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Tag: achievements

  • PDP can’t match our achievements – APC

    PDP can’t match our achievements – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State declared yesterday that much as the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might try, it would never match its record of achievements.

    Reacting to alleged attempt by the PDP   to downplay the recent award of scholarship by the APC to 60 indigent students from Osun West Senatorial District, the APC Director of Publicity, Research Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi,said his party would continue to tower head and shoulders above the opposition.

    He challenged the PDP to specifically publish its contributions to the advancement of education in Osun West between 2003 and 2010.

    Besides, the APC demanded from PDP to give a blow by blow explanation on how it intends to dismantle the N11 billion multi-faceted education projects in Osun West Senatorial District that the Aregbesola-led APC government created and effected in the last seven years.

    According to the APC, the opposition has so viciously condemned the state governor for his investments in education and threatened to dismantle the structure, that today, ‘we (APC) confront them to lay bare its plan for the future.

    The APC went ahead to state that “no government ever in the history of the state had done anything like what Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola created and effected in the Osun West Senatorial District,  and no individual is capable of matching it in the foreseeable future.

  • Presidency lists 57 achievements of Buhari’s administration

    Presidency lists 57 achievements of Buhari’s administration

    The Presidency on Saturday listed 57 achievements recorded by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in the last two and half years.

    The achievements, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande included Release of 106 Chibok girls, as well as over 16,000 persons in Boko Haram captivity.

    Also on security was Tackling insurgency, decimation of Boko Haram in the North East.

    Recovering 14 local governments and territories previously under Boko Haram control in the North East, rebuilding lives of citizens there; about one million displaced persons in the NE have returned to their communities in two years of this administration.

    Curbing the incidence of kidnap across the country. (Arrest of kidnap kingpins and dismantling of kidnap cells across the country)

    Restoring morale of the Nigerian military; re-organizing and better equipping the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    Purchase of 12 Super-Tucano aircrafts worth $600 million to aid the Nigerian military’s current operations in the North East.

    Ensuring continued peace in the Niger Delta through consistent funding of the FG amnesty programme for ex-militants.

    Introduction of an improved mechanism for distribution of aid to IDPs in the North East through the establishment of the Special Intervention Programme of the Federal Government. (Door-to-door strategy)

    On economy, the achievements are Implementing the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) to aid economic recovery, taking the country out of her worst recession in 29 years, despite fall in oil prices.

    N1.2 trillion expended on capital/infrastructure projects nationwide, a milestone in the nation’s history.

    Effective implementation of the Treasury Single Account, and increasing government revenue by over N3 trillion as well as entrenching transparency and accountability.

    Implementation of the Bank Verification Number (BVN), thus tackling corruption by plugging loopholes for siphoning of public fund and tracking of illicit funds through multiple accounts

    Ease of doing business: the Federal Government signed into law two bills from the National Assembly (Acts are the Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Act, 2017 (otherwise known as Collateral Registry Act) and the Credit Reporting Act, 2017) which has facilitated access to more affordable credit for Nigerians, fast tracked budget submissions and promotes Made-in-Nigeria products.

    Establishment of the Presidential Quarterly Business Forum to enhance interaction and private sector participation in the development of the economy.

    Institutionalizing E-governance setting the foundation for the creation of a truly digital economy.

    Creation of opportunities for youths to leverage innovation in technology through the introduction of the Aso Villa Demo Day (AVDD) through which over N700 million has been disbursed to young entrepreneurs.
    The revitalization of the Made-in-Nigeria campaign. (Emphasis on consumption of local products gain grounds)

    Implementing reforms in the civil service which has led to the elimination of over 30,000 ghost workers, thereby saving the country billions of naira monthly.

    Massive investments in agriculture, e.g, Anchors Borrowers Programme to improve local produce, improving fertiliser distribution and access across states through the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative.

    Reduction in rice imports as a result of government’s policies that has encouraged massive rice production across Nigeria.

    Improving transport infrastructure (rail and road); construction work ongoing on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, renovation of Abuja International Airport runway, completion of Abuja – Kaduna Railway among others.

    Social Investment Programmes (SIP): N-Power Volunteer Scheme creating jobs for over 200,000 (and still counting) unemployed graduates in all the 36 states and the FCT.

    SIP: Ongoing Government Enterprise and Empowerment (GEEP) Scheme; commenced in November 2016 in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, where soft loans ranging from N10, 000 to N100, 000 have been given to over 189,000 market women and traders across different states.

    SIP: Home Grown School Feeding Programme, where almost three million schoolchildren have been fed, while tens of thousands of cooks have been engaged in their respective states.

