Ondo: Ajayi rejects results, says ‘APC, INEC perpetrated criminality in guise of election....Read Full Article>>

THE 2024 Ondo State Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Agboola Ajayi, has rejected the result of the election declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Sunday, and vowed to seek justice at the tribunal.

Ajayi, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Ayo Fadaka, said that he kept silent since poll results were announced to enable him to investigate ‘contents of criminality perpetrated by both the victorious All Progressives Congress, APC, and the INEC. He said: “We have uncovered lots of actions undertaken to compromise the electoral desires of the people and sadly conclude that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where unabated criminality is perpetually perpetrated in the prosecution of an election by the agency(INEC) saddled with the onerous and sacred responsibility to protect our franchise and deliver its mandate at the end of every election.

“November 16th election, like every other election conducted by INEC since APC assumed power in 2015 continues in the tradition of hijacking the process and delivering results that are diametrically in contrast with expressed electoral desires, thus resulting in promoting voters’ apathy and total disenchantment with the electoral process.

“While not divulging the nature and extent of the results of our investigations for now, our only prayer is that those who possess the privileges to determine the fate of people and nation should begin to live up to expectations and fear God in the interest of our nation, its wellness, peace and tranquility, else they be reduced to same level of criminals and bandits, who continuously lay landmines that undermine the progress of our nation.

“We particularly call on the Judiciary to brace up and perform the sacred and onerous responsibilities to guarantee the portability of justice to people and institutions that seek it, the nation and people will appreciate that.

“Nigeria is currently described as a failed state, it is our prayers that it is revived, re-birthed and resounding again as a nation that will not only hold promises of a better day for its people but actually deliver on the same.

“Thus honesty must propel institutions and government, else revolt will one day dictate unwholesome developments that will portent dire consequences.

“In summary, we reject the results of the November 16 election and will take legal actions to reverse the debauchery. That is the option available to us and we are hopeful that man and God who is the ultimate will give us justice. It is time we begin to eschew criminality from our electoral process.”

IDA lauds Aiyedatiwa’s victory

Meanwhile, a foremost socio-cultural group in Idanre, the Idanre Development Assembly, IDA, has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his victory.

The group in a letter addressed to the governor by its President-General, Dr Anthony Omolola, described Aiyedatiwa’s victory as a clear demonstration of the fact that the people of Ondo State are solidly behind him.

“You have made history in Ondo State by winning the 18 local government areas in the governorship election, hence the task before you is enormous but I believe with God and the support of the good people of Ondo State, you will succeed.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend and thank you for your promise to dualise Akure-Idanre road, which will boost the huge untapped tourism potentials in Idanre with positive consequences on the community and the state in general.” the letter read in part.

Aiyedatiwa’s victory, a good omen —Kayode, Ex-Defence minister

Also, former Defence Minister, Tokunbo Kayode, SAN, has described the victory of governor elect as a good omen for the people of the state.

His words: “ This is a good omen for the people of Ondo State as there would be tremendous development in all sectors in the state. Our people expect this.

“I also want to commend INEC as well as the security agencies for efficient implementation of the constitutional guidelines in the conduct of the election.”

While congratulating the people of the state for voting for Governor Aiyedatiwa, he said the outcome of the election was true reflection of the people’s will and it validated the acceptability of Aiyedatiwa.

Victory’s well deserved —Ojogo, Adefarati

Two members of the House of Representatives, Hon Donald Ojogo representing Ileja/ Ese- Odo Federal Constituency and Hon Adegboyega Adefarati, representing Akoko South East/ Akoko South-West constituency, described the victory of the Governor- Elect as well deserved.

Ojogo said the election results validated the people’s love and appreciation of Aiyedatiwa’s dedication and hard work. “This massive turnout is a reciprocal gesture by the Arogbos for the kindness and support they received from the people of Ilaje in the previous election, which led to Hon. Ojogo’s historic win as the first Arogbo to occupy a seat in the House of Representatives in Abuja.”

Also, Adefarati in a congratulatory message, commended the people of Ondo State for reposing their trust in Aiyedatiwa’s leadership to steer the state towards greater prosperity for another four years.

He noted that the victory is not just a testament to the Governor’s outstanding leadership but also an affirmation of his unwavering commitment to the development and well-being of the people.

Results reflects people’s will —Foreign observer group

Meanwhile, a foreign observer group, International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc. USA, said that the results of the election truly reflected the records of the ballot boxes at the polling units.

Its spokesperson and Director of Administration and Organisations at the African Regional Command, Mr. Oscar David, said this while presenting its assessment of the poll

David urged candidates and political actors to resort to legal channels in case of contestation and disagreement to sustain social peace and avoid breakdown of law and order.

