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Category: Southwest

  • DSS presence at Lagos Assembly raises dust

    DSS presence at Lagos Assembly raises dust

    The presence of operatives of the Directorate of State Service (DSS) on the premises of  Lagos House of Assembly complex yesterday generated controversy.

    While the Secret Police said its men were at the complex to keep the peace on the invitation of the Clerk of the House of Assembly, the lawmakers denied the claim, describing their presence as an “invasion”.

    The House of Assembly has been struggling to prevent a break out of crisis since the removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

    The removed Speaker has sued the House of Assembly and Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda on the grounds that his removal was illegal, having being done during the period of recess.

    The recess is due to end today.

    Ahead of yesterday’s plenary, a drama ensued with the presence of DSS operatives in the Assembly complex.

    But the lawmakers sat, passed a vote of confidence in Meranda and adjourned sine die.

    A letter written by Acting Clerk of the Assembly Mr. A. T. B. Ottun surfaced while proceedings in the Assembly were on.

    The letter addressed to heads of security agencies in Lagos read: “I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires immediate action.

    “The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume to office on the 18th of February, 2025, as the Speaker, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.

    “In light with this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, 16th February, 2025 by increasing the presence of your men and as well observe a strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”

    “We look forward to your prompt attention sir. Thank you.”

    Lawmakers during plenary condemned what they described as invasion of their complex.

    Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 1) raised a motion under Personal Explanation.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Lagos Assembly suspends plenary indefinitely after security breach

    In the ensuing melee, Kazeem Osho (Mushin 2) was rushed to  hospital for emergency care due to the heightened tension in the chamber.

    While speaking, Joseph called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene.

    Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo 1) decried the incident as a “rape of democracy.”

    Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 2) also condemned the invasion, saying it was unnecessary and unprofessional.

    Gbolahan Ogunleye (Ikorodu 1) called for a thorough investigation into the incident. “I am deeply saddened. I never imagined a day when armed men would storm the Lagos Assembly. I urge the DSS DG to investigate this attack, and I call on President Tinubu to ensure justice is served. This is a blatant violation of democratic principles.”

    Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) said it was a violation of legislative procedures. “What we witnessed today is an aberration. The Assembly is meant for debates that advance society, not for forceful interventions. Today’s incident is a disgrace.”

    Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) condemned the security operatives’ actions in the strongest terms. “This is an outright abuse of power. Democracy is about the people, not by the barrel of a gun. The people hold the ultimate authority, and this is what we uphold in this chamber. We must not allow anarchy and intimidation to prevail.”

     In a statement after the plenary, the lawmakers said: “We wish to categorically state that this is not the first time the House has sought security support from the DSS.

    ‘‘However, it is important to emphasise that in previous instances, DSS operatives have been stationed at the main gate of the Assembly complex, ensuring that unauthorised persons do not gain entry.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, at no point did the letter requesting security assistance instruct the DSS to invade the legislative chamber, lock and restrict access to the Speaker’s office, lock the office of the Acting Clerk and lock the Deputy Speaker’s office.

    “The event of today raises serious concerns about undue interference in legislative affairs.

    “The sanctity of the Lagos State House of Assembly was undermined by armed DSS operatives, who obstructed lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties.

    “The act amounts to an infringement on the independence of the legislature and a direct assault on democratic governance.

    “We reiterate that the lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have taken a decisive and lawful step in the removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. We stand firmly behind the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda and remain resolute in our commitment to enacting laws that foster the development and progress of Lagos State.”

  • Aiyedatiwa inaugurates council officials

    Aiyedatiwa inaugurates council officials

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has sworn in chairmen and vice chairmen elected in the January 19 local government elections.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) won in the 18 local governments of the state.

    The governor said the event was a turning point in the life of grassroots governance.

    He urged the chairmen to cooperate with his administration in its developmental agenda tagged: “O’ Datiwa, O’Dirorun” or “OUR EASE.”.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Lagos Assembly suspends plenary indefinitely after security breach

    He reminded them that it behoved on them to translate the trust and confidence reposed in them into accelerated development of the state and make life more abundant for the people at the grassroots.

    Aiyedatiwa said: “I must remind the elected chairmen here today that the oath you have just taken is not a mere formality, but a solemn promise to serve our people with integrity, honesty and transparency.

