Supreme Court Judgment: Oyo APC should bury its head in shame for claiming fake victory – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state, has asked leaders of the opposition All Progressives Congress in the State to bury their heads in shame for proclaiming a spurious victory on the May 7 ruling of the Supreme Court on the tussle over local Council administration in the state.
The State’s Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Engineer Akeem Olatunji, who stated this on Saturday, said that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde deserved to be hailed as a special prophet who saw tomorrow because he had earlier offered the sacked ALGON chairmen the same conditions they got from the Apex Court on Friday.
“It will be recalled the Engineer Seyi Makinde had asked the State’s negotiation team set up to find an out-of- court settlement (at the earlier stages if the trial) to propose the offront payment of the salaries of the embattled ALGON Chairmen, but they were misadvised by their greedy leaders whose target was the treasury of the local governments. It is obvious the Governor Makimde actually saw tomorrow,” Olatunji said.

Oyo PDP in a signed press statement on Saturday 8th of May, described the state chapter of the APC as a bunch of shameless politicians who will always display their rookie knowledge of politics.

The ruling party in Oyo state said that only rookie politicians with very high level of delusionary tendencies would expect to get a different judgement from any court of law, looking at the facts of the matter.
In fact, they should count themselves lucky because the Supreme Court was more than generous to them when it overlooked the series of slap the APC inflicted on the court system in the process of installing the all gone ALGON members, stressing that the illegality perpetrated by the APC government when it imposed its members on Oyo Councils, flouting in the process, every laid down electoral regulations and guidelines, would easily found conspicuous space in the Guinness Book of World Records.

“The APC in Oyo State and its forever gone ALGON members is just an empty vesel that makes loud noises, full of fury and agony for no just cause.
“They but they think that everyone else is as politically naive as they are, forgetting that the law, ordinarily is never based on parochial sentiments.

“That some APC leaders are jubilating and dancing macabre dance over the zero success they recorded at the Supreme Court is shameful and an open display of the myopic thinking of uninformed politicians.
“They want the public to forget that the real prayers at the Supreme Court was that they be returned to office as chairmen, a quest that was thrown away like rotten fruits, when the Apex Court declared that their tenure had expired.

“How can any right- thinking politician muscle up motivation to celebrate such a zero success?
But their shamelessness has shown clearly because in actual sense, it is not such an easy task to embark on such a wild goose chase and be so disgraced at every court approached.

“The fact of the matter is that the case actually favoured PDP Starboy Governor Seyi Makinde, our very own world striker!
We are not surprised that in their usual manner, the APC is mouthing victory when they came out the worst for it .
The people are aware of their tricks have since deciphered the emptiness in the cancerous APC and their agents of propaganda.

“The simple fact is that the Supreme Court, in its judgement, noted that the the tenures of the sacked Council chairmen and Councillors have expired and only reiterated the earlier stance of the Governor Seyi Makinde- led State Government, which had offered compensation to the sacked local government chairmen before now.

“Unfortunately, as it is their stock in trade, the APC went to town touting all sorts of claims and spreading lies with the sole intent of misinforming some uninformed members of the public and its members.

“Governor Makinde, without the court willingly moved to offer them compensations in a peace parley but they rejected it saying they only want to be returned to office. Now that they went ahead to the Supreme Court, what did they get? The Apex Court only said hey! your tenure has since expired, you can only get paid some compensations.
That’s exactly what Governor Makinde had , offered. What really are they rejoicing over?

“It is even more laughable that a man like the former Governor Alao Akala, is telling the state not to proceed with democratic elections, that will usher in chairmen in the state.

“We are not surprised at such ludicrous reasoning because as we recall, the APC, an epitome of illegality and corruption, used caretaker local government chairmen for seven out of its eight, while only setting up the sacked ALGON chairmen as a booby trap to destabilise the Makinde administration.
“They should not think that the people have forgotten so soon such the draconian governance that epitomized modern day slavery, which APC represented in Oyo State between May 2011 and May 2019.

“The PDP in Oyo State has come to usher in true Democracy and we have been doing that for the past two years. The days of impunity and illegality as imposed by the riotous and inept APC are over.

“The APC and their outgone ALGON who see their failure as a pass mark should prepare to go back to court for its own political miscalculation.

