The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, on Monday, ordered prisons officers to shoot dead anybody who attempts to attack any correctional centre in the country.
The minister gave this order while inspecting the facility at the Agodi Custodial Centre, Ibadan.
He said the officer must make it impossible for anyone to penetrate the facility because it is a red zone.
Aregbesola said any attack on any correctional centre is an attack on the state and such must never be allowed again.
The minister said any attempt to attack correctional centres should be a suicide attempt and perpetrators must not be allowed to live to tell the story.
He said, “The most important thing is the security impregnability of this facility. Make this facility impregnable.
“It is a red zone, dangerous zone. Whoever attempts to breach the security here is already dead. He must not live to tell the story. Other people will tell his or her story.
“Any effort to breach our facility is not acceptable. Don’t shoot to injure, shoot to kill. Don’t shoot to disable, shoot to kill.
“This is a total embodiment of the state to guarantee the security of the people.
“We will do our best regarding your welfare to ensure effective service. I must commend your work for not recording any case of COVID-19 in your facility.
“But most importantly, you must be effective in preventing the penetration of this facility. You must have the capacity to repel viciously any attempt to penetrate this facility.”
Aregbesola at a recent Ministerial Press Briefing at the Aso Villa, 4,860 inmates of the Nigerian correctional centres have escaped from those facilities between 2020 and 2021 alone following successful jailbreaks in Benin, Owerri, and Oyo, among others.
Also, only 954 of that number have been rearrested. That was before the recent jailbreak at the Jos Medium Security Custodial Centre, which resulted in 9 fatalities and escape of 252 inmates. The 252 on the loose are apart from the 10 rearrested.
Except we are trying to be economical with truth, every political move is characterized by primordial sentiment. Global politics; as modern as it seems to appear is neither immuned against prejudice; thus, the various political permutations, intrigues and schemings. It is a natural law that every human being is a selfish being. In politics, it is assumed that there is no permanent friends. The principle of individual differences sums it up. Whilst, politics is a product of compromise and sacrifice.
The 2023 presidential elections are fast – approaching. The pluralization of the concept; election, should not be seen as a blunder. The elections range from presidency to state and to the legislative houses. However, electorates pay much attention to the presidential election and that is the focus of this editorial; at least, for this moment.
By the calendar released from the office of the national electoral body, the presidential election has been fixed tentatively for February 18, 2023. In view of this, INEC has mandated all political parties to conduct the process of selecting their candidates within the time frame.
Characteristics of election mood and preparatory to the anticipated election, politicians have swung into action. A serious contestant wastes time at his peril and woe betides any political party that allows internal wrangling to distort the process of picking her candidates.
Regional influence is important to political aspirations of every political party. Charity begins at home. It is practically impossible to jettison cultural identity. Although, the constitution does not place any premium on region, it does not condemn it either. Albeit, Nigeria is a product of amalgamation of hitherto independent micro societies that were coerced into conjugal relationship as a nation. Since the forced marriage, the word; bliss, as been conspicuously missing from ” conjugal bliss”. This however is not the subject of discussion today. It might come hereafter as a symposium for future discussion.
Every democracy is designed to take care of regional interest. This may not be unconnected with the slang: ‘home-grown’ democracy. It is logical to consider the peculiarities of the existing clans.Thus, the unwritten pacts amongst the political parties to rotate presidency along the compass of northern and southern hegemonies. This is wisdom, capable of arousing sense of belonging in such a way that presidency would not be misconstrued to mean the birth right of a region. It becomes more imperative juxtaposing from the periscope of census. If such arrangement was not put in place, certain regions would remain in perpetual advantage over others and power would reside there till eternity.
The south west is a nest of so many astute politicians, intelligent leaders and maverick cum philanthropic mentors. This has been so from the time immemorial. South west is arguably the seat of political juggernauts, filled with star-studded erudite professors of politics who have at various times tested and trusted.
The newest of them is not the least experienced. He betrode the national politics like a colossus. His actions since his assumption of office have become the templates for political reference and a parameter for gauging standard governance. Engineer Seyi Makinde has, by his welfare programmes become the toast of not only Oyo state but a voice at national level. Governor Akeredolu has done creditably well in curtailing the excesses of marauding herdsmen. Security is the first in hierarchy of Maslow’s taxonomy of needs. Dr. Fayemi has brought his experience as a student of history, international relations and knowledge of war studies to bear in Ekiti state. We cannot forget so soon, the midas touches of Babatunde Fasola that turned Lagos into a mecca of some sort. Tinubu does not earn the appellate of Asiwaju on a platter of gold but through his political dexterity and his ability to discover young breed politicians and nurture talents irrespective of their states of origins. Professor Osibajo is a legal luminary whose style of governance in his capacity as acting president when the occasions called for it has become a household name. Former Governor Fayose is ever reliable and dependable. The list is endless.
