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Tag: Aiyedatiwa

  • Aiyedatiwa–the world is his now

    Aiyedatiwa–the world is his now

    Aiyedatiwa — what’s in a name?  A lot!  This particular name affirms something.  The bearer is willing it to life, against all odds!  Ayedatiwa — the world is all ours — indeed!

    This affirmation is all reminiscent of darker parts of Nigerian political history.  The great Chief Obafemi Awolowo was on trial for treasonable felony, a trial that started in November 1962, and closed, with a conviction, in September 1963.

    Part of the “proof”, at least tendered by the prosecution, was that Awo did constant affirmations to become Prime Minister!  But who wouldn’t affirm such things, before working toward them?  At the end, it was unclear what probative value the court gave that “proof”!

    Back to Governor Aiyedatiwa.  It’s a family name, with Lucky and Orimisan, his self-reinforcing two names: the one in English, the other in his native Ilaje Yoruba dialect, have all come to catapult him to the apex of power in Ondo State!

    Again, even that reminds one of the evil Lady Macbeth, in that Shakespeare tragedy, Macbeth: to be thus is nothing but to be safely thus — she warned her regicidal husband, after he had killed the ill-fated King Duncan of Scotland.

    No, this is far from any evil plot.  After the tempestuous Ondo APC primaries, Ayedatiwa won the ticket.  He would later help himself to the most thumping win in Ondo’s gubernatorial history, trumping and drubbing his opponents in all of Ondo’s 18 local governments areas!

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    The Ondo APC just added another sweet bit to the happy propaganda, even if steeped in historical facts: for the first time in Ondo history, a “progressive” government is handing over to another one, after completing its first eight years!

    That’s true.  After Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu’s eight years — which Deputy (later) Governor Aiyedatiwa completed because the one they called “Aketi” died in office — Aiyedatiwa is succeeding him for own fresh four years.  That’s sweet!

    But it would all amount to nothing if, at the end of his tenure, he didn’t add tremendous value.  It’s then he would know that the world wasn’t really his own, as his surname suggests; and folks would flatly tell him he wasn’t so lucky; and that his “fortune wasn’t excellent”, as “Orimisan” had suggested!

    To cut out the verbiage: Governor Aiyedatiwa is condemned to succeeding.  Otherwise, things could go real bad for him and his legacy.

    The governor should have taken that to heart, as he took his oath of office yesterday.  The likes of Betty Akeredolu, Aketi’s outspoken widow, are waiting for him to trip, so they could declare him a never-do-well, and gloat over his political grave.

    But aside that negative motivation, powered by fear, the great Awo had set an all-time gold standard for governance in the Western Region, inside which Ondo is today.  He must follow the Awo exemplar and build a worthy legacy for himself.

    Then, and only then, would the world have well and truly become his own!

  • Expectations as Aiyedatiwa takes oath

    Expectations as Aiyedatiwa takes oath

    Has Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa performed to expectation in the last one year? Are the people happy under his leadership? Do they have hope that the next four years will take them to eldorado? Osagie Otabor examines Aiyedatiwa’s activities in the last one year and the people’s verdict as well as expectations

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa took a fresh oath to govern Ondo State for the next four years yesterday. His supporters believed it marked the beginning of new dawn in the state and the time for Aiyedatiwa to begin implementing of his visions and good governance in the state. To them, Aiyedatiwa first year was to complete late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s term. They believed Aiyedatiwa now has the liberty to govern with a team to be solely picked by him. Aiyedatiwa has spent 14 months as Governor. He was sworn-in in December 2023 after the death of Akeredolu.

    Shortly after he was sworn-in, Aiyedatiwa sacked the cabinet he inherited from Akeredolu. He had to negotiate with some heavyweight politicians in the state to form a new cabinet so that he could garner support to win the party primary. Aiyedatiwa is perhaps the first Governor to face party primary few months after emerging Governor. He won the governorship polls with a landslide making history as the first Governor to secure victory in all the 18 local government areas of the state.

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    In his speech to declare his intention to run for a fresh term, Aiyedatiwa said he would pursue a developmental agenda tagged State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS).unlike the REDEEMED agenda which was his predecessor’s policy thrust. Governor Aiyedatiwa, however, promised to harmonise all plans for economic development under SEEDS to lead to wealth creation, employment generation, sustenance of high standard of living and consequently eradicate poverty among the people. SEEDS, according to him, would enhance economic growth in the rural areas by improving productivity in agriculture, accelerate economic growth in urban areas by encouraging private enterprises and economic activities for the urban poor, improve essential infrastructure and social amenities of the State such as roads, water, electricity amongst others.