He said that the election was very peaceful, transparent, credible and successful, with minimal incidents and complaints by party agents at polling units and collation centres.

The Abia State Government has blamed oposition politicians for the unprecedented wave of attacks against army personnel in the state. The government alleged that “unpatriotic opposition politicians in connivance with external forces” were involved in promoting the violence.....Read Full Article>>

This accusation came in the wake of the killing of two soldiers last Wednesday at a checkpoint at Ekenobizi, Umuopara, an Abia community in Umuahia South Local Government Area at the border with neighbouring Imo State.

The government’s stance on the latest attack was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, made available to the media in Umuahia yesterday. He announced that the government has launched “a new Counter Offensive,” in order “to decimate every structure of terror erected or being erected in any Abia territory by criminals.”

The SA alluded that the government was out for a total war against perpetrators of violence in Abia State, “hence citizens are enjoined not to harbour any person or persons they do not know, to avoid falling victims.

“It has been firmly established that some unpatriotic politicians, in connivance with some external parties are behind the current wave of violence and crime in the state since the end of May this year.

“The sole agenda is to cause disaffection and distract the government from its focus on the development of the state.”

Ekeoma asserted that based on “tip-off from patriotic citizens and reliable intelligence,” the government has “firmly established” that the opposition with external parties was really behind the growing violence in Abia State.”

With the latest attack, no fewer than eight troops have been killed by hoodlums since the first attack occurred on May 19, 2024, followed by a second one on May 30 which claimed five soldiers. Police personnel have also fallen victim to the bloody attacks.

Ekeoma noted that the attacks constituted a new strategy adopted by the opposition to disrupt governance after “they realised that their initial efforts at churning out lies and fabrications against the government” failed to gel with Abians.

According to him, the Abia State opposition politicians had been engaging in intense and vicious propaganda against the Alex Otti administration, all in the guise of playing opposition politics.

However, the government spokesman said that the “pretentious posturing” of the government’s detractors “has failed to gain currency among Abia people who have thoroughly ignored them and their antics, since they know the truth.”

He stated that the peaceful disposition of Abia State government as “acknowledged locally, nationally and internationally” should not be taken for granted as “we will not yield to blackmail or intimidation.

“It needs to be understood that the government will not sit idly by and watch any person or group of persons unleash violence on innocent and peace-loving citizens of the state,” he said.

Ekeoma, therefore, warned “those behind the attacks on security agents and innocent civilians, including the kidnapping of law-abiding citizens” to retrace their steps or face dire consequences.

He said that the Abia government “will bring its full capacity and institutional forces to bear to smoke out” the people involved in creating anarchy and instilling fear in the minds of Abians and visitors.

“The state government led by Governor Alex Otti is prepared and equal to the task of safeguarding the lives and property of people living in any part of Abia State and will execute this noble obligation to the fullest without let or hindrance,” he assured Abians.

While urging all innocent and peace-loving Abia residents to go about their legitimate businesses without fear or panic, as the government is determined to ensure their protection at all times, Ekeoma stated that criminal elements would be routed.

Dr Adebayo Orire, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has called for the dissolution of Nigeria, asserting that the country’ s unity has been a significant obstacle to its development and growth. Speaking during an interview at his residence in Ikoro- Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area, Dr Orire argued that Nigeria’ s persistent ethnic divisions and lack of unity have stifled progress.....Read Full Article>>

He contended that the country’ s current structure is unsustainable, suggesting that a peaceful breakup would provide an avenue for meaningful advancement. ” A nation like Nigeria cannot go on; it must break up, ” he declared. ” Either it prospers, expands, and flourishes, or it will break up into pieces. The way forward is a breakup without killing and bloodshed. ”

Dr Orire highlighted the growing agitation for secession among various ethnic groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), certain Yoruba groups, and factions from the Middle Belt. According to him, these movements underscore the country’ s deep- rooted tribal affiliations, which often override any sense of national identity.

” Everybody is either Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Igbo, or Efik before they are Nigerian, ” he observed. ” In over 100 years, we have not been able to unite. Why are we forcing ourselves? Why are we acting dumb? ”

He emphasised that tribal loyalty remains a dominant force in Nigeria, making national integration an elusive goal. To address this, he proposed a peaceful dissolution into regional or tribal entities, which he believes could foster genuine development and stability.

Dr Orire also spoke on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing both admiration and disappointment. While he acknowledged Tinubu’ s extensive political experience and intellect, he criticised his performance as president, suggesting a gap between his potential and the outcomes witnessed so far.