    SIP: Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme, under which about 25,000 less privileged Nigerians so far are now being funded with the monthly N5,000 stipend in 9 pilot States (Bauchi, Borno, Cross Rivers, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Osun and Oyo). More beneficiaries are expected to be added in more states.

    The establishment of MSMEs Clinics, a small Business support programme to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in different states.

    Establishment of One-Stop-Shops to support policies on Ease of Doing Business.

    The take-off of the 2nd Niger Bridge.

    Phasing out subsidy for petroleum products, elimination of fuel scarcity and queues in petrol stations.

    Implementation of the FG Niger Delta new vision, a comprehensive road map to improve livelihood and social infrastructure.

    Improved power generation nationwide adding $500million to Nigeria’s sovereign wealth fund and about $87million to its excess crude account.

    The creation of the N30billion Solid Minerals Development Fund.

    Encouraging the patronage of local contents and increasing export in agriculture.

    Signing of Executive Order 001 which is the promotion of transparency and efficiency in the business environment – to ensure that public servants offer prompt service in a predictable and transparent manner, and sanction undue delays.

    Signing of Executive Order 002 which is on prompt submission of annual budgetary estimates by all statutory and non-statutory agencies of the Federal Government including incorporated companies wholly owned by FG.

    Bailout of cash crunch states; about N689 billion to 27 states of the federation to pay salaries in 2015.

    Complete refund of Paris loan deductions to states (unprecedented).

    Implementing the 2011 UNEP report for the ongoing Ogoni clean-up process after decades of oil spills and pollution.

    Modification of the tax system so that it is more efficient.

    Reforms in the airports (reconstruction of the Abuja airport runway and ongoing work at the Lagos airport).

    Reforms at the nation’s seaports (Issues with cargo clearance at the ports addressed)

    Improved duration (under 48 hours) for visa approval especially for investors.

    Resuscitation of the nation’s refineries which are now working at 50 percent capacity for the first time in over a decade.

    Eleven of the dead 33 fertilizer plants have been resuscitated while four others are to be revived shortly and this has profound impact on the ongoing revolution in the agricultural sector.

    For the first time in more than 45 years, the Mambila Power Plant is set to take off with the allocation of $5.6billion for its realization and an expected 3,050 MW output upon completion.

    Increasing external reserves to a 13 month high of $33 billion from $29.13 billion which has surpassed the ERGPs target of $30.56 billion despite global low oil prices and production challenges.

    Cancellation of the Joint Venture cash calls with oil multinational companies operating in Nigeria (For the first time in the history of the industry) which has led to savings of billions of dollars lost to fictitious contract payments.

    Release of N2 billion take off grant for the Maritime University as part of measures to address agitations in the Niger Delta region.

    The new development bank of Nigeria (DBN) is finally taking off with initial funding of $1.3billion (provided by the World Bank, German Development Bank, African Development Bank, Agence Francaise De Development) to provide medium and long term loans to MSMEs.

    On the anti-graft battle, the presidency listed the following as achievements: Improving Nigeria’s international image and regional cooperation with neighbouring countries in fighting insurgency.

     Anti-corruption war: Prosecuting alleged corrupt public officers and recovering billions of naira of stolen public funds; the successful establishment of the whistle-blower policy.

    Signing of Executive Order 004 – Voluntary Income Asset Declaration Scheme (VAIDS). This aims to increase tax awareness and compliance, and reduce incidence of tax evasion.

    Signing of agreements with a number of nations to provide Automatic Exchange of Information.

    Signing of the Extradition Treaty between Nigeria and United Arab Emirates (UAE) toward strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.

    Establishment of PACAC – a think-tank that has provided leadership, direction and also built capacity of personnel in the fight against corruption.

    Health achievements are Eradication of polio disease in the country.

    The introduction of the One Primary Health Centre per ward programme of the Federal Government.

  • Akintola: I ‘II build on Ajimobi’s achievements

    Akintola: I ‘II build on Ajimobi’s achievements

    In the Third Republic, he was the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. In 1999, he was a stalwart of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN)  is now a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State. He spoke with reporters in Ibadan, the state capital, on his mission in politics and why he wants to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi: Excerpts: 

    What will you do if the APC does not give you its governorship ticket?

    In the first place, I am not going to lose. I am going to get the ticket by the special grace of God. But I am a progressive and the question of looking for alternative platform does not arise.

    I was the arrowhead of what is now known as  the APC. I was one of those that were present at 1998 Confab at Premier Hotel in Ibadan by Yoruba leaders, where we formulated the policy of participating under Abdulsalam Abubakar’s government. We mandated Chief Bola Ige to liaise with other leaders across the country.

    Chief Bola Ige, in his wisdom, picked me, Prof Tunde Adeniran, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Dr. Tola Atimo, and Uncle Yemi Farounbi, as part and parcel of his team.