     Aiyedatiwa has, however, changed his developmental agenda from SEEDS to “O’ Datiwa, O’Dirorun” or “OUR EASE.”.

    Achievements

    Aides of Governor Aiyedatiwa are quick to point to ongoig construction of rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAMP) as a move to boost food production and enable farmers take their products to the markets. Road listed being constructed were the 15.5km Oda Cocoa Board – Camp 2 – Langbodo Road in Oda town, tbe Ode – Omi – Ebute Iyara in Irele LGA for the South and Ifira Akoko – Afo in Akoko South East LG for the North. Besides boosting food productions, Governor Aiyedatiwa was said to have taken steps to reduce domestic debt by 77 percent, diaburse N220m to artisans and local businesses.  In the education sector, the sum of N3.5b has been earmarked for primary school projects, N1.2b was disbursed to complete abandoned projects at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology and increment in subvention for state owned tertiary institutions. Among achievements Governor Aiyedatiwa made in the power sector included partnership with the FG on restoration of power to Ondo south, a zone that has been without power supply for 15 year,   Mass metering through O’datiwa subsidized meters, peration Light-Up Akure amongst others.

    People’s verdict

    “There is low impact on infrastructure under Aiyedatiwa”, that was the position of a commercial driver who gave his name Adeboye. Adeboye said potholes dotted roads in Akure metropolis and environs despite the launching of operation zero-potholes. Adeboye said the people were yet to understand the policy thrust of Aiyedatiwa. He said Aiyedatiwa has been paying salaries and pensions.

    “He has not performed. In Infrastructure, there is deficit. As a former member of the cabinet, we expected him to complete those projects. No water in Akure town. No single borehole has been sunk. Bridge connected Onyereagbumem nothing has been done. He has not done anything in the last one year. He only graded some roads.”

     A social commentator, Olawale Momoh, said nothing reasonable has been achieved since Aiyedatiwa was sworn-in. He said Aiyedatiwa has been doing normal statutory things.oaying salaries and gratuities. No legacy projects. Look at sports, education. Agriculture. Health is the most terrible and then security. Look the level of insecurity on tbe state. It is as if we are going back to the early days of Akeredolu.

    “The Governor seems not to be bothered. This is the first in tbe history that a Commissioner will be so powerful Every news is about Commissioner for Finance. Why is it about Commissioner for Finance. It is enough for a Governor to address the state. People are kidnapped even in the state capital.”

    A civil servant who pleaded anonymity painted a picture of gloom in the Ondo civil service. She said “everything is at a stand still. Nothing is moving. No running grant in many offices. It will be foolhardy to expect anything from Aiyedatiwa’s administration.”

    Expectations

    Senior Special Assistant to Aiyedatiwa on Strategic Communication, Allen Sowore, said people of Ondo State should expect unprecedented and rapid infrastructural development, a more robust and strategic approach to security, and the holistic protection of lives and property.

    He continued, “Sustainable youth empowerment, economic growth, improved agricultural practices, and better education system and healthcare services will also be prioritized. I am confident that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will exceed expectations in delivering progress and prosperity.”

    Spokesman for the Ondo PDP, Kennedy Peretei, said there was nothing more to expect from what he termed “stand still” government of Hon Aiyedatiwa.

    He said Aiyedatiwa have failed to prove to the people of Ondo, he could deliver the dividends of democracy in the last one year.

    “However, we wish to remind the Governor that, the people are suffering from his lack lustre performance. The hospitals are in dire need of personnel and equipment. The schools have no teachers, nor teaching aids. All the road projects started by his former boss, Rotimi Akeredolu have all been abandoned.

    “Let him pray that his case will not look like the case of a snake that passed on top of a rock without any trace.”

    To Barr. Momoh, “I don’t know what the people will expect in the next four year. A man given power on a platter of gold, he has all tbe opportunity to impress tbe people. The foundation has been laid by Akeredolu. There is nothing special we should expect. Previous Governors celebrated 100 days in office with projects. Mimiko commissioned Isikan markets and others within 100 days. People have lost confidence in governance in the state. We thought he will impress us, the reverse is the case.”

