Category: South West

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed readiness to conduct a free and fair governorship election in Ekiti State on June 18.

It said it had prepared for the poll to raise the bar of electoral credibility and deliver a poll that would meet international standard.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Tella Adeniran, spoke yesterday in Ado-Ekiti while declaring open a voter education implementation workshop organised by the commission for stakeholders.

He said INEC had put in place necessary things, adding that it was committed to providing a level playing field for candidates and parties.

Adeniran said Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS) would be deployed for the election, noting that the commission had improved the functionality of the machine for optimal performance.

He said the technological innovation in election management as witnessed last year in Anambra governorship election and Area Council poll in FCT had help to guarantee the integrity of the electoral process.

Hailing the voters for the increase in the number of permanent voter cards (PVCs) collected, Adeniran urged stakeholders to enlighten the citizens on the need to collect their PVCs ahead of the governorship election.

Ekiti North senatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Segun Ajibulu, has promised to raise the bar of quality and effective representation in the district if given the chance.

He said his quest to represent the people of Ekiti North was motivated by the desire to make life easier for the constituents by bringing the dividends of democracy to their doorsteps.

Ajibulu, the leader of Southwest Professionals, who spoke yesterday at his Ipao-Ekiti country home in Ikole Local Government, said he has what it takes to represent his people in the red chamber.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said at the weekend that the increasing rate of admission seekers justified the need to establish more private universities, to meet the high demand.

He spoke in Ilorin at a special prayer and fund-raising for Muhammad Kamaldeen Education Foundation (MUKEF), organised by Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria, held at the proposed site of Muhammad Kamaldeen University.

The governor donated N20 million to fast track the take-off of the university.

He described the project as a worthy investment in human capital development, urging wealthy individuals to support it.

The university is the initiative of the late Muslim sage and Grand Mufty of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Kamaldeen al-Adaby.  He was also the founder of the popular Ansar-ul-Islam Society.

AbdulRazaq said: “This institution is a worthy investment that requires funds and other form of support. When we are counting the universities sited in Kwara State such as University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State University (KWASU), Al-Hikmah, Landmark, Summit, among others, this proposed institution also deserves inclusion.”

He hailed the vision and contributions of the late Kamaldeen al-Adaby to the development of Arabic and Western education in Ilorin and beyond.

The National Missioner, Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulmumin Yusuf Ayara, said people were enjoined to take from their wealth to help humanity and support noble causes, adding that this would qualify them for multiple rewards from the Almighty God.

He thanked the governor for identifying with the masses and his investment to reposition the education sector.

The Director General of Biodun Oyebanji Campaign Organisation in Ekiti State, Cyril Fasuyi, has said Oyebanji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the June 18 governorship election, will emerge victorious.

He said the ruling party was neither threatened nor rattled by the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Segun Oni and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bisi Kolawole, adding that the APC was on ground to win the election with a wide margin.

Fasuyi, a former federal lawmaker, spoke yesterday at Ido-Ekiti while interacting with APC leaders from across the wards in Ido/Osi Local Government ahead of the governorship poll.

He said Oni and Kolawole would meet their Waterloo on June 18, noting that the party was prepared for the election.

Fasuyi said the outstanding performance of the APC-led government under Governor Kayode Fayemi and Oyebanji’s intimidating credentials were good enough to speak for the party in the coming election.

He said APC would win the governorship poll with a landslide, urging the electorate to reject the SDP and PDP because they lacked the in-built capacity to make life abundant for them.

Fasuyi noted that Oni had had his time managing the affairs of the state and failed to make impact in people’s lives, who had hoped the former governor would take Ekiti to a higher pedestal.

He said Oni and SDP could never win any elective position because they lacked the structures and financial wherewithal, adding that APC and the government in Ekiti were strong and doing well.

Fasuyi, speaking with party leaders at Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government, described the June 18 election as a “must-win” for APC, enjoining members to wake up from their slumber and work hard.