    We wrote the constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). When that did not work, we left PDP for All Peoples Party (APP). When we got there in Abuja, we saw some characters there, and Uncle Bola Ige said ‘well, we can’t stay here!’

    We pulled out and we came back to the drawing board. The registration then was closing. We had to quickly put something together to form the Alliance for Democracy (AD). That is why if you look at the AD Constitution and PDP Constitution, they are one and the same. The only difference there is just in the nomenclature. Who put all those constitutions together? It was the AD that metamorphosed into Action Congress (AC), then to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and to APC.

    I happened to be the arrowhead of the take over of the Southwest by the progressives. We started in Ibarapa Local Government by the then AC before I moved to Oshogbo,  and I moved on to Benin, where we got Oshiomhole installed, I was the lead counsel there. I also moved to Ekiti, where we got Dr Fayemi installed. God also used me to bring Ladoja back to office.

    So, there is no question of me leaving the progressive camp, it cannot just be. Wherever the progressives tilt their boat, you will find me. For me to jump boat, no I can’t because I am a professional in politics. I have a second address.

     What percentage of women will be in your administration, if you eventually emerge as governor?

    The 35 per cent affirmative actions, I have had causes to address it, even at the party level, and I have addressed  it very well. I am what the Yoruba people will call ‘Abigael’. Ninety per cent of my kids are women, and I am married to a woman. My wife is an high court judge.

    I am duty bound to apply the provision of the law as it was. Nigeria is a signatory to that international convention, of which we have domesticated it. Having domesticated it, we are duty bound. The problem with us in this country is that most people are just too lazy to hold those who are governing us to account. Every Nigerian citizen should be able to hold Nigeria leaders accountable to that position of the law. Nigeria is a signatory to the international convention, people should ask the government, ‘why are you doing this?’ I want to challenge you, hold me accountable when I become governor of Oyo State, to see whether I will implement that or not. I am an executive member of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). I am a good member of the International Bar Association, (IBA). They will ask me questions over there about it.

    In October this year, we will be in Sidney, Australia and these are the types of questions they throw at us. Some six years ago, I was in Chicago for IBA, and after the presentation of my paper, one Australian, after receiving standing ovation, said ‘this is a very beautiful paper from a third world country from that country where Abacha ruled!’

    He was trying to impugn on our integrity as a nation. But I quickly rose to the occasion and reminded him that ‘I am a proud Nigerian; that same country that produced Sani Abacha also produced Prof Wole Soyinka,’ and that shut his mouth. So, he held me accountable in that particular aspect.

    Who is your godfather?

    Every politics is local. There is a wall of difference between what ought to be and what is. Contrary to the impression out there, we are in a democracy where the majority will have its way and the minority will have its say.

    The reality of our situation on ground is that, this state is

    different from virtually all other states in the country. This is Oyo State, where traditions still rule very strongly.

    In this state, the roles of the gatekeepers cannot be wished away. The gatekeepers are there and there are layers of it. Apart from that, we also have the stakeholders and anybody who wants to govern this state cannot wish away the roles of the gatekeepers. No matter how good a person is, you will also need a good platform to contest. So, my governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, is a gatekeeper. Our traditional institutions are gatekeepers. For instance, my own immediate environment— I went to my ward in my local government, all the traditional rulers and community leaders were there. That shows the role of the gatekeepers. You cannot underplay the influence of eminent traditional rulers like the Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Soun of Ogbomoso, Ibadan Council of Elders, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). Even, when we came on board in 2011, it was not the ACN alone that brought us to power. It was the combination of all these forces; and that s the reality. You cannot underplay the influence of these factors. This is a traditional society, not like any other state. The traditional rulers still wield a lot of influence.

    Every society has its own different patterns of governance. In some states, there could be an individual. For instance, when Baba Adedibu was alive, he was a gatekeeper and that was the reality. It has no negative effect on democratic principles as it were and that is the truth. No one has ever become the governor of the state without the support of these gatekeepers and our political leaders appreciate it that much. These gatekeepers live among the people, know their feelings and all what is happening to them.

    What is your position on rotation or zoning?

    There is no rotation in any part of the country. It is not part of our law. Oyo State is one. The Oyo speaking  people know that they are one, and only one under one God.

    In Ibadan today, we may have 32 kings. The governor has succeeded in reviewing the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration. Is the review okay or is there anything wrong with it?

    It was something that ought to have been done long time ago. Pardon me, if I will give a very biased answer  because I have been involved from the word go.

    In 1999, former governor,  the late Alhaji Lam Adesina set up Oloko Commission of Inquiry. I was a counsel before that commission.