“The APC family in Oyo state should cover their eyes in shame at least for the sake of honour and dignity. Tenure has since expired. They can’t go to work, they are gone, they are politically jobless, but no! APC in our dear state never keeps quiet not even when they utter sounds without any form of meaning.

“The local government election billed for 22nd of May will hold and all participating political parties will present their best materials before the people to be elected and funny enough we will not be allowed to be drawn back to the dark days of APC administration where the people at the grassroots where denied local government administration.”

Dwindling Revenue: Ekiti Agrees on Spending Cuts To Cope With Nigeria’s Economic Reality

As a way of coping with current economic realities in the country, stakeholders in Ekiti on Tuesday agreed with the state government on measures to cut government spending to keep afloat in the face of dwindling government revenues.

Both the governor and stakeholders, however, agreed on some cost-saving measures including reduction in subventions to higher institutions in the state, cutting or total stoppage of running grants to offices, and discontinuation of the consequential adjustments of the minimum wage for senior category of workers as well as ramping up of tax collection in a bid to shore up internally generated revenue (IGR)

The stakeholders’ meetings which took place at the Adetiloye Hall, Ado-Ekiti was called by the state government as an avenue to present the state of the state finances to the critical stakeholders, comprising civil servants, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour and trade union leaders, representatives of the academic community, student leaders, leadership of market women, artisan and transporters among others.

Governor Fayemi set the tone for the day’s discussion when he reeled out the state’s finances including project distributions as well as current financial challenges.

The governor whose presentation also included a comparison with other sister states explained the need to reflect the economic realities and development in the country in order to avert a possible economic crisis. He said if the state must survive the current economic quagmire, there was the need to cut over N680 million spent per month.

Supreme Court Judgment: NCC Boss, Adeolu Congratulates APC, Tells Makinde to Eschew Illegality

The Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),Professor Adeolu Akande has congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State over the judgement of the Supreme Court which declared the dissolution of elected local government councils in the state as illegal, null and void.

Professor Akande also congratulated the members of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) for their steadfastness and principled challenge of the illegal dissolution of the councils up to the apex Court in the country. “This is the distinctive feature of democrats and history will be kind to you all for your principled stand”, he said.

In the statement personally signed by him, Professor Akande said Governor Seyi Makinde should learn from the misadventure of dissolving the councils against the laws of the country and extand judgments of the Supreme Court. “He should begin to conduct himself in accordance with the laws of the country”,he advised.

‘It is most unfortunate that Engineer Seyi Makinde went clearly against extant judgements of the Supreme Court to dissolve the elected councils. It is also unfortunate that poor tax payers in the state would have to cough out N20million to pay for the cost awarded by the Supreme Court against the Oyo State Government.

“It is advisable that the Governor Makinde views every such money from the state coffers as funds that could have been better utilised for development instead of assuming that it is at no cost to him personally”.

Professor Akande said the important message from the Supreme Court judgment is that the earlier the country embraces local government autonomy, the better for the development of the country.

“The administration of local government remains a sorepoint in our democracy. The councils are the nearest to the people and they feel the pulse of the people faster than any other level of government. They are also the first point of call for the people at the grassroots in time of distress. We should promote autonomy of local government in terms of funding, personnel and constitutional roles. This is the surest way to fast track development at the grassroots”, he concluded.

ALGON: Bayo Adelabu Hails Supreme Court Verdict, Asks OYSIEC to Postpone LG Election To Accommodate APC

The gubernatorial aspirant of All Progressives Congress APC in 2019 governorship election in Oyo State, Chief Bayo Adelabu has hailed the judgement delivered today by the Supreme Court which nullified the decision of Oyo State Government on sacking of council chairmen, councillors that were elected under the late governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

This was contained in a statement singed and released personally by him today which reads in part:

“I want to use this opportunity to congratulate the leadership of Oyo state ALGON, All chairmen and Councilors and our dear party APC for this well deserved victory just pronounced in the Supreme Court judgement this morning.

“The judgement today by the supreme court has vindicated us all and has also validated you as duly elected representatives of the people. I thank you for towing the path of law and justice and for eschewing violence in the face of provocation during this period.

“The judgement has also shown that the two years struggle against your unlawful dismisal is a just cause. This is a victory for the rule of law, a victory for democracy and a victory for all our people at the local level who have suffered immensely due to this abuse of power by the State Government.