  • JUST IN: Aiyedatiwa re-appoints Ajulo, Omowumi as commissioners

    JUST IN: Aiyedatiwa re-appoints Ajulo, Omowumi as commissioners

    …names Fasoranti as SSG

    Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has re-appointed Kayode Ajulo and Isaac Omowunmi as commissioners.

    Ajulo served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice while Omowumi served as commissioner for finance in the just ended first year of Aiyedatiwa.

    A statement by Aiyedatiwa’s chief press secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the governor also approved appointment of Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as secretary to the state government. 

    The statement said the governor made the appointments shortly after he resumed office.

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    It said Dr. Fasoranti was the chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board.

    Others who were reappointed as Special Advisers to the Governor were Engr. Johnson Alabi, Dr. Seun Osamaye, Comrade Bola Taiwo, and Prof Simidele Odimayo.

    According to the statement, “The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, has been elevated to the position of Special Adviser, Infrastructure, Lands and Housing. 

    “All the appointments take immediate effect.

    “Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new appointees to hit the ground running in providing effective and efficient services to the people of Ondo State.”

  • I am in a hurry to deliver on mandate, says Aiyedatiwa

    I am in a hurry to deliver on mandate, says Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged to swiftly justify the fresh four-year mandate given to him by the electorate, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to rapid development.

    Speaking after his swearing-in as the seventh Executive Governor of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa highlighted the state’s progress in infrastructure, social amenities, and public welfare, reaffirming his dedication to improving the lives of residents.

    He promised to prioritize the welfare of the most vulnerable, the poor, and the marginalized while working with investors and development partners to make Port Ondo a reality. 

    Additionally, he vowed to harness the state’s vast bitumen deposits for both local use and export to generate revenue.

    Aiyedatiwa also announced a new Development Policy Thrust, O’DATIWA O’ DIRORUN (“Our Ease”), replacing the REDEEMED Agenda of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. 

    The seven-point pillar, he said, is designed to drive sustainable development and enhance the quality of life in the state.

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    He further assured residents of his administration’s commitment to consolidating Ondo’s reputation as one of the safest and most secure states in Nigeria.

    He promised to continue to uphold the rule of law, promote an Independent Judiciary and efficient administration of justice in the state.

     According to him, “We will improve agricultural productivity, enhance access to markets and credit for farmers, invest in rural infrastructure and promote the development of the Blue Economy. We shall be intentional about our urban renewal policy in a manner to instigate influx of more investors.

    “We will invest in research and development, enhance access to technology and infrastructure for businesses, promote the development of special economic zones and industrial parks and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

    “We will prioritise investment in healthcare infrastructure, enhance access to quality healthcare services, improve the quality of healthcare services through training and capacity building and promote health education and awareness.  

    He said, “This component of our policy thrust is to ensure that our citizens have access to quality healthcare services and that our State becomes a model for efficient healthcare delivery. Recently, we have extended the Ondo State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme – ORANGHIS beyond the public servants to accommodate people in the informal sector such as artisans, traders, market women, farmers, commercial transport operators and private sector workers. We hope to consolidate more on this valuable and beneficial health scheme.

    “We shall focus on power generation and distribution, promote the use of renewable energy and enhance access to affordable energy for our citizens. We will ensure that our State has a reliable and efficient power supply, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for our citizens. 

    “We will also work assiduously to ensure that our ongoing Independent Power Plant Project at Omotosho is completed in record time for the benefit of our people. 

    “Our vast army of able, energetic and willing youths and adults are capable of putting this State on the path of prosperity if properly directed. We shall create a conducive environment for them to unleash their potential and talents. To achieve this, therefore, they must be stimulated through employment, capacity building, sports and income generation. We will promote youth entrepreneurship, encourage innovation and creative economy among the populace.

    “We shall provide a level playing ground for all to maximise their God-given potential, while creating an enabling environment for all to optimise the countless opportunities that abound in our State. Let me assure you that nobody will be discriminated against on account of political, cultural, religious, gender or ethnic propensities..

    Aiyedatiwa also expressed sadness that his predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, was not alive to witness his inauguration as Governor of the state.

    Late Akeredolu had in 2021 said he would go down for Aiyedatiwa to go up.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa said Akeredolu’s public and undisguised prophetic declaration set the tone for him to succeed Akeredolu.