    Recommendations were made by the commission, but there was no political will to implement the recommendations. Then, came former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who put up Adio Commission of Inquiry.

    Virtually, every governor has tried his hand on that.

    In the olden days, we used to say a Mogaji (head of family) in Ibadanland was more than a king in other climes. There was a Mogaji in Ibadan that had under him Iwo, Ede, Osogbo, and Ikirun; that was why the titular heads of those towns would abandon their positions to come and contest to become Mogaji in Ibadan because they were practically under the control of the Mogajis.

    But times are changing. What was obtainable then is no longer tenable now. Look at how big Moniya is, it is bigger than some state capitals in this country. Look at Omi-Adio, it is a cosmopolitan big town. By 2006 population census, it had  186,000 people. Yet, you expect the Olomi of Omi to be under a Mogaji in Ibadan town. That was what those governors have been trying to correct. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the political will to do so.

    Now, if you look at what is happening around us, Olubadan of Ibadanland, when he is going out, there are no Obas to follow him., yet he is the paramount ruler of the entire Ibadan. From Moniya to High Court at Ring Road is 47 kilometres. By the time you pass through Ring Road to Ago Taylor  and through Aleshinloye and you come out at Ojoo, you would have covered 92 kilometres in the same town; and you have not even reached Apata.

    That is why the Land Use Act Implementation Law could not be applied fully in Oyo State because of the distance. The implementation law says 15 kilometres radius, but within Ibadan, you have 92 kilometres. So, every other area is now rural under the Land Use Act. People don’t appreciate the position of the law on this. All these are interwoven. We thank God that we now have a governor, who has the political will to put this thing into practice. Give it to the present governor, he is highly cerebral and very courageous; every other governor had tried the review before, but they stopped mid-way, though they set up judicial commission of inquiries over the issues. There have been agitation for this for long, even under Chief Bola Ige, there was. He fell short of setting up judicial commission of inquiries.  At every point in time, except the present one, I had appeared as a counsel in all the past three judicial commission of inquiries. It is something that is commendable. I think majority of the people in Ibadan welcomed it.

    Don’t forget, there is economic aspect of it that people have not been addressing. When new local governments were created in 1989, the only council in Ibadan – Ibadan Municipal Government, was split into five councils. There were agitations on what to do with the property of the old Ibadan Municipal Government.

    We thought of a way of getting out of the quagmire, and I was called upon to offer legal advice. What I did was to incorporate the Ibadan Joint Property Limited, now at Ring Road to manage all the property of the entire local governments in the interest of the communities. I think the governor has done the right thing in that circumstance.

    What gives you the assurance that you will win the election, if you emerge as candidate of your party?

    My personality cuts across the party line. Though  party is a factor and it is going to remain a factor in the forthcoming general elections in 2019. However, it will depend on personality picked to contest.

    Buhari became the president, not only on the platform of APC, but because the people in PDP supported his candidature. Personality is going to play a major role in 2019.

    Over the years, I have worked for this state, I have worked for the party, worked for individuals and Nigeria as a whole and people know this. So, many of them are owing me and this is a pay back time.

    Beyond that, when you look at the make up of this state, you will agree with me that we are one from Ibadan to Oke Ogun and from Oyo to Ogbomoso. If I get the ticket, I am on my way to government house.

    I am in the race and I know God will decide because He is the ultimate power giver. With the support of the people, if they find me suitable to lead them, so be it. I am not desperate. It’s not a do- or- die thing. I am not a professional politician but a professional in politics. Some are so desperate, but I have not closed  my eyes to my  profession.

  • ‘Elected chairmen ‘ll complement Ambode’s achievements at grassroots’

    ‘Elected chairmen ‘ll complement Ambode’s achievements at grassroots’

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Hon. Adebowale Collins is the Patron of Liberal Minds Grassroots Forum in Lagos State. He spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU on the recent councillorship and chairmanship primaries and preparations for the local council polls.

    Lagosians are warming up for the local government elections. What are your expectations?                                      

    I believe that it is going to come out well. But, there are some interests and issues the party and its members need to address. People are ready for the local government elections on July 22. But, there are some issues that need clarifications. Today, we still don’t have the final list of candidates. People are brandishing all kinds of names. But, our party has not released the final list of candidates who will be running in few weeks time.

    But, the party said the list will be out after the conclusion of screening by the LASIEC…

    Yes, normally, by now, the list should have been out. And campaigns should have been started and candidates would have been reaching out to voters to vote for them. They would need three or four weeks to do it. Election is a battle. There are some people that are agitating. They believe that they are the ones that should represent their areas. You are right to an extent. But, the time is very short. People need clarification.

    Is the list not partially out, in view of the fact that 18 chairmanship candidates are being returned unopposed?