Fasuyi said: “You know we have 16 local governments and our candidate, Oyebanji, is from this council. So you must not fail to deliver. The SDP candidate is from Ido/ Osi, my own council. This election is a two-horse race. The third party, SDP, is not in contention.”

“We have to be steadfast and work hard. We must bring back those who defected. We have 22 governors in APC, we have ministers, we have about 71 senators and even the President is a member of the APC. So we will all work together on election day to win this election free and fair.”

The former state Chairman of the party, Chief Jide Awe, urged party members not to allow scrambling for tickets to divide the party and prevent APC from winning the coming election.

“We have seen people fighting over State House of Assembly and National Assembly tickets. Don’t allow this to divide us. We must know that the governorship election is more important than any other contest. If we get it right in the governorship, others will be easier,” he said.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the weekend advised youths to learn to make wise electoral decisions.

He said wrong electoral choices were capable of ruining their future.

The governor lamented how wrong electoral choices of the past had wasted the time of youths and affected their opportunities, noting that electoral choices made today would have effect on the future of youths.

Speaking at the 14th combined special convocations for admission to higher and honorary degrees of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Makinde urged Nigerians to be informed and guided in their decisions concerning the 2023 general election.

“One of the reasons we are having a joint convocation is the electoral choices we made or did not make some years ago. And next year, we will be facing a similar choice. When we make electoral decisions, we may not think those choices will affect how many years our children spend at the university. Well, here we are.”

Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has said fulfilling the promises he made with the people in the last three and half years within the limited resources will give him victory in the coming July 16 governorship election.

He spoke yesterday in Osogbo at an engagement programme organised by the state’s Civic Engagement Centre with Association of Master Bakers, Osun State chapter.

Oyetola, represented by his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Mr. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said the masses could testify to his achievements in all areas, which would make them to support his re-election.

The governor, who noted that he would continue to focus on quality service delivery to the people, said the will of God would prevail through the support of the people.

Oyetola said with the available meagre resources accruing to the state, he had turned its economy around for the benefit of those who elected him.

The governor, who described the masses as the pillar of his administration since inception, said he would continue to make sacrifices that would make life more comfortable for them.

He said he remained the candidate to beat in the election, adding that Osun belonged to the progressives and nothing could change the status quo.

“My re-election is God’s project because the masses are behind me. They will return me to office in the next election.

“I’ve kept the promises I made with the good people of the state within the limited resources and I know that they will keep date with me on the election day.

“I will not in any way relax in my second term in office. Rather, I will continue to build on the solid foundation we had laid,” he said.

Oyetola appealed to members of the association, who are yet to pick their Permanent Voter Cards at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office, to do so and use the same to support his re-election.

The Chairman of the association, Bakare Ganiyu, hailed the governor for the developmental projects in the state.

He said members of the association would support the re-election bid of Oyetola for his administration to continue the good work.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for next year’s House of Representatives election in Akure North/South constituency of Ondo State, Mr. Balarabe Akinwumi, has unfolded his agenda.

In a statement in Akure, Akinwumi, a legal expert, said he would mount pressure on the federal government to pay urgent attention to abandoned federal roads in the state, if elected.

The contestant, who was Special Assistant on Oil and Gas under former Governor Segun Mimiko in Ondo State, said his track record is there to prove that he can deliver.

“I am informing you of my intention to run for the vacant seat of Akure South/North federal constituency which I know can only be possible with your support.

“Almost all federal establishments in our constituency are in a bad shape and crying for intervention.

“If I am elected to the green chamber of the National Assembly, my major concern will be how to fix federal roads, especially that of Akure/Ikere road which has turned a nightmare for the people, and I will strive to attract things that will improve socioeconomic status of our people.

“Give me your support and have solid and robust representation like never before,” Akinwumi urged.

He added that he would insist on having federal presence in Ondo State through FG’s industrial investment and the opening up of the rural areas through viable agric loans and tool support for rural farmers.