    “I invite our newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen of local governments and their teams to join forces with us in driving this well thought out policy thrust. Your leadership will be instrumental in delivering the dividends of good governance at the grassroots.”

  • Ekiti Central APC stakeholders endorse Oyebanji for second term

    Ekiti Central APC stakeholders endorse Oyebanji for second term

    In a significant development ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti Central Senatorial District have endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term.

    The endorsement was passed yesterday at a special senatorial meeting, organised by the APC leaders and stakeholders from the district, held at Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.

    The endorsement motion, ratified through a thunderous voice vote, was moved and seconded by frontline leaders from the five local governments in the district.

    The leaders include Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a two-time commissioner, Mrs Ronke Okunsanya, serving House of Representatives members, Biodun Omoleye and Sola Fatoba, a former Acting Governor in the state, Tope Ademiluyi, former member of the House of Representatives, Wumi Ogunlola and other party elders.

    Justifying the reasons for the move in a resolution presented to the APC Acting State Chairman, Sola Elesin and via a letter transmitted to the Governor, by former Deputy Governor and Chairman, Ekiti Central APC Stakeholders, Prof Modupe Adelabu, the party restated that Oyebanji had been endorsed as the sole candidate for the next election slated for 2026.

    Adelabu said the endorsement was informed by Governor Oyebanji’s giant strides in office and they believed he deserved second term.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Lagos Assembly suspends plenary indefinitely after security breach

    The former governor noted that Oyebanji had delivered people-oriented projects for the betterment of Ekiti State and its residents, making him worthy of governing the state for another term.

    She said: “The reason we are here is to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our dear governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his administration. 

    “We are also here to appreciate the good work our governor has done. We are different in this district, and when the time comes, we will show our support. 

    “We implore Oyebanji to continue his good work and not to relent”, she added.

    The senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the action taken by party members showed they valued continuity of good governance for Ekiti’s development to spiral.

    The Senate Leader hailed past governors of the state: Niyi Adebayo, Segun Oni, Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi for their contributions to the development of the state, stressing that the solid foundation they laid had helped the current governor to consolidate and fast-track development of the state.

    “Today, we are unveiling in the open what we have been saying to ourselves under the closed doors that Ekiti has never had it so good. We are very lucky having Oyebanji as our governor. What we are doing today is not a campaign, time for campaign is coming. All we are doing is to hold our regular APC senatorial meeting; this is symbolic and strategic to us.

    “The frontline and greatest achievement of Governor Oyebanji is being able to unite everybody under one platform and umbrella. You may not understand what I meant by Governor Oyebanji’s unity magic.

    “But if you follow the trajectory of our politics in Ekiti State, particularly what happened in 2003 between Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose, and what we witnessed between Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi in 2007, then you will understand Oyebanji’s unity magic. These leaders are now working together and all the achievements that Ekiti made under these past leaders are being consolidated under Governor Oyebanji.

    “Beyond uniting Ekiti and bringing down governance from the Olympian height of the past to the grassroots, you will understand that he has given government, governance and our party back to ordinary people. Oyebanji is working and Ekiti is progressing. We have never had it so good.

    “I thank the governor for uniting all of us and for taking Ekiti to the next level. We need continuity in Ekiti. If you go to Lagos before 1999 and you go there today, continuity has brought a new lease of life to that state, so the governor should continue with his good work till 2030.”

    Bamidele appreciated the governor for his Midas touches and enigmatic strides in the areas of infrastructures, agriculture, youth empowerment and other pivotal actions taken to radicalise the economy, saying these have reverberated beyond the shores of the state.

    Governor Oyebanji appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC members for supporting him, making it possible for him to take Ekiti to a mileage, in terms of development strides and for providing the platform to serve the people.

    Oyebanji, who is also from the district, promised to continue to serve dedicatedly and with every fibre in his body, to mitigate the poverty index and address the infrastructure deficit in the state, while appealing to party members to embark on aggressive mobilisation and be fair to all members. 

    “I am moved, very touched by this endorsement and I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart. When you gave me the ticket, I told you that I will always hear your voices. In the last two years, I have served you with humility and commitment.

    “Myself and the deputy governor accept this with all humility. But this doesn’t preclude anyone who has governorship ambition on the platform of APC from showing interest. APC is a party that respects the right of every member to contest for any position of his choice. We are not afraid of competition.