    Even with that statement, we have conflicting information. I believe that among the 18, may be, some of them may be substituted. There are rumours. That’s why we need clarifications. Even with that in place, nothing is automatic really. We have heard that some will get a second term. Until the list is out, everything is still speculative. Until our party comes out a list I can read and verify, I am still a little bit on the sideline on who will actually come out on the final list.

    Does this scenario not suggestive of post-primary crisis?

    To an extent. There are areas that have issues, not all the local government have issues. Not all of them have peculiar problems. But, there are quite a number of them that have unresolved issues. I will not use the word crisis. It is a little bit heavy. It is a bit of exaggeration. There are areas where the candidates have no problem. There are some areas where some of the candidates are not popular as some might think. We need to address that because at the end of the day, the voice of the people needs to be heard. That’s why I believe that our party should address these concerns.

    What’s your assessment of the entire selection process?

    My personal opinion is that it could have been done more constructively. The setting was definitely not good. The security provided at the venue was not adequate. They should have been a little bit more transparent. When people engage in a democratic process, they need to be heard. The procedure in some areas could have been better than that.

    Why did the aggrieved aspirants not make use of the opportunity provided by the Appeal Panel headed by Otunba Olufemi Pedro?

    Because by doing that, some of them thought they will be giving legitimacy to something that was not properly handled. For example, in Lagos Mainland, some candidates raised issues about the procedure. They said they did not know the delegates used. The information was not freely shared. Some raised the allegation that some people claimed they were the anointed candidate. You hear all these things during primaries. People peddle rumours. They used the names of people as launching pads to intimidate other candidates. Even, they coerce people to drop their ambition. So, when you have two or three names floating around, that this person is the chairman, that person is the chairman, they start peddling the rumour that a particular person has been endorsed from the top. It makes the environment tense. The issue right now is to address those concerns and make sure that the people’s candidate should emerge. If someone is popular and he can win and we can keep that local government, the party should nominate the person. If the primary is transparent, the candidate will carry along the co-contestants and promote team spirit and prepare for the main election. We should harmonise and work together as one party. The grievances and issues need to be addressed in a judicious manner.

    Is the brewing tension not also a function of communication gap between the party leadership and the bulk of aspirants and party followers?

    That’s a good and very interesting question. Some people believe that the process has been tainted. Some people believe that they were not given a fair chance when they showed interest. You have supporters agitating that the so-called anointed candidates are not popular. So, we have to listen to the pulse; the heartbeat of our people. We have to look at it prudently; we have to look at it very well. The timing is ripe for us to address the issues in those few areas that are heating up our system right now. Until a very clear mandate is given to a popular candidate to represent the party, the tension will still be there.

    In particular, what are the grievances been expressed in your own local government?

    In my area, one of the issue is the winner-takes-all mentality. We all belong to one party. We are one big family. A handful of people are the ones are dominating Mainland politics. So, in a situation like that, I think our leaders need to call stakeholders together and forge unity so that we can have an inclusive approach, instead of being sectional. After 17 years of the democratic dispensation, we can never afford to have a system that leave some people behind. People feel that, as a party, we have grown to a stage where we need young people with energy and vigour, fresh mind, and an inclusive party. In the midst of this, we need to address everybody’s issues, questions and interests. There should be no winner-takes-all.

    Unlike before, is it not curious that, despite these grievances, there have been no defections from the APC to other parties?

    The people truly believe in the manifesto of the APC. I am a loyal party member. I believe in the party. I may voice out one or two issues. I believe that is the beauty of democracy. There are some grievances. I believe some of them are valid points. But, when people feel that there is no hope or when people left out, it can happen when people looks at the alternative approach. That’s when defection or inter-party activity can occur. But, we are not close to it, if it is handled properly. I will hate to experience what happened to us in Mushin where Kako Are defeated us because he was a popular and a grassroots man. People are enlightened now. He went to the Accord Party and won. We should address these issues and whoever can deliver should be given the opportunity. We need an inclusive arrangement where there will be harmonisation.

    How can the party avert the 2015 scenario whereby it lost some seats to the opposition?

    As a party, we are mature. Our leaders are leaders of integrity. They are good leaders. The leaders need to listen more to the youths. The youths are a bit more structured now. With the social media, there is information flow. There is generational issue. We should address the issue of people that are left out so that we don’t have that experience again. Lagos State is working. Governor Ambode is doing a fantastic job. The governor’s performance has given people hope. People who truly want to serve believe that they can work with him at the grassroots.

    Would you call for a poll postponement so that the party can address these issues and prepare for the election better?