“The implication of today’s judgement is far reaching and an important lesson for the Government of the day in Oyo state.

“Firstly, development at the local level has been stifled due to this unncessary dismisal and disregard for the rule law in the last two years. The people of the state, most importantly the ones in rural areas have been left to bear the brunt of the ill thought out decision and reckless abuse of power by the PDP government.

“Secondly, in this current economic climate with paucity of funds, the Government will now have to pay duplicate salaries as instructed by the supreme court. This must be fully paid to the chairmen and councilors without delay as expressly instructed bybthe Supreme court. It is however important that all well meaning indigenes and residents of the state call on the government to immediately request for the refund of salaries paid to the current usurpers back to the coffers of government, because it is not only illegal but also fraudulent as deduced from the judgement of the supreme court.

“Thirdly, now that the case is over and judgement has been given, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commision (OYSIEC) should desist from going ahead with the scheduled May 22nd local government elections and consider a postponement, in order to give APC candidates ample time to register, prepare and participate in the elections as this was practically impossible whilst the court case was ongoing. This is not only fair and logical but necessary to avert possible litigations and rancour that may stem from continuation with the announced election timeline by OYSIEC.

“In a democractic settings like ours, a level playing ground must be ensured by unbiased umpire for any election. This will help prevent future litigations and further hardships for the people”.

Breaking: Supreme Court Nullifies Sacking of LG Bosses, Councillors, Tells Makinde To Pay Full Salaries

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has overruled the sacking of erstwhile Oyo State Council Chairmen and Councillors by Engr Seyi Makinde and its judgement asked the Governor to pay their 28 months’ salaries and cost of 20M against the OYSG over illegal removal of the council executive and legislative arms.

After close to two years moving from the High Court to the Appeal Court, the Supreme Court Friday morning laid to rest the issue of the sacking of council chairmen and councilors by Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State.

The apex court said that Makinde was wrong to have removed the council Chairmen and Councillors.

Though details of the judgement are still sketchy as at press time, it was understood that the council chairmen and councilors had been sacked few hours after Makinde took oath of office as governor.

They had been elected by the administration of late former governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Rather than ask them to return to their respective council areas, the court asked Makinde to pay all the council chairmen and councillors their salaries and allowances before August 2021.

It also awarded N20 million cost against Makinde

With the judgement, the council election fixed for May 22, 2021, can now go ahead.

The major opposition party, APC, whose members went to court to challenge their sacking, would, however, not be participating in the forthcoming Local Government Election.

Pastor Adeboye preaches at ‘Holy Communion Service’ after son’s demise

Adeboye preached at the Holy Communion Service (May edition) of the church’s popular Holy Ghost Service with the theme ‘Overflowing Blessings’.

The ODUDUWA NEWS reports Dare, 42 was said to have died in his sleep on Tuesday, May 4 in Eket, Akwa-Ibom where he was pastoring a church.

Dare’s death came as a rude shock to many who penned heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

The programme, which was monitored by The Nation, observed that Adeboye spoke from the studio of the church’s station DOVE Media, while members of his church gathered at the auditorium along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Adeboye while preaching from John 6: 5-13, stressed the importance of the bread and wine of the Holy Communion.

The General Overseer also known for his in-depth teaching prayed “The bread multiplied in the hands of the disciples, as you receive the bread, it will multiply in your hands,”

Adeboye also prayed for healing for all those who are sick all over the world; prayed for a new power to witness for God with signs following. “So that the world will know that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world,” he said.

He however didn’t make a comment about his son’s death but focused on the message.

After the sermon, the officiating minister in the auditorium said, “Tonight, daddy has prayed for us. He has also prayed on all the elements that we are going to use – the bread and the wine.

*I am here not standing in for him because I am too small to stand in for him; I am only here to deliver the message as a messenger.

“He could have been here physically as he used to but due to circumstances beyond control, he was not able to be here but to the Glory of God, he has said to us, Jesus is here and he is also there praying for us.”

Meanwhile, the church will hold its monthly Holy Ghost Service (May Edition) on Friday.

Blasphemy: We have 13 leaders of warring groups in our custody – Lagos Police

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, on Thursday has said 13 leaders of warring groups in Gengere Community, Mile 12 Area of Ketu alleged to have involved in the crisis rocking the business community have been arrested.