The constitution of the federation confers the right to vote and be voted for on all interested Nigerians. However, with the clamour that power should rotate to the South, throwing different hats to the rings would limit and adversely affect the chances of the west. As it is, the northern oligarchy has agreed in principle to allow power shift to the south.The geographical definition of the south encompasses the three southern areas of south-west, south-east and south-south. This invariably gives these sub-regions the liberty to vie for the plum job.
Southwest Presidency is feasible.The emergence of a candidate for an election comes in various versions. According to president Buhari, the flagbearers of a political party could be determined through direct primary election, indirect primary election and consensus.The president made this postulation while establishing the ‘raison’ behind his decision to veto the controversial direct bill transmitted to his office from the national assembly.
Of the three methods, consensus is the most amicable method. It is characterized by persuasions and capable of eroding animosity, disenfranchisement, “anti-partyism”, and a host of disaffections capable of tearing the party into shreds. It is on this basis that this month’s editorial of Oduduwa News is admonishing the politicians of south west origin to forge a common front irrespective of political affiliation.
With the pendulum oscillating along the axis of west and east, there is the logic for the south west to search for a common identity.
This search should be of interest to all and sundry. The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group should take the initiative. A micro screening exercise could be conducted in reminiscences of option A4 of 1993 general elections. Grievances are bound to arise from such arrangement but this could be resolved by our revered traditional rulers. In furtherance of this noble course, all other individuals nursing grudges needs to be reconciled in the spirit of oneness. Personal aggrandizement and innuendos are impediment to the spirit of collectivism.This is one area that distints the north from others. No perennial political foes. The vituperation is unnecessary. We need not embark on self-exile on the political aspirations of anyone.
On a finality, no effort should be spared to do everything humanly possible to resolve differences. Our different opinions should not becloud our philosophy of yorubanism and severe our blood ties; otherwise the yearning for political shift to the south might eventually turn to a mirage.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has said the possession of a minimum of secondary school certificate or its equivalent by persons seeking election into public offices is no longer in tandem with the realities of today’s world.
He has therefore called for the amendment of Section 131 (d) of the 1999 Constitution to raise the minimum requirements for persons seeking elective public offices.
Gbajabiamila made the disclosure yesterday while delivering lecture organized by the Students’ Union of University of Lagos, UNILAG
According to the Speaker, the provision contained in the constitution was a product of a different time and not a reflection of the demands of today.
He said it is imperative that there is change to that provision in our constitution in order to meet up with changing and dynamic world.
Hundreds of commuters who planned to go from Ibadan to Lagos state are presently fearful of being abducted, according to reports.
A source said that there have been multiple incidences of motorists being kidnaped along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
According to reports, the main region where the kidnappers have been abducting motorists on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is near Abule Onigaari.
Abule Onigaari is one of the places located on the border between Oyo and Ogun states.
It was learned that gunmen suspected of being kidnappers killed a commercial driver named Oluwatosin Aruwajoye over the weekend.
According to the report, the kidnappers seized five people on Saturday, January 8th, while another person, Ibrahim Tiamiyu, was wounded in the thigh.
The driver’s body was later placed at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary on Ring Road in Ibadan.
The eight-seater ash-colored Toyota Sienna bus, with registration number MUS 493 HH, was on its way to Lagos from Ibadan when the kidnappers struck.
The kidnappers were claimed to have emerged from the woods and began firing at the bus.
According to our source, the matter was reported to the Toll Gate Police Division.
It was also discovered that an actress, Bimpe Akintunde, and her daughter had fled from the same area after being kidnaped.
The kidnappers attempted to kidnap other individuals on Sunday (yesterday) at the same place.
Our source learned that the kidnappers, numbering around ten, were firing at approaching vehicles from Ibadan on Sunday in an effort to abduct passengers.
Governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC rose from their meeting Sunday night in Abuja with a resolution to go ahead with the national convention of the party in February.
No fewer than 20 of the governors were at the meeting which took place behind closed doors at the Kebbi state Governor’s Lodge in the Asokoro District of Abuja. The meeting ended at about 11:30 pm.