    Time is very important. People have been waiting. The masses have been waiting to exercise their right to choose leaders to run the affairs of their local governments. People feel that the caretakers have actually overstayed their welcome. They want to have an election. They want to have their own local government chairmen and councilors. I won’t call for an extension of the date. But, if our leaders feel like it is in the best interest of the party and for peace to reign, I will definitely support it. But, if the party responds to the concerns of the aspirants and candidates, we can resolve them amicably.

    What’s is your advice to Lagosians as they prepare for the elections?

    Our party will do well. The APC is the party of the day. We believe in the mandate of change. Anybody that lives in Lagos can see the change. Lagos is working. Lagos is the pacesetter for Nigeria. If we have the right people at the local government, the achievements of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will be more noticeable at the grassroots. As the patron of the Liberal Minds Grassroots Forum, Lagos is on the right track. Ambode has demonstrated that, truly, government can work. The people looks forward to a peaceful election. They are ready for the election.

  • Experts hail Akeredolu’s achievements in 100 days

    Experts hail Akeredolu’s achievements in 100 days

    A group of professionals, under the aegis of Ondo State Eminent Group (OSEG), has hailed Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) for spreading developing across the state in his administration’s first 100 days in office.

    In a statement by a Lagos lawyer, Banji Alabi, OSEG said its position was informed by the governor’s development strides within the period.

    The group noted that despite the challenges the administration inherited, especially a crumbled economy, it deserved to be praised for making progress so far.

    It said though the state had not recovered, the governor had kept his promise to pay outstanding salaries and touch every sector positively.

    The statement said: “OSEG in equally elated that massive infrastructural development is going on across the length and breadth of the state.

    “Even in Akure, where flooding has been a major issue, we are happy that drainage channels have been constructed by the administration to tackle the problem.

  • Groups laud Ambode on achievements

    Groups laud Ambode on achievements

    Some Lagos State-based political groups have hailed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his efforts in making life better for residents.
    The groups include the Awori Youth Vanguard (AYV); Lagosians Future Group (LFG); Akinwunmi Ambode Movement Organisation (AAMO); Asiwaju National Forum (ANF); De-Fash Movement (DFM); Akinwunmi Grassroot Movement (AGM); Akinwunmi Ambode for Governor Projects (AAGP) among others.
    They described the governor as an exemplary leader who places premium on the welfare of the people.
    The groups, which spoke through its General Coordinator, Mr Seyi Bamigbade at their general meeting, said over 20 political groups, even from the opposition party are backing the governor.
    He said members of the groups cut across the local governments and local council development areas.
    Bamigbade said the groups took the decision after being convinced of Governor Ambode’s leadership qualities, general concern for the common man and efforts to make life more meaningful for residents.
    According to Bamigbade, the level of transformation in the mega city , restructuring in civil service for better performance,  concern for youths and retirees, improvement in primary education, special attention to peoples’ health, transparent governance, road infrastructure and tackling traffic headlong across the state deserve qualify him for his a second term.
    Mr Bamigbade, appealed to Lagosians to support the programmes and policies of the governor to ensure continuity and make Lagos a preferred state to live in.

  • Kudos for Ambode on achievements

    Kudos for Ambode on achievements

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Chief Emmanuel Remi-Williams, has praised Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his achievements.

    He said: “As a matter of fact, I couldn’t believe that a retired civil servant or administrator could enter politics at the apex and achieve so much within a short time. It is very rare, especially in a volatile and cosmopolitan state like Lagos.’’

    He listed as achievements of the building of roads, bridges, among others. “New roads have been opened to ease perennial traffic hold ups in the state. For instance, as soon as you enter Lagos through the Ibadan expressway bridge, you are in a fix. So, also work is ongoing at the Epe-Itokin-Ikorodu Expressway. I dove my cap for Governor Ambode for taking the bull by the horn in the area to secure or minimise loss of lives,’’ he said.

    “I submit that perhaps the APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a magical wand for choosing candidates for positions contrary to the belief that he imposes them. It only means that he has a good sense of judgment. His observation and assignment is par excellent that leaves nothing to be desired,’ ’ he added.

    Pa Remi-Williams recalled that, during the Second Republic, there was never a time the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) held primaries and that the choice of gubernatorial candidates was not supported the party leaders. “There was massive support for party and obedience for party leaders,’’ he said.

    He said in Lagos the picking of governorship candidates followed the same pattern and that those criticising the APC leader should read the history of the state very well, adding that Tinubu had not done anything wrong.

    He said instead of criticising him, they should praise him. “The APC national leader is worthy of emulation because he met the progressives and disagreed with the way they operated. He introduced a new formula instead of following the archaic way of choosing candidates and his ideas were embraced by the people, especially the youth, he said.