    “This is history being made today in Ekiti. When INEC lifts ban on political campaigns, you will know that you have a good and acceptable governor.”

    Dignitaries present at the event include: Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Wale Fapohunda (SAN).

    Others include Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatubosun; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Peju Babafemi; Ekiti APC Acting Chairman, Sola Eleshin; Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, Niyi Adebayo; Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Jide Awe, serving and former council chairmen and councillors, party leaders, politicians, among others.

  • Ogun IPP ready in eight weeks, says Abiodun

    Ogun IPP ready in eight weeks, says Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun says an Independent Power Plant (IPP) that will provide 24-hour uninterrupted electricity to most parts of Abeokuta, will be ready for inauguration in the next eight weeks.

    He said this yesterday after inspecting the 30 megawatts power plant located in Onijanganjangan, near Ewekoro in Ewekoro Local Government.

    The governor said the project was in collaboration with private sector partnership, and the first phase of Ogun State Light Up Project.

    According to him, the project is in line with his promise to provide uninterrupted power supply to major cities and towns across the state.

    Abiodun said Abeokuta metropolis required more than 30 megawatts of power, adding that this was the first phase of the planned 100 megawatts power generation capacity.

    “I have gone around and have taken note of the progress of work so far.

    “I have seen the control room, I have seen the turbines and I have seen what will be responsible for ensuring the gas is compressed.

    “We have seen the gas pipelines that will be completed in three to six weeks. The gas compressor is there, and there is a diesel tank as well.

    “I can assure you that once this has been achieved, though we may not be able to supply power to the whole of Abeokuta, substantial parts of the city will enjoy 24 hours of uninterrupted power supply,” he said.

    Read Also: Abiodun, Aiyedatiwa, Mimiko, others for Pa Akinmade’s burial

    Abiodun observed that the plant, apart from using compressed gas as its main fuel, would also make use of diesel as a backup in case of disruption in the supply of gas.

    The power plant, the governor emphasised, would provide constant electricity to government institutions, health facilities, government quarters, police stations, local government offices and higher institutions.

    “It will eventually cascade to private individuals and industries when the capacity is increased.

    “The state decided to go into power generation, distribution and transmission as a result of its removal from the exclusive list by the Federal Government.

    “I want to assure citizens that similar plants will be built in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Ota.

    “Ogun House of Assembly has passed into law the setting up of the Ogun State Electricity Regulatory Commission to oversee the activities of the power sector in Ogun State,” he said.

    The Project Manager, Mr. Selvin Leo, said the project was 90 per cent completed.

    He said with the availability of needed materials, equipment and commitment from the workers, the job would be completed in record time.

  • Edo Assembly considers bill to establish rural access road agency

    Edo Assembly considers bill to establish rural access road agency

    The 24-member Edo State House of Assembly yesterday deliberated on two bills to establish the state roads funds and rural access road agency, with urgent rehabilitation of rural access roads forming part of the deliberations.

    Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian, on second reading, pushed for the passage of a bill for a law to establish the state roads funds and Edo roads funds board and administration, for the purposes of funding the management, planning, development, rehabilitation, construction and maintenance of classes C and D roads, and the rehabilitation of class B roads.

    The bill for a law to establish Edo rural access road agency, for the purposes of the overall management, development, rehabilitation, reconstruction and maintenance of classes C and D roads in the state, and for other matters connected therewith also scaled second reading.

    There was presentation of a report of the House of Assembly’s standing committee on energy and water resources, on a bill for a law to repeal Edo State Electricity Law 2022, establish Edo State Electricity Market, Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Edo Electrification Agency, Edo State Electricity Transmission Company and for purposes connected.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Lagos Assembly suspends plenary indefinitely after security breach

    Consideration of the bill, which sought to extend electricity distribution to rural communities in Edo State, was stepped down till a later date.

    Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) says the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has soared to N10.4 billion in January, from N7.2 billion last December.

    The EIRS Head of Communications, Courage Eboigbe, quoted the Chairman of the board, Mr Oladele Bankole-Balogun, as announcing this in a statement yesterday in Benin.

    Bankole-Balogun attributed this achievement to the visionary leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo since assuming office last November.

    “In just 100 days, Governor Okpebholo’s leadership has enabled the EIRS to achieve an all-time revenue milestone, offering reassurance to the people that their future is bright and secure,” he said.