The governors were said to be divided as to whether to go on with the convention in February shift it to a later date.
Among governors in attendance at the meeting were Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Mohammed Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara) and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi).
Others were Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Babajide Sanwoolu (Lagos), Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Ben Ayade (Cross River), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano), Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti).
Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, Chairman of the Forum and Kebbi state Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said the forum passed a vote on confidence on Gov. Buni and two other governors in the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee – Abubakar Sani Bello and Gboyega Oyetola.
He said the governors also agreed to go ahead with the national convention slated for February.
He however did not give a specific date, saying the CECPC would have to consult with other stakeholders so harmonize all positions and announce a suitable date.
The Lagos State Government has announced that Marine Bridge will partially close from tomorrow, Monday 17th January to Saturday, 2nd April, 2022 for Emergency repair works on the infrastructure.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Transportation, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde stated that the partial closure was to allow the Federal Government carry out routine maintenance works on the bridge infrastructure.
He further explained that the temporary closure of the bridge is in two sections, Apapa Outbound, which will be repaired between 17th January and 9th March, 2022, and the Apapa Inbound section of the bridge scheduled between10th March and 2nd April, 2022.
Highlighting the alternative routes, the Transport Commissioner stated that traffic outbound Apapa will be diverted to give way for contraflow of traffic between RRS point and Total Bridge, adding that Motorists using lighter vehicles will be diverted to Marine Beach by Mobil filling station to connect Ijora Bridge or make use of service lane by Leventis to connect Naval Dockyard to link Total Under bridge to further their journeys.
For the inbound Apapa Motorists during the second phase of the rehabilitation works, Oladeinde explained that traffic inbound Apapa will be diverted to allow contraflow of traffic between Total Bridge and RRS point.
He also added that Motorists using lighter vehicles will be allowed to descend towards Total Under Bridge and make use of Fire Service road to connect Marine Beach by Mobil filling station, while those heading towards Apapa will make a detour and connect Area B through NAGAFF using Mobil filling station service lane.
The Commissioner also assured that palliative repair works have been carried out on all the aforementioned alternative routes to ameliorate the effect of Traffic and deployment of Lagos State Traffic Management personnel (LASTMA) to manage the diversion plan.
The statement implored Motorists to be patient as the measures taken are aimed at providing quality and safe road infrastructure for everyone.
At the mention of the name – Oriyomi Hamzat, what readily comes to mind is Agidigbo. Agidigbo is a well-crafted name given by and to the radio station of the doyen of modern-day investigative journalism. Agidigbo in Yoruba parlance is a traditional talking drum that has a unique sound; so much audible to the most deafening ears.
The agidigbo or molo is a large traditional plucked lamellophone thumb piano used by the Yoruba people of Nigeria to play apala music. It is a box, big enough to sit on the musician’s lap, with 4 to 5 strips of metal set up side by side on top like keys on a piano keyboard.
The tongues are designed to vibrate and produces sonorous tones. Because of the Yoruba language’s nature as a tonal language, the agidibo can act as a musical speech surrogate, conveying language through its tones. Thus the altruism; ” bi owe, bi owe, la n lu’lu Agidigbo” Therefore, the choice of Agidigbo was not accidental. A philosophical name that depicts the objective and defines the modus operandi of the media station.
Impliedly, the drum echoes a meaning and an operation that makes some unscrupulous elements in the society pant and shiver. Far from unnecessary diplomacy, the name frowns at any attempt to be economical with the truth. Few stations in the global world have the tenacity to uphold such virtues like honesty and un-prejudicial report like Agidigbo FM. To the enigmatic owner the station, truth fears no man. This is a philosophy that has endeared him into the hearts of millions of people across the world who listen with rapt attention to his presentation usually characterised by comic reliefs. All these wax together led to his numerous titles like: The Conscience of the nation, Advocate of the masses, voice of the voiceless, defender of human rights, promoter of good governance, one-man pressure group and the people’s police.
Every media practitioner is a journalist and journalism is a profession. Conventionally, press has been seen as the fourth arm of government. Though an un-official nomenclature, it is a profession which has over the years serves as checks and balances to the official three arms of government of executive, legislative and judiciary.
Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. Journalism can be distinguished from other activities and products by certain identifiable characteristics and practices.These elements not only separate journalism from other forms of communication, they are what make it indispensable to democratic societies.