The leaders were said to have set some youths against themselves over an alleged statement credited to one Alhaji Alidu Mohammed, which they claimed disrespected and blasphemed Prophet Mohammed.

Following the directives of the 13 leaders, some hoodlums in the community on April 30, 2021, at about 3.30 pm went on the rampage in the area.

The Lagos Police Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said the order for the arrest of the leaders was given during interrogation and interview session with some of the leaders by the commissioner of police at the Conference Room, State Headquarters, Ikeja, Tuesday.

Adejobi said based on preliminary investigation, the Commander Security Committee in Gengere Community, Alhaji Alidu Mohammed was alleged to have disrespected and blasphemed Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and that the hoodlums went on the rampage and attacked Alidu.

He said the hoodlums also set ablaze two cars, vandalised one of his houses before setting ablaze a small building belonging to one Alhaji Mamuda.

“In response to the crisis, the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed additional policemen to the area where 45 suspects were arrested.

“As a result of the crisis, one Papa Mohammed, who was stabbed on April 30, 2021, gave up the ghost while on admission on 1st May, 2021.

“In the bid of the Command to restore normalcy and maintain law and order in the area, the Commissioner of Police, Tuesday, ordered for the immediate arrest of the leaders of the warring groups who have been fuelling the crisis in the area as the warring parties still plan for continuous attacks on one another,” he said.

Adejobi further said the police boss also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State CID, Panti, DCP Adegoke Fayoade, to immediately take over the case and carry out a discreet investigation into the general crisis in the area particularly the murder and arson cases recorded during the crisis.

“Odumosu, however, warned the general public that the Command will not tolerate any act of religious intolerance and lawlessness in any part of the state as any individual or group of persons caught in the act or behave in such a manner that can trigger religious intolerance and lawlessness will be caused to face the full wrath of the law,” he added.

Lagos Gov, Sanwo-Olu Commissions 66 Classrooms in 4 Schools

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu today commissioned 66 classrooms in 4 schools as part of efforts to make learning more conducive for students in the state.

The classrooms are located at Fazil Omar High School, Iwaya, Onike Girls Junior High School, Onike-Iwaya, Igbobi Junior High School, Somolu and Akintan Junior School, Surulere.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor said: “Our Greater Lagos vision is hinged on delivering quality education. Our administration flagged off the upgrade of infrastructure in schools to deliver 300 classrooms, including seven new hostels across our boarding schools.

“All our efforts are geared towards expanding access to quality education for our children. The infrastructure will be complemented with competent, dedicated and passionate teachers.

“I assure you all that the standard of education will continue to rise until Lagos schools become a reference point across the globe.”

2 Dead As Armed Robbers Attack Bank’s Bullion Van in Ondo

Two persons were feared killed while one other person was injured on Thursday after some gunmen attacked a bank’s bullion van in Elemoso village along Akure-Ondo highway in Ondo East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

It was gathered that the armed robbers intercepted the bullion van which was conveying cash from a bank to Akure, the state capital, around 5:00 p.m. and carted away the cash.

A source in the village disclosed that the armed men who were travelling in a Lexus car opened fire at the bullion van and shot at the two of the occupants of the vehicle

The source stated that the robbers, after intercepting the van, jumped out of their vehicles, blocked the road, shot at the bullion van, forcing the door to open.

He said the robbers operated unhindered for about 20 minutes, shooting sporadically to scare away travellers and residents of the community, while some travellers abandoned their vehicles on the road.

He also said the police escort van was reportedly riddled with bullets while a traveller who was coming from Ondo town in his car was shot.

The source, however, said some men of the Amotekun officials from Ondo town rushed to the scene of the incident but said the armed robbers had left before their arrival.

Confirming the incident, the state Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said three people were shot by the armed robbers, but only one of the victims was met at the scene

He, however, his men rushed the victim to a hospital in Ondo town for medical attention.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tee Leo Ikoro, also confirmed the incident, but said no life lost in the attack

He stated that all the security agencies including local hunters and vigilante mobilised to the scene of the incident but the robbers had gone before they arrived there.

He however said some detectives from the state command are on the trail of the armed robbers, saying investigation would commence immediately.

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