    Pa Remi-Williams urged the government to visit Epe and learn to improve on the legacies of the late business mogul Ricketts in the axis of the state, saying that the merchant’s family businesses’ tentacles covered saw milling, education and schools.  He said the government could boost water transport as a viable means of transport.

  • Build on Oshiomhole’s achievements, Atiku tells Obaseki

    Build on Oshiomhole’s achievements, Atiku tells Obaseki

    Former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday asked the Edo State governor-elect, Godwin Obaseki, to build on the achievements of Governor Adams Oshiomhole and forge a prosperous state all Edo indigenes will be proud of.

    In a congratulatory message from his Media Office in Abuja, Atiku described Obaseki’s election victory as well-deserved, adding that the victory of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is an indication of how impactful the administration of his predecessor, Governor Adams Oshiomhole has been.

    According to him, the fact that the APC was able to record such a resounding victory at a time of economic recession and uncertainty caused by years of poor planning and neglect of the past is a clear manifestation that the people of Edo State and indeed all Nigerians believe in the capacity of the APC to get the country out of the present economic predicament, using transparency in governance and anti-corruption as principles of government.

    He maintained that Obaseki’s close association with the glaring achievements of the administration of the APC action governor of Edo State, Oshiomhole, is another reason for the election victory of the APC candidate.

    Atiku urged Obaseki not to disappoint the people of Edo State but improve on his famed economic planning and management wizardry that brought him victory, and ensure that he fulfills his promise of making Edo State a more productive and prosperous state where the people can easily access the basic and good things of life.

  • Council chief reels off achievements

    The Executive Secretary Eti Osa Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Afeez Badiru, has attributed the success so far recorded by his team to resilience and his clearly-defined visions.

    Leading other members of the executive committee, management staff and other political stakeholders in the council in a pre-inauguration inspection of all the projects the council has executed, Alhaji Badiru said he accepted the responsibility of leadership with the aim of re-engineering virtually all sectors of the council’s economy, provide an enabling environment for the citizens to thrive; particularly in the area of economic well-being and healthy lifestyle.

    Enumerating his achievements, the council chief said major roads in the council area such as Ogombo Road, Babajide Okunnusi Avenue, Ademola Street and Harmony Street both in Langbasa, have been graded while drainage system have been constructed in erosion-prone roads such as Shola Imole and Busola Dalemo as well as rehabilitation and interlocking stones done in Badore Road and the council secretariat at Sangotedo. Also, a new transformer was installed at Owode, Langbasa.

    Also, a new primary health care centre was established at Alayande to take off pressure from the one at Sangotedo while all primary health care centres in Ado and Ajah that had hitherto been vandalised have been reconstructed.

    Also, to make the learning environment more conducive, hundred units of desks and benches were provided for Olomu Primary School as well as fencing and construction of gate at Langbasa Addo Primary School.

    Appreciating the efforts of the Executive Secretary and his team, a resident of the council, Princess Alayande congratulated them on their achievements so far, stressing that all projects carried out are those that have impacted on the lives of everybody in the council. She prayed that God should continue to empower the Executive Secretary to enable him to take the council to another level of development.

     

  • ‘Probe cannot rubbish Suswam’s achievements’

    ‘Probe cannot rubbish Suswam’s achievements’

    After the successful handover of the reigns of office to his successor on   May 29, after eight years of service to his state, Dr Gabriel Suswam, the immediate past governor of Benue state has opted to for a low profile. He has made only one public appearance since leaving office and that was August 14, 2015 at the funeral of his close political associate, the late Hon.Atoza Ihindan, who was cut down by yet unknown political assassins. Suswam has equally avoided public comments in the media preferring to maintain a dignified silence even on matters of state some of them pertaining to his performance in office as governor.

    Those who know Suswam very well can attest to the fact that he is a man of the people, who loves company and public appearances as much as he loves engaging the media on issues.  Why has the former Governor chosen to maintain studied silence when his tenure is being put on the scale by   the new administration? The answer may not far fetched. As former Governor, Suswam sees himself as a statesman who should carefully weigh all his comments on public matters so as not to unduly overheat the polity thereby constitute a source of distraction to those charged with the responsibility to provide leadership at this point in time.

    Although Suswam has maintained his quiet stance on issues, it appears the new administration in Benue state is still not comfortable with his silence and  seeming inactivity and would want to bring him to the ring for a political bout. The many probes launched against Suswam speak volumes in this regard.