” Tinubu is a very brilliant, seasoned, and experienced politician, ” he said. ” Call him outside the presidency to proffer solutions, and he’ ll do it in two minutes. I don’ t know what has happened to him now that he is president. ”

In his concluding remarks, Dr Orire reiterated his call for a peaceful breakup of Nigeria, cautioning against any descent into violence or bloodshed. He expressed hope that such a transition could pave the way for the growth and prosperity that have eluded the country in its current form.

Watch video here

This statement by a prominent APC chieftain has added to the ongoing national debate on restructuring, secession, and the future of Nigeria as a united entity. While some may view his remarks as controversial, others see them as a candid reflection of the challenges facing the nation.

Osun State Government has raised alarm over the alleged shooting to near death in police custody of the Chairman of Osun Transport Management System, Comrade Iyanda Alowonle, over a domestic matter.....Read Full Article>>

This was contained in a statement issued by Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, on Tuesday.

The statement reads, “Alowonle is presently on life support at the Intensive Care Unit of the Osun State Teaching Hospital after a gunshot wound in the abdomen while in the custody of the police at Osogbo. “Video clips of Alowonle in handcuffs and under interrogation circulating in the media space dispelled any excuse that the park chairman was trying to escape.

The fact that he was shot in the abdomen as video from his hospital bed confirmed proved that he was shot at close range with intent to eliminate him.

“Interactions between the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the State Governor, Mr Samuel Ojo, and the Head of Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Moses Lohor provided direct proof that the incident was premeditated to murder Mr Alowonle.

“We also note that the issue that generated the purported arrest was a civil matter, not criminally related to have warranted the involvement of Mr Moses Lohor, the head of the Anti-Kidnapping squad except for the repeat of a recent pattern of police harassment of officials of the state government on partisan motivation.

“The programmed attempted murder of Mr Alowonle is just one in the series of shootings and attacks on officials of the state by the head of anti-kidnapping squad who regularly acted with impunity and who has not hidden his vow to eliminate supporters of the state government.

“As we summoned several meetings to calm frayed nerves today, we struggled hard to stop reprisal attacks against police establishments across the state due to what the public now see as police partisan conduct in breach of the law.

“As we regret a situation in which law enforcers are becoming threat to peace and stability of the state, the state government therefore demands the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser to take judicious note of the increasing breach of state peace by the hostile conduct of some police officers who now shot at innocent civilians and suspects at will.

“We call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr Moses Lohor, the Head of the Anti- Kidnapping Squad, for his wilful act of attempted murder.*

“We demand police impartiality and commitment to rule of law without fixation on partisan considerations

“We also call the attention of the National Security Adviser to the increasing threat to peace in Osun state amidst threat to unleash violence ahead of 2026 election

“We call on the Inspector General of Police to rise to the occasion and abandon any signal that may portray him as acting against Osun peace and stability”, the statement concluded.

Ondo Gubernatorial: “Peter Obi, NLC Made Me Lose The Election “- LP Candidate Cried Out; See details....Read Full Article>>

Ayodele Olorunfemi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the recently concluded Ondo State governorship election, has accused the party’ s leadership, including its presidential candidate Peter Obi and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), of sabotaging his chances of victory. Olorunfemi expressed his disappointment over the lack of support and coordination that marred his campaign.

Speaking to journalists after the election results were announced, Olorunfemi highlighted the absence of critical resources and organizational backing from his party. ” I went into this election with high hopes, but the internal challenges within the Labour Party made it an uphill battle, ” he lamented.

He particularly criticized Peter Obi for his lack of involvement in the campaign. Obi, who has become a prominent political figure after his performance in the 2023 presidential election, was expected to play a key role in rallying support for Olorunfemi’ s candidacy. ” Obi is a symbol of hope for many Nigerians, especially the youth. His absence in our campaign sent a wrong message to the electorate, ” Olorunfemi said.

The candidate also took aim at the NLC, a major stakeholder in the Labour Party, for what he described as a lack of commitment. According to Olorunfemi, the NLC leadership failed to mobilize workers and unions to support his campaign. ” The Labour Party is supposed to represent the interests of workers, but the NLC abandoned us when it mattered most, ” he stated.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has said the level of corruption in the power sector would make people cry.....Read Full Article>>

He put it this way: “As we speak, we are grappling with electricity. If you see some of the investigations we are carrying out within the power sector, you will shed tears.

“People were awarded contracts to supply electricity equipment. Instead of using what they call 9.0 guage, they will go and buy 5.0.

Every time you see the thing tripping off, the thing gets burnt, and all of that, it falters and it collapses. It’s part of our problems.”

Olukoyede made the revelation during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes to the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja, today.

Furthermore, stressed the importance of collaboration between the Commission and lawmakers to combat financial crimes effectively.

