in the area of funding. He also promised to tackle the issue of insecurity that have been one of the major challenges facing the state.

He called for unity among party leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti state, pointing out that any leader or member creating faction within the party is not doing the party any favour.

“Any leader that is promoting factional groups is not doing well for the party. I know no any other faction than APC and my loyalty is to the entire state because I’m governor for all. Therefore, I urge you to give way for unity and peace in the party and in the State” he added.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has directed the Head of Service to dismiss officers who are receiving double salaries from the state payroll.

Governor Akeredolu gave the directive while receiving the report of the Committee for Verification, Scrutinization and Clean-up of the State Payroll.

The Governor, who suspected that the State Payroll including salaries and pensions had been compromised, set up a seven-member committee to continuously clean up the payroll of infractions.

The committee, led by the Chairman and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Victor Olajorin, on Wednesday submitted its report to the Governor at his office, Alagbaka, Akure.

Receiving the reports, Governor Akeredolu frowned at the different infractions discovered in the payroll.

He lamented the over-bloated workforce which he said was occasioned by many ghost workers.

The Governor also directed that all Ministries, Departments and Parastatals in the State should stop recruitment under any guise until the Salary Verification Committee has concluded its assignment.

“We have over-bloated workforce, and undoubtedly, I am sure there are many ghost workers. Those who are receiving double salaries, apart from recovering the money from them, I am directing the Head of Service to get them dismissed. They must serve as deterrent to others,” he said.

Governor Akeredolu appreciated the committee for doing a yeoman’s job and not compromising their integrity.

Earlier, Mr Olajorin informed the Governor that the first and major step taken by the committee was to contact the various service including the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) among others.

He noted that the committee also obtained vital documents like the Nominal Roll, Disposition List, Pay Register and Pension Payroll so as to achieve its mandate.

“The documents were consequently scrutinized and in the process, some infractions were discovered.

“Mr Governor, permit me to inform you that our beam light was initially focused on TESCOM and some of the infractions detected were about: Officers/pensioners receiving both salary/pension, retired officers later reappointed and drawing salary/pension, officers whose salaries are hanging among others.

“Details are contained in the Volume 1 report of the Committee. In the process, a sum of N304,859,812.51 was discovered as the aggregate loss to the State Government from the above infractions.

“In furtherance of our activities, attention was shifted to the pay register of Hospital Management Board. The committee carried out on-the-spot verification for both medical and non-medical personnel in their various facilities across the state.

“The exercise led to the discovery of some unwholesome practice like abscondment, study leave without pay, payment of salaries to officers after resignation, while some officers couldn’t be traced to any health facilities.

“So far, a sum of N192,873,592 has been discovered from HMB as the total loss to the State Government. Mr. Governor, permit me to mention that the Committee has so far, identified the sum of N497,733,404 for infractions in TESCOM and HMB,” Olajorin said.

The Chairman also explained that another issue of concern found by the Committee was the lopsidedness observed in the posting of officers to health facilities at the urban centres at the detriment of the ones in the rural areas.

Other members of the Committee are: Tope Popoola Esq; Hadj Badmos; Dr. Ola Obaado; Bola Taiwo; Kayode Edema and Lawrence Akintunde.