    At the last count, there were about five probe committees launched with fanfare by the government against the Suswam administration. The first was personnel audit of all workers on the state payroll.This probe was ordered by the new helmsman a few days on assumption of office. The objective was ostensibly to check the state’s payroll to fish out ‘ghost workers” and possible reduce the wage bill. That appeared on the surface an objective exercise. But the real reason for the exercise was to identify those employed by the Suswam administration in its last two years in office for retrenchment. In pursuit of this veiled political agenda therefore, the new administration did not wait for a report of the audit, it went ahead and removed from the payroll, all those employed by the outgone administration since 2013, when it had two clear years to the end of its tenure. This  obvious political activity has sent nearly 1000 staff off jobs. The “offence” of this people is that  they were employed by Suswam, even though due process was followed in making the appointments.

    The second probe  of the Suswam era was carried out by the Transition Committee. The committee headed by Chief Mike Iordye, who incidentally served for six and half years out of Suswam’sight-year tenure as Head of Service its report with fanfare. The Transition committee  which was supposed to receive hand over notes, study and summarise same for the new administration turned into a probe committee as it traversed the state visiting projects sites. It summoned dozens of civil servants and other private persons to appear and testify before it. The Committee submitted a report with spurious findings on the debts left behind by the Suswam administration.

    Not satisfied with the Transition Committee, the new administration inaugurated two judicial commissions of inquiry all in one day-The first is to investigate and determine all revenues which accrued to the state since June 2007 when Suswam assumed office to May 2015 when he left office. The Panel headed by Justice Margaret kpojime has six months to determine how such revenues were applied, the contracts awarded, who awarded the contracts, the status of the various jobs, and whether there was value for money in the transactions, to identify any case of malfeasance and recommend appropriate measures for consideration of the government.

    The other probe panel is for verification of government assets. The committee headed by Mr. Moses Atagher, a Lawyer and former Acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank has the mandate to determine all assetsof the state in terms, landed property, vehicles, shares, equipment, factories, etc their location, whether such assets were under lease arrangement, to determine the identity of  the persons behind the lease, the terms of the lease, whether there have been improvements on the property  etc.

    All these probe panels have since commenced sitting in Makurdi. And the target from all indications is to get at Suswam, destroy his political base, ruin his reputation, cast his administration is the worst light,  and reduce his political viability and dent the image of as many Benue sons and daughters who were privileged to serve their state during Suswam’s eight-year tenure.

    Although the administration in the state has denied that it was out to witch-hunt, the series of probes and mandate given the probe panels points directly to the desperation to nail Suswam by all means.

    Unfortunately for the administration, the Suswam bashing has so far proved counter-productive as the achievements of his administration which is under scrutiny stand out confront the present actors on the political stage where ever they go across the state. The achievements are most unlikely to be pushed into oblivion anytime soon.

    Take a look at the numerous infrastructural projects executed by Suswam. Most of the streets in Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo and Katsina-Ala were tarred during his tenure. Over 1000km roads were built linking each of the 23  Local Government headquarters in the state. Most of the roads were completed and commissioned, some were at different stages of completion. The rural communities got a fair deal as over 150 communities benefitted from rural electricity projects. The primary  and  secondary education sectors received a huge boost in the provision of classrooms,  toilets, offices, libraries, laboratories and other infrastructure to boost teaching and learning. The states tertiary institutions were transformed to centres of excellence. The Benue State University particularly benefitted from several projects including a new Faculty of Law complex, convocation square, lecture theatres, faculty offices among others. The University Teaching Hospital was completed  and accreditation of the School of Medical Sciences achieved to enable Medical students graduate from the Uinversity.

    The Suswam administration completed three major water projects in Makurdi, Otukpo and Katsina-Ala to provide potable water to the populace.

    The administration constructed an ultra-modern Government House with offices, logde, banquet hall and guest houses. The facilities are  being  enjoyed by the new helmsmen.

    Suswam’s ill-luck is that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) lost at the polls in the last general election. The on-going political malevolent guised in judicial probe panels is a direct byproduct of the outcome of the hotly contested elections. The inclusion of those who previously served the state and were involved in the very activities now under probe exposes the desperation to craft reasons for Suswam’s political subjugation within the realms of Benue politics. But how far will political vendetta go under the guise of Judicial probes?

    The former Governor is confident he will come out clean from the probes. He is sure of his record of activities and has stated that he would subject himself to the probe.

    Rather than obliterate Suswam politically, the serial probes are  making Suswam even the more relevant in the politics of Benue. His traducers are  not bringing anything on the table for the people to appreciate. Benue people are not seeing anything coming from the men on the stage in terms of positive intervention on development issues rather than the façade of Suswam bashing which has unfortunately become the official policy of the administration in place.

    It  is high time the government in Benue found another area to  divert the peoples attention from the real developmental challenges confronting the stateas the probe panels aimed at discrediting the erstwhile Suswam administration  are proving to be counter-productive.

    Abul, a political Affairs commentator contributed from Katsina-Ala, Benue State.