Journalism is of various branches. Of all the branches, investigative journalism is the most hazardous. It is all about exhuming facts in this hostile society, finding, reporting and presenting news which other people try to hide. It is very similar to standard news reporting except that the people at the centre of the story will usually not help and may even try to stop the job. The duty of a journalist is to keep people abreast of happenings in the society. It is however a wonder that Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat chose to tilt towards investigative journalism in view of its hazardous nature. That he has flare for this particular aspect of journalism tells much about his pedigree. Lord Northcliffe once said: “News is what somebody, somewhere wants to suppress.”
Oblivious of occupational hazards, Dr. Oriyomi Hamzat has deliberately chosen to thread the path which so many despise. People have a right to know about the society in which they live.They have a right to know about decisions which may affect them even if people in power want to keep them secret. But the courage to inquest is uncommon as found in the erudite media ace.
A significant number of journalists get a lot of requests from people to investigate some alleged wrongdoing. In many cases these are silly matters, lies or hoaxes. Alhaji Oriyomi is not one that could be easily induced with money to air unsubstantiated story. All he does is to spend some time on each tip-off to decide whether or not it will make a story devoid of maligning reputation or castigating aspersion of anybody in what is known as jungle journalism. However, he has penchant for not allowing possible story clues escape. He is a master listener to careless words that give the first clues to something wrong but will never write a story based on rumour. He certainly goes for accurate, factual news and evidences.
Investigative journalism is not as easy as we may think. One needs to fit the facts together as he gathers the stories to make sure that they make sense. It is like doing a jigsaw. At the beginning, you have a jumble of pieces. Only slowly will they emerge as a picture. Unlike a jigsaw puzzle, one may not have all the pieces at the beginning but has to recognise which pieces are missing.
His ability to maintain confidentiality about his sources of information, courage to withstand threats from people he is investigating and his attitudes towards working within the ambit of law are other qualities embedded in Oriyomi. These perhaps could be attributed to the fact that he has never been challenged on anything he exposes.
Dr Hamzat Oriyomi is a replical of frith and he demonstrates this through his innovation of conflict resolution programmes on air which has really being helpful in bringing peace and preventing animosity amongst the populace. Kokoro Alate and Kato domo eye loro are two programmes that have become daily routine of all and sundry. He is a promoter and defender of cultural values. He is always ready to dive deep into the nuances of the topic he is focussing on; unveiling concealed matters without trepidation and crucially contributing to freedom of expression which are at the heart of UNESCO mandate. Oriyomi does not believe in pervasive clientelism. He does not allow any mutual relationship between the media and public office-holders where journalists often serve political interests rather than the common good.
With his two aforementioned programmes on 88.7 FM, Dr. Oriyomi has been able to illuminate the darkest corners of not only the world but individuals heart. This is achievable through intense focus which more often than not has to do with risking his life for the emancipation of truth. This is a great sacrifice which helps him thrive where police fails.
Born into a family of on- air presenter in Ibadan around the 1970s, Oriyomi took after his Father who worked with NTA Ibadan. It could be inferred that his choice of journalism is not a mistake; it is somewhat hereditary.
Alhaji Dr. Oriyomi Omo Amusa deserves the United Nations prestigious award of Nobel laureate on social justice and humanity. His philanthropy gesture is irrespecta of race, clans of religion. Only God knows the number of people he has saved from catastrophe, oppression and those missing fellows he has linked to their relations through his radio programmes.
Permit me to conclude by presenting the lyrics of the sonorous song that conveys the operational objectives of one of his widely accepted progrmmes. The song was composed by Fuji wizard, Saheed Osupa.
” Kokoro Alate … T’ohun tate ni… Owu alate… T’ohun tate ni… Tete opopo….. Abonde lorun… Onikaluku…… Lo sa ti ni ti e lara.”
Comrade Lekan Badmus is a columnist with Oduduwa Online news. He is also a public opinion analyst.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured the people of the state that no effort will be spared to protect their lives and property.
Governor Akeredolu hailed the military for its efforts in the fight against terrorists, gunmen masquerading as herdsmen, bandits and other criminals elements in the country.
The Governor spoke on Saturday at the Final Parade and Laying of Wreaths in Commemoration of the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the Government Cenotaph, Alagbaka, Akure.
He praised both the departed and the living heroes for their patriotism, even as he encouraged the people to complement government’s efforts by donating generously towards the wellbeing of the Legionnaires.
“Indeed, we are here today to appreciate all our fallen heroes, both military and civilians as well, who have shed their blood for the unity and peace of this country. They, indeed, fought a good fight for the sustainability of their fatherland. We are here to say well done to them and those who have been favoured to be alive till today.