Akinwumi said his constituency is strategically located, providing link for communities in neighbouring states like Osun, Oyo, Delta and Edo.

Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun has urged members of the Igbo community living in the state to continue to embrace peaceful coexistence with the host communities.

Oyetola said this during an engagement meeting with the newly elected executives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Osun chapter on Thursday in Osogbo.

Oyetola was represented at the occasion by his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye.

The governor said that it is only when there is peace and people of different tribes feel secure in any part of the country they reside in, that growth and development could be achieved.

He said that harmonious relationship and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, irrespective of tribes or ethnicity, would  help the country to overcome its current challenges.

The governor, who commended members of the Igbo for their support in sustaining the peaceful atmosphere in the state, said he would continue to protect their interest.

Oyetola said  peaceful coexistence would bring stability and enhance national economic growth and development.

The governor said that an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship between the government and the governed was needed for the growth and development of any nation.

“Nigeria is a great and prosperous country. And for us to continue to enjoy this greatness, there must be peace and stability in the land.

He also urged all the Ndigbo community and other residents of the state to individually and collectively contribute their quotas to the sustenance of peace and security in the state.

The governor also appealed to the Ndigbo to support his re-election in the forthcoming July 16 governorship election in the state so as to consolidate on the achievements of the past years.

In his remarks, the president of the  group, John Dike,  commended the governor for his love for humanity , which has made Osun a peaceful state without intertribal conflicts.

The West African Youth Council (WAYC), an institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has confirmed the ambassadorial appointment of ‘Yinka Fafoluyi, Special Assistant, New Media to Kwara State Governor.

Fafoluyi was appointed in respect to his meritorious service to the Kwara State Government under the leadership of Governor AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman.

The President, WAYC, Ambassador Emmanuel Williams, who announced the recognition, said: “One of the industries that are vital to what we are doing is youths, that is why we have been crediting exceptional youths. Although, numerous youths are doing so well Fafoluyi’s performance is exceptional and an emulating one, that is why we recognized him.

“We have actually heard of all that he has been doing. He spoke with the youths in the language they can understand, his tenacity, ambitions, empowering young people, and his contribution to national development, etc are vital to the recognition.”

“We are really happy for your collaboration and corroboration as you are the real face of the young people in Kwara State, we look forward to the betterment of youths in Kwara State, North Central, and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.

Fafoluyi in his reaction said: “I appreciate the ECOWAS as they bestow on me a very rare opportunity to serve in the West Africa regional bloc.

“I dedicate this to God and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who has painstakingly nurtured me to grow under his wings. Without his support, understanding of governance, and his focus on youths and societal development, this will not be possible.”

He further promised to give his best to the development of youths in his constituency and Nigeria as a whole.

A House of Representatives aspirant, Kayode Ibrahim of All Progressives Congress(APC) seeking to represent Osogbo/Olorunda/Ifon/Orolu Federal Constituency has denied involvement in internet fraud.

Ibrahim responding to questions from journalists shortly after his declaration to represent his constituency disclosed that he is an entrepreneur who has most of his investments in Osogbo.

He said, “I am a renowned entrepreneur with several businesses headquartered in Osogbo and branches all over the country. My entrepreneurship upbringing from trading, led me into several areas of endeavour as I had always been determined to get known globally through the works of my hand.

“With the influence of my parent in the society, I will be a bastard if I venture into internet fraud or Yahoo Yahoo. My mother is a successful businesswoman, likewise my father, I inherited hard work from them through trading which they are involved in.

“It is a big rumour that I am into yahoo yahoo, some of the political rivals just want to smear my reputation. I am an entrepreneur who made landmark effect in real estate, construction, water supply, automobiles and hospitality.”

He noted that, “Our Federal Constituency is in need of passionate representative who understands the pains and challenges facing our dear people. If given the ticket, I will contribute to the making and implementation of laws that will ensure youth empowerment and ensure improvement of our country’s security architecture.”