    Security was beefed up around Akure metropolis and the Akure township stadium where the event held.

    Vehicular traffic was diverted from major streets in Akure.

    Many residents of the state stormed the stadium to witness the event.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa, who paid tributes to founding fathers of the state, said he was pained that “this great leader who saw tomorrow is not here with us to witness and servour this auspicious occasion which marks the fulfilment of what God spoke through him.”

    Wife of Governor Aiyedatowa, Oluwaseun, proved naysayers wrong as she was presented at the event alongside her children.

    Aiyedatiwa’s wife has been absent from the state for some months before her husband emerged Governor in December 2023.

    She did not return to play the role of a First Lady.

    Meanwhile, Governor Aiyedatiwa freed 43 convicts to celebrate his inauguration.

    He ordered outright release of eight persons who were previously incarcerated.

    The Ondo Governor commuted death sentences on15 inmates to various prison terms while 20 other convicts serving life imprisonment have their sentences adjusted to more lenient terms.

  • Abiodun congratulates Aiyedatiwa, says governor will transform Ondo

    Abiodun congratulates Aiyedatiwa, says governor will transform Ondo

    Prince Dapo Abiodun, chairman of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) and Governor of Ogun State, has congratulated Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the governor of Ondo State, on his inauguration as the seventh democratically elected governor of Ondo State.

    Abiodun described the inauguration as a new chapter in a glorious dawn for the people of the Sunshine State. He said the Ondo State governor had left no one in doubt about his resolve to radically transform the state and usher it into an era of prosperity under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner.

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    He stated that the fact that the governor has just unveiled plans to boost tourism and investment in Ondo, showcasing Araromi Seaside’s potential to local and international investors, shows that he is in a hurry to unleash the potential of Ondo State and lift the people into an era of prosperity.

    He said: “Even before his resounding victory at the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, His Excellency, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa had left no one in doubt that he is specially made for this time in Ondo State.

    “As deputy governor to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of blessed memory, the newly inaugurated Governor of Ondo State left no one in doubt about his passion and commitment to the upliftment of Ondo State, and his inauguration as the seventh democratically elected governor of Ondo State marks a glorious dawn for the state.

    “Together with the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelaide, Governor Aiyedatiwa is poised to bring a wealth of experience from the boardroom to usher Ondo State into an era of bountiful democratic dividends.

    “On behalf of my colleagues at the Southern Governors Forum, I wish Governor Aiyedatiwa and his team great success in the saddle in Ondo State.”

  • Swearing-in: Aiyedatiwa pardons 43 convicts

    Swearing-in: Aiyedatiwa pardons 43 convicts

    Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday pardoned 43 convicts to celebrate his swearing-in as governor.

    The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that Aiyedatiwa is be sworn in on Monday as the seventh elected governor of the state after winning the Nov. 16, 2024 governorship election.

    This is contained in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan in Akure.

    The government said the pardon follows the recommendation by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kayode Ajulo.

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    “As part of this initiative, the governor has ordered the outright release of eight individuals who were previously incarcerated.

    “Additionally, 15 condemned inmates who were sentenced to death by hanging have had their sentences commuted to various prison terms, while 20 other convicts serving life imprisonment have also had their sentences adjusted to more lenient terms.

    “This momentous decision was made to commemorate Governor Aiyedatiwa’s swearing-in today, reflecting his commitment to reformative justice and humane governance,” the government  said.

    The governor’s action, it added, aligns with his ongoing efforts to address issues within the penal system and to promote the reintegration of individuals into society as productive members.

    (NAN)

  • Aiyedatiwa’s swearing-in: CP deploys personnel for safety, ease of movement

    Aiyedatiwa’s swearing-in: CP deploys personnel for safety, ease of movement

    Ondo State Police Commissioner Mr Wilfred Afolabi has ordered the deployment of personnel and security measures around the venue of the swearing-in of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aiyedatiwa will be sworn in today as the governor of Ondo State.

    This is contained in a statement made available to reporters yesterday in Akure by CSP Funmilayo Odunlami, police spokesperson.

    Afolabi, in a statement made available yesterday in Akure by Odunlami, said the deployment was to ensure the safety of attendees.

    He said the deployment would also ensure smooth running of activities, while escorts attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) would not be permitted entry with rifles, as part of security measures.

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    “However, they may remain around the stadium perimeter in designated areas.