“We on our part, without mincing words, have come to praise them, both the departed and the living, for their patriotism. They died our deaths, they bore our injuries, and they lost their lives for humanity. They have indeed sacrificed their lives for us to know peace. My people, they deserve our praises, they deserve our honours, and they deserve our appreciations.
“It would amount to doing them the greatest injustice, just to praise them with words alone, but valuable, when it is backed up with our supports, financially and materially,” the Governor stressed.
He equally appreciated those in charge of the security apparatus in the State including the Amotekun Corps for their efforts at ensuring peace and order in Ondo State, adding that government recognized and acknowledged their efforts as well as saluted their gallantry and sacrifices.
Governor Akeredolu distributed microcredit revolving loans to 52 widows of the departed heroes in the state.
While presenting the Cheques to the beneficiaries of the loan facilities, the Governor disclosed that since his administration came on board in 2017, it has been touching the lives of a considerable number of the widows of the departed heroes through the microcredit revolving loans.
He noted that the loan facility is to assist in resuscitating their trading businesses which had gone down over the years due to overbearing family commitments which were hitherto the primary responsibility of their husbands.
Akeredolu promised to continue to sustain the scheme and other packages as would be deemed fit to make the widows self-employed, self-reliant and independent through capacity training with start-up packages.
Others who laid wreaths after Governor Akeredolu include Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Yakubu Yahaya; Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Forward Operation Base, Igbokoda, Commodore A. Zubairu; Commissioner of Police, Oyediran Oyeyemi; the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun; the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Williams Akintoroye; State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Col. Olu Apata (Rtd); the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi; and the Chairman, Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi.
The event was attended by the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, other members of the State Executive Council, widows of the fallen heroes among several other dignitaries.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Saturday told the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu that “only the best is good enough for Nigeria at this particular time.”
He said this when Tinubu paid him a condolence visit over the recent deaths of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade and former governor, Christopher Alao-Akala.
Makinde said, “We really thank you for this visit and want to let you know that we have taken proper notice that you have risen above politics and all that is going around here to come and share with us at this moment that we are grieving. We say thank you.
“Let me also use this opportunity to wish you well in your political quest to govern this nation. We want the best for this country and only the best is good enough at this particular time.”
The Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government Hon. Sanda Sikiru Oyedele on Saturday, 15th January, 2022 Commissioned some projects donated by his administration to the people of Egba Community & Its Environs Landlord/landlady Association, Bank Olodo, Olorunda Aba in Ibadan.
The Chairman while commissioning the projects said that the projects are as a result of the vision of His Excellency, Engr Oluseyi Makinde in making life comfortable for the people of the State from provision of social amenities and that’s what he has embarked upon since he resumes Office. He further assured them that this project won’t be the last, as more developmental projects will be facilitate to the Community.
The Projects which Includes two Transformers were donated by both Egbeda & Lagelu Local Government Chairmen, representing Lagelu Chairman at the event was His Chief of Staff, Mr Olubiyi Rasheed.
Another project commissioned by the Chairman was a walk bridge constructed by the community association, in which the Chairman commended them for such initiative.
The Projects are expected to make life more enjoyable and comfortable for the residences.
Speaking on behalf of the residences of the Community, the Chairman Planning Committee of Egba 2022 Celebration, Mr Oyetola Olusegun appreciates His Excellency, Engr Oluseyi Makinde and the Executive Chairmen, Hon.Sanda Sikiru Oyedele and Hon Gbadamosi Kazeem for their efforts in making their community a place to live in and also an Award of Excellence was given to both Chairmen by the community.
The Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda further admonished the residences to continue to support the administration of Engr. Seyi Makinde, as to whom much is given, much is expected.
In the entourage of the Chairman were; Hon Ibrahim Oladepo Simple Leader of the House, Hon Tope Awolere; Secretary Egbeda LG, Hon Adisa Siyanbola Ladi KB; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Hon Rasheed Afeez Orelope Councilor Representing ward 5, Egbeda LG; others includes Hon Ibrahim Idris Abayomi / Hon Salami Jelili Supervisory Councillors Egbeda LG, Comrade Ahmed Dohra Adeniji Gsmists Coordinator Egbeda LG, Hon Alawe Olawale Ebenezer PDP CHAIRMAN ward 6, Hon Mania P.A to the Chairman,Pastor Mayowa Ayoade and host of others.
Signed: Kunle Molomo Media Aide to the Executive Chairman, Egbeda Local Government.