One of the key areas of concern, according to Olukoyede, is the power sector, where corrupt practices have been undermining the country’s infrastructure.

It was at this point the EFCC boss revealed that some contractors awarded contracts to supply electricity equipment were involved in cutting corners.

He said they were using substandard materials that have contributed to the frequent power outages and system failures.

Olukoyede also discussed the EFCC’s new strategic focus on asset tracing and recovery, which he credited for the agency’s successes over the past year.

Furthermore, he revealed that “For every 10 Naira recovered, perhaps 30 or 40 Naira may have been stolen.

“If we recover about 440 billion Naira and several billions of dollars in a year, imagine the total amount siphoned from our system. That’s the unfortunate reality.

“Thus, we are focusing on prevention. Over the last year, we have established a new directorate for risk assessment and control.

“To recover 10 Naira, you may spend between 4 and 5 Naira. But to prevent 10 Naira from being stolen, you spend less than 1 Naira, based on our research and experience.

“Prevention is, therefore, the more effective way to combat corruption.

“We need more resources to carry out our mandate effectively. Our staff are underpaid, and we need to improve their welfare.”

President Bola Tinubu’ s special adviser on public communication and orientation, Sunday Dare, has strongly criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo following comments the latter made about the current administration.....Read Full Article>>

Speaking at a leadership event at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, Obasanjo attributed Nigeria’ s deteriorating state to ” pervasive corruption, ineffective leadership, and declining moral standards” under Tinubu’ s government. He further accused the political class of engaging in ” state capture, ” alleging they exploit national policies and resources for personal benefit.

In response, Dare dismissed Obasanjo’ s remarks, asserting that the former president lacks the moral authority to criticize Tinubu’ s administration. He claimed that ” democracy suffered irreparable damage during Obasanjo’ s tenure, ” and suggested the ex- president’ s comments were insincere.

” Obasanjo is widely known for his knack for stirring mischief, and Nigerians are aware of his consistent detachment from reality, ” Dare wrote on X, formerly Twitter. ” His presidency is historically recognized as one of the most corrupt in our nation’ s history, rendering his criticism baseless. ”

Dare highlighted Obasanjo’ s failure to explain the disappearance of $16 billion supposedly spent on electricity projects, which, according to him, yielded no tangible results. He described this expenditure as a ” monumental waste” that plunged the country into deeper darkness.

President Bola Tinubu has reassigned the roles of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to improve the efficiency of the government’s communication operations.....Read Full Article>>

In the new reassignment of roles, three Special Advisers are to serve as joint spokespersons for the Bola Tinubu-led administration.

The Special Advisers includes Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare and Daniel Bwala.

As part of the reorganization, Sunday Dare, formerly the Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation, has been appointed as the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications. Meanwhile, Daniel Bwala, who previously served as the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s Presidential Campaign Council, has been named the Special Adviser on Policy Communication.

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, November 19.

The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery.

“The restructuring is as follows: Mr Sunday Dare – hitherto Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation is now Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications.

“Mr Daniel Bwala – announced last week as Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication, is now Special Adviser, Policy Communication.

“These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency.

“Instead, all the three Special Advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.

“This approach aims to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.”

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun is expected to present the 2025 budget before the state House of Assembly on Wednesday.....Read Full Article>>

The Speaker of the House, Mr Adewale Egbedun, disclosed this on Tuesday during plenary.

According to Egbedun, the governor forwarded a letter dated Nov. 11, with a title “Laying of Year 2025 Draft Budget of Osun State before the House”, to the assembly, intimating the Speaker and state lawmakers of the budget presentation.

“I am pleased to inform the distinguished members of the Osun State House of Assembly through the Honourable Speaker of our intention to lay the 2025 draft budget of the state before the house on Wednesday, Nov. 13, having concluded its preparation and approved by the state executive council.

“This is to confirm with the extant rules and regulations which stipulates that such draft budget should be presented to the House for approval at the end of the year preceding the commencement of the budget implementation,” the letter reads

A minute of silence was, however, observed for late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, after his tribute was read by Mr Adekunle Oladimeji, the lawmaker representing Irepodun/Orolu State Constituency, where Lagbaja hailed from.

The House thereafter deliberated on the Osun State Property Protection Bill 2024 which eventually scaled first reading, while ‘Osun State Drug and Medical Supply Management Agency Establishment Bill 2024’ policy thrust was read by the Majority Leader, Mr Babajide Kofoworola.

The Drug and Medical Supply Management Agency Establishment Bill was passed for second reading after lawmakers made contributions and stated the advantages of having the agency in the state.

The house later dissolved into the “committee of whole” where they further considered and deliberated on the Osun State Consumer Protection Agency Establishment Bill 2024.