    He said the governor had revitalised critical infrastructure with unprecedented speed, ensuring security and creating tangible change for the citizens.

    “The governor is transforming his promises into reality under strong leadership,” he said.

    “In spite of skepticism, Edo has regained hope with new roads, rehabilitated infrastructure and a bolstered security system,” he said.

  • Alleged N96b fraud: Sacked Edo council chairmen will face EFCC probe, says Okpebholo

    Alleged N96b fraud: Sacked Edo council chairmen will face EFCC probe, says Okpebholo

    • Report indicts Obaseki, PDP leaders

    The report of the administrative panel of enquiry set up by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on December 18, 2024 to investigate the financial dealings of the impeached 18 local government chairmen in Edo from September 4, 2023 to November 2024 has indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki and some leaders of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, over messy N96 billion local government fraud.

    Okpebholo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday  revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would prosecute some of the 18 recently-impeached council chairmen indicted for looting their treasuries.

    The governor, while receiving the report from members of the panel at the Government House in Benin, expressed satisfaction with the professionalism with which they carried out their duties?

    He said the days of financial recklessness and lack of transparency in public office were over.

    Okpebholo said: “Nigerians need to start demanding accountability from elected public office holders. It is the only way to fight corruption and ensure development.

    “I want to thank you for a job well done. I carefully listened to the submission of the report. The truth is that the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki took Edo people for granted. They took everything belonging to Edo people and channelled it for their personal gains.

    “We thank God for helping us to change the narrative to benefit Edo people. We also thank the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because without his support, we will not be witnessing the kind of development we are experiencing in Edo State today.

    “A lot has happened. The PDP leaders looted the treasuries of the local governments in Edo and stole our collective patrimony, and nobody went after them or took action. This time, things are different. We will go after them and retrieve what they have stolen from Edo people. They will be made to pay for it. I will personally take this document to the EFCC and ensure justice is done for this wrong done to Edo people.”

    The Chairman of the panel, Solomon Imohiosen, while submitting the report and recommendations to Okpebholo, noted that findings and forensic investigations uncovered that huge sum, amounting to N96 billion, was either mismanaged and/or diverted to private accounts.

    Read Also: NGO hosts colloquium on Okpebholo’s 100 days in office 

    He revealed that N95 billion (N95,080,676,687.86) was received from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) by the 18 local government council chairmen for the period investigated  with the funds not judiciously utilised, as no meaningful project was on ground to justify the funds received.

    Imohiosen also confirmed fraudulent diversion of Edo’s local government funds to political godfathers in the state, with over N10 billion (10,433,658,452.00) fraudulently siphoned, using the pseudo name: Security, Environment and Training, while the 18 local government council chairmen contributed to the account, using it as a conduit to drain government’s resources, as funds were transferred from it to individuals and companies.

    He noted that the panel faced different challenges during the course of the assignment, which included late submission of financial records by local government councils, incomplete submission of records, deliberate obstruction of the investigation by council personnel who failed to comply in time, but brought hefty sacks as an after-thought to dazzle panel members.

    The chairman said: “The panel’s investigation uncovered significant irregularities in the financial activities of the 18 local governments councils in Edo.

    “The recommendations outlined in the panel’s report aim to address the irregularities and promote transparency and accountability in the finances of Edo local government councils.”

    Imohiosen also stated that the report indicted a former chairman of  Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oghomwen Ugiagbe, who used his hotel, Demarriots Hotels Limited, Ahonsi Ogiegbaen Osifo, Eric Agbonmwanre, Abraham Burma and Dickson Notiemwenmwan to loot local government’s funds, which he described as unfortunate.

  • Ex-governor kicks against fraud allegation

    Ex-governor kicks against fraud allegation

    Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has kicked against the N96 billion local government fraud allegation levelled against him and some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly the 18 local government council chairmen by his successor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Obaseki, who spoke yesterday evening through his media adviser, Crusoe Osagie, described the allegation as another desperate attempt to justify Okpebholo’s unconstitutional onslaught on elected council officials.

    Read Also: Alleged N96b fraud: Edo panel indicted Obaseki, impeached LG chairmen

    Osagie said: “We have read with disdain a statement by Monday Okpebholo alleging that the elected 18 local government council chairmen in Edo State mismanaged N96 billion in another of Okpebholo’s frantic efforts to justify his unconstitutional onslaught on the elected leadership of the third tier of government.

