Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Tuesday arrested two suspected abductors and rescued a female victim inside their car around Presbyterian Church, Yaba, Lagos.
The General Manager of LASTMA Mr. Bolaji Oreagba stated that the two suspected abductors were arrested by a team of personnel from the Somolu zone while on traffic monitoring patrol around the Yaba axis.
He said, “Our officers on patrol and with the help from passersby chased and apprehended a Toyota Corolla saloon car (FST 60 RJ) after a lady in the back seat was heard shouting ‘kidnappers’ after the bridge coming towards Yaba from Jibowu”.
“The driver with the lady in the front seat Was immediately apprehended while the woman who cried out for help explained that immediately she joined the car from Maryland going to Apapa, a lady beside the driver collected her phone with other valuables. Realising that they were robbers, she had to shout to attract public attention”.
The arrested driver who gave his name as Mr. Monday Amhe confessed during interrogation that he and the arrested lady simply identified as ‘Joy’ were ‘one-chance’ robbers.
The arrested driver further stated that they usually operate by picking up passengers along Ikorodu road and robbing them of their valuables before discharging them at any location of their choice.
The alleged conspirator ‘Joy’ confirmed it was the driver (Monday Amhe) who introduced her to the business.
They were both handed over to Sabo Divisional Police Station by LASTMA Officers for further investigations and prosecution.
The General Manager, however, cautioned members of the public to be extra vigilant and careful when boarding unpainted private or commercial vehicles across the State.
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.
Members of the Oyo State Chapter of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools have distanced self from a publication in which some secondary school principals allegedly reported to have threatened a showdown with the State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde over non payment of school grants.
Recall some school principals according to interview granted anonymously have threatened that the first term exam slated to have commenced Monday this week would not go on unless the State government releases grant and subvention that would serve as logistics for the exam purpose.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed and sent to ODUDUWA NEWS by the State Chairman and the Secretary of ANCOPSS, Pastor Ojetunde Mojisola and Comrade Akin Akinade respectively, the body described the publication as another propaganda that must be challenged, as there was no time or occasion that called for such threat.
They said the cordial relationship between the present administration and the State’s ANCOPSS would not be allowed to be destroyed by those behind what they termed ‘spurious allegation’ which claimed that the body has directed all principals in the State not to commence examinations in schools until school grants are paid.
Oyo ANCOPSS challenged those behind the report to come up with written or oral evidence of such directive from the leadership of the Principals.
“The attention of the leadership of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools in Oyo State, ANCOPSS, has just been drawn to a publication by ‘Oyo Today’ with the caption above. Ordinarily, the Confederation,(ANCOPSS), as a responsible and reliable professional body, would not have dignified the publication with any response, but since the paper categorically stated that the leadership of the principals directed them not to start examinations until the grants are paid; then there is an urgent need to set the record straight.
“Joseph Goebbels, the infamous Nazi Minister of Propaganda said; ”The bigger the lie, the more people will believe, If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it and you will even come to believe it yourself”, So, there is the need not to allow such spurious allegation to go unchallenged as it may be seen as the truth if left unchallenged.
“We are also conscious of the fact that this is the season of election where all sorts of lies are bound to fly around all in the name of dirty politics. Consequently, the Confederation will not fold its arms and allow purveyors of lies to destroy the cordial relationship that exists between the Confederation and His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde (FNSE) since the inception of this administration.
“The Confederation wants to make it categorically clear that the leadership of ANCOPSS in the state at no time instructed its members either orally or in writing or in any form not to start the examinations. We challenge the writer to bring any proof to the contrary since the burden of proof is upon the person making the allegation. Such a bogus claim could only have emanated from the warped imagination of the writer.
“It should also be noted that this is the first term examinations where each principal is allowed to use his/her discretion to decide when to start, unlike the joint promotion examination with a rigid time table, as a matter of fact, many of our schools already started their examinations while others are preparing to start this week and early next week.”
They also punctured another claim in the said publication which stated that Oyo State was came thirty-three in the ranking of the 2022 West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations, saying that the council’s head in Nigeria has denied the report over a month ago.
“The Publication also claimed that Oyo State placed 33rd in the 2022 WAEC conducted senior secondary school certificate examinations. This is despite the fact that the Head of National Office in Nigeria came on national television to deny such a ranking more than four weeks ago.
“The Commissioners of Education in the South West Geopolitical zone invited the Head of WAEC in Nigeria to a meeting where he denied that the organization made such a statement. All these were generously reported by both print and electronic media, but these purveyors of fake news still went ahead to make their bogus claims.
”It is crystal clear that it is the desire of these political jobbers to destroy the cordial relationship between GSM and the principals which led the enemies of progress, the brewers of hate, discord and disharmony to script a dirty tale to ruin this cordial relationship because, they nurse a noxious, deep-rooted loathing for ANCOPSS as a supporter of GSM’s administration.”
The leadership of Oyo State ANCOPSS went further to reveal that many opposition parties have invited the body to meetings in the build-up to the 2023 general elections which were turned down as they would not want to be dragged into open politics.
“May we also place it on record that the leadership of ANCOPSS has been invited by many politicians to meetings that they politely turned down with the explanation that we are professionals, not politicians. It is on account of this that they assembled morally degenerate dissemblers who accept money from their pay masters, then go ahead projecting their moral fragility, journalism ethical rottenness and lack of principles.
“The Principals in Oyo State are very senior public servants with ample knowledge of public service rules and would therefore, not allow anybody to drag them into the murky waters of politics. We have informed our legal adviser to take any action he deems fit to ensure that nobody tarnishes the good reputation built over six decades by our founding fathers and mothers.