    “Also, commuters who regularly use routes around the venue are advised to take alternative routes for ease of movement and to reduce congestion.

    “Vehicle owners, who usually park around Stadium area, are advised to park in safer locations, to avoid damage, congestion or obstruction on the road.

    “All security agencies will be on ground to enforce compliance with these guidelines,” the CP said.

    Afolabi, therefore, urged residents to align with the guidelines, to ensure a secure and orderly event.

  • I will announce key appointments after inauguration, says Aiyedatiwa

    I will announce key appointments after inauguration, says Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has revealed that he will announce his cabinet appointments immediately after his inauguration on Monday.

    Aiyedatiwa, who completed the tenure of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, will officially begin his fresh term on Monday, February 26, 2025.

    Speaking at a press conference in Araromi, Ilaje Local Government Area, the governor remained silent on the size of his cabinet, stating that he neither wants to raise expectations nor cause panic among political stakeholders.

    He also disclosed that his administration will not continue with Akeredolu’s REDEEMED agenda but will implement a new seven-point roadmap tagged “OUR EASE”, which he said encompasses all sectors and is designed to fulfill his campaign promises.

    Addressing concerns over the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Aiyedatiwa dismissed claims that Ondo generates N7 billion monthly, clarifying that the actual figure ranges between N1.7 billion and N2 billion per month.

    According to him, “We are not generating N7bn monthly. We are not generating up to that. The actual revenue is between N1.7bn to N2bn. The one I saw real time is not N7bn. We have a consultant we are talking to. The potential for revenue generation can hit N5bn monthly. There are lots of leakages. We are trying to get a consultant to look at how we can deploy technology to block these leakages and manage our revenue generation.

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    “I am going to sign an agreement with the lead consultant by the time I am inaugurated on Monday. We should be hitting N5 to N6bn monthly.”

    Speaking on the Ondo seaport project, Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that work delayed on the project because the license granted by the Buhari’s administration has the name.of one of its partners instead of Ondo Port Development Limited.

    He said his administration has begun looking for more investors as well as pursuing the processes to correct errors in the name.

    On refusal by teachers to remain in the rural, Governor Aiyedatiwa said he would provide incentives that would make rural attractive to teachers.

    Among the incentives, according to Aiyedatiwa, is the plan construction and rehabilitation of primary health centres in the 203 wards in the state.

    He said the newly recruited teachers would received their appointment letters after Monday’s swearing-in.

    His words, “Some of you were not aware of an error that was made when the license for the Port Ondo was granted. Ordinarily, it was supposed to be Ondo Port Development Limited, but when the licensed was issued, erroneously the license was in the name of one of our potential partner. The name of that license was in one of the partners name and not Ondo. We have to make some move to get the error corrected. We have to do a new business list, infrastructure and all the processes. We are at the verge of getting the name corected and get other investors to partner with us. Very soon you will be hearing more about this. Ondo Port has come to stay. It is a port that is very strategic and will benefit the whole country.”

  • Ondo generates N1.7bn monthly, Not N7bn – Gov Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo generates N1.7bn monthly, Not N7bn – Gov Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dismissed reports claiming that the state generates N7 billion monthly as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), clarifying that the actual figure ranges between N1.7 billion and N2 billion.

    Speaking at a press conference at Araromi beachfront ahead of his inauguration on Monday, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged significant revenue leakages in the system. 

    He revealed plans to engage a consultant to implement technology-driven solutions aimed at blocking these leakages and boosting the state’s IGR to between N5 billion and N6 billion.

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    Addressing the stalled Ondo Port project initiated by his predecessor, Aiyedatiwa explained that progress had been hindered because the operational license was issued in the name of a private partner. 

    He assured that the state had commenced the process of changing the name to Ondo Port Development Limited to facilitate its completion.

    Details shortly…

  • I won’t allow Aiyedatiwa destroy my husband’s legacies, says Akeredolu’s wife

    I won’t allow Aiyedatiwa destroy my husband’s legacies, says Akeredolu’s wife

    Betty-Anyanwu, wife of the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has vowed that she would not allow Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa destroy her husband’s legacies.

    She was reacting to the commissioning of Ondo Investment House and new fire trucks by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    The former Ondo First Lady, in a statement on her X handle, said she would fight with her last breath to ensure her late husband’s legacies are sustained.

    She said it was uncharitable for Governor Aiyedatiwa to delay distribution of the fire trucks that were