    “What is most shocking about the statement is that Okpebholo appears to be completely oblivious of the fact that he does not have supervisory responsibility over the local governments, and can therefore not set up any investigation of government officials that are elected into office, just like him.

    “The 18 local government council chairmen in Edo State have a better claim to their democratic office than Okpebholo, whose election stands on a knife edge, with the election petitions tribunal preparing to deliver judgment in the September 21, 2024 governorship election, widely believed to have been rigged.

  • Adeleke, Oyetola trade words over enforcement of Appeal Court verdict

    Adeleke, Oyetola trade words over enforcement of Appeal Court verdict

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, have traded words over plan to enforce the verdict of Court of Appeal reinstating sacked elected All Progressives Congress (APC) council executives.

    The Nation recalls that the Appeal Court reinstated the council executives, who were elected in 2022, but were sacked by Governor Adeleke after a Federal High Court declared their election as null and void. 

    Adeleke, briefing reporters at the Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo alongside the Attorney-General, Oluwole Jimi-Bada and Information Commissioner, Kolapo Alimi, alleged that Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had hijacked the security of the state.

    According to him, “I am here to alert the national and global audience about a deliberate plot to create chaos and anarchy in Osun State. I am to expose a fascist anti-democratic agenda designed to enforce a non-existing court judgment on our local governments.

    Read Also: Adeleke, Oyetola clash over enforcement of A’ Court verdict reinstating LGAs executives

    “This evil plot is being spearheaded by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, in collaboration with Osun State Commissioner of Police, Osun State Director of DSS and the State Commandant of the Civil Defence Corps.”

    He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, to prevent bloodletting and bloodshed in the state.

    Oyetola in a statement, however,dismissed the allegation that he was plotting to destabilise Osun State. He said his antecedents, pedigree and track record of public service in the last 15 years did not support the claim by Adeleke.

    “I am a man of peace, who has tremendous respect for the judiciary, rule of law and constituted authority, as such will never be a party to any breakdown of law and order.

  • APC accuses governor of impeding court verdict

    APC accuses governor of impeding court verdict

    • ’Sacked council chairmen, councillors were not reinstated’

    The leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State last night kicked against Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to resist attempt of taking over council by sacked local government executives reinstated by the Court of Appeal.

    APC through its Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, said Adeleke should not cry foul but should ensure that the verdict of the Appeal Court was obeyed.

    He said: “Rather than stoking crisis in the state, the most honourable thing for Governor Adeleke to do is to comply with the court order and give protection to the reinstated council chairmen and councillors.

    Read Also: Osun APC faults Adeleke’s alleged resistance to reinstated LG chairmen

    “This is not the time to whip up sentiments and seek undue public sympathy, as the matter is constitutional and unassailable. Laws are not built on sentiment but rather on facts.”

    He noted that “as a responsible party, we have been civil and law-abiding. This is why we have been seeking every legal means to ensure the law takes its due course.’’

    He alleged that Peoples Democratic Party PDP-led government under Governor Adeleke had deployed media tactic to mislead the public in the state to continue disobeying a valid Appeal Court judgment, which reinstated the lawfully elected local government officers.“

  • Ignore Baruwa’s agitation for reinstatement, NURTW members tell Tinubu

    Ignore Baruwa’s agitation for reinstatement, NURTW members tell Tinubu

    The Concerned Commercial Drivers, a group of commercial drivers within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has expressed disappointment about the actions of Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa, former president of the union, by trying to impose himself on the union.

    Baruwa had at a news conference called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the union crisis and ensure his reinstatement.

    However, the Concerned Commercial Drivers led by Alhaji Fatai Aro and Comrade John Udie, chairman and secretary, disagreed with Baruwa’s stance, viewing it as a selfish and misguided attempt to regain power through the back door after being rejected by members of the union.

    Read Also: NURTW to transporters: get insured

    It called on President Tinubu to ignore his agitation for reinstatement.

    The body said: “We are shocked and dismayed by Alhaji Baruwa’s continued agitation for the president of NURTW. His actions demonstrate he is pursuing the position for his personal gain, rather than the benefit of the union and its members.”

    It said during Baruwa’s tenure as president, NURTW lost control of the six state councils in the Southwest due to lack of experience and arrogance. ‘’All the state councils were subsequently taken over by the state governments and their agents.