“The principals in Oyo State already keyed in into the vision of His Excellency for accelerated educational development in the state, and we shall continue running with that vision.
”Having traveled far and wide and having exchanged notes with our colleagues from all the States of the federation, we can say without fear of contradiction that we stand with His Excellency on his educational policy.
”Virtually all what principals in other States are begging for have been given to us without any agitation whatsoever in Oyo State. These include the position of Tutors General, employment of over 5000 teachers in one fell swoop while over a thousand non-teaching staff have been converted to teaching staff.
“Also, there have been distribution of furniture and laboratory equipments, intervention classes for students across the State, promotion of members as at when due, regular payment of salary and pensions, training and retraining of teachers and many others. We stand with GSM,” the statement read.
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
The Osun Police Command arrested 10 suspects over the attacks across some motor parks in the state on the premise of a forceful takeover of the parks.
SP Yemisi Opalola, the Command’s Spokesperson, in a statement, said five guns, nine live and four expended cartridges, and five cutlasses were recovered from the suspects.
“This is to inform the general public that the Osun State Police Command is aware and frowns at the crises that erupted within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state in the early hours of (Monday).
The Owa-in-Council and kingmakers of Igbajo community have begged the Osun State Governor, Senator Demola Adeleke to leave their monarch alone and concentrated on delivering the dividend of democracy to the people of the state.
The appeal followed the executive order barring three traditional monarchs from entering their palaces, the Owa-in-Council and the kingmakers have affirmed that the process that produced the new Owa of Igbajo, Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun followed all laid down guidelines in the Owa of Igbajo Chieftaincy Declaration.
The kingmakers, in a statement made available to journalists in Osogbo, on Tuesday, urged the governor not allow anyone to drag him into messy politics as the selection of their monarch, Oba Famodun followed all laid down procedures.
Governor Adeleke had ordered three traditional rulers appointed by his predecessor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to vacate their palaces just as he ordered security agencies to take charge.
The three affected monarchs are: Aree of Iree, Oba Ademola Oluponle Raphel, the Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Yinusa Akadiri and Owa of Igbajoland, Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun.
There was palpable tension in the seat power on Tuesday when anti-riot policemen of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Command dispersed some protesters who trooped out to protest against the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola
The protesters under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Societies of Nigeria CCSN began their protest from the Unity Fountain and were heading towards the Supreme Court before they were stopped around the Federal Ministry of Justice by policemen led by a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Altine Hyelhira Daniel.
The policemen fired teargas canisters at the protesters and journalists who were interviewing the leader of the protesters.
The protesters had accused the CJN of dabbling into partisan affairs, saying his utterances in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital while being a guest of Gov. Nyesom Wike, left much to be desired.
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.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Atiku Abubakar has demanded the resignation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola over a statement allegedly made by him while attending a political function organized by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
The statement requesting his resignation was released today through the Presidential Candidate’s Spokesman, Sen. Dino Melaye as read in part:
“Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who has just demonstrated his familiarity with the workings of G5 Governors has by seeking to recruit members into that group turned himself into a suspect, who only can not be trusted with fair dispensation of justice in Nigeria, but a Chief Judicial Officer who has become tainted and unfit to superintend over the administration of Justice in Nigeria.
“Graver still, the descent of the Chief Justice of the Federation into the political arena is a gross and indefensible violation of the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, section 5 of which states as follows:
Right to freedom of expression
A Judge, like any other citizen, is entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association and assembly; but in exercising such rights, a Judge shall always conduct himself in such manner as to preserve the dignity of the judicial office and the impartiality and independence of the judiciary. Accordingly, a Judge shall act with such restraint as is necessary to:
a. maintain public confidence in the impartiality and independence of the judiciary;
b. avoid involvement in public discussion or discourse if his or her involvement could reasonably undermine confidence in his or her impartiality;
c. avoid such occasions and circumstances where such involvement may unnecessarily expose the Judge to political attacks or be inconsistent with the dignity of a Judicial officer; and/or
d. adhere strictly to political silence.
“Flowing from the above, the fisrt thing that jumps out in 5(d) is the indiscretion of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola to fail to adhere to political silence. Rather he chose to be a recruiting agent for a distinct and unmistakable political group.
“Furthermore, the Chief Justice of Nigeria has by his pronouncement desecrated the dignity of the Judiciary, demonstrated partiality, eroded public confidence, exposed the Judiciary to political attacks and acted in a manner that is inconsistent with the character, colour and calling of his exalted office. In fact he broke all the rules in this section. This represents a sad irony. It is a case of the gatekeeper carting away the goods in his custody.
“We are worried by this development, as this has confirmed the suspicion in certain circles that the Judiciary has compromised its independence and is now dependent on certain interests, particularly in the Executive Branch. One can imagine a scenario in which the group the Chief Justice of Nigeria has patronised so openly appears before him with another party in a dispute. Where he presides bias can not be ruled out and where he does not preside his influence on other Judges can not be discounted.
“With the scandalous conduct of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, it has become expedient and a matter of honour that he resigns from the exalted office that he has demonstrably abused. If he chooses to prolong his stay in office, to continue to serve the interest of his political friends, he may choose to recuse himself as Chairman of the National Judicial Council, turn himself in as a suspect, proceed on leave and allow for a thorough evaluation of his conduct in line with the provisions of Section 5 of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
“Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has a duty to save the Judiciary, himself and Nigeria’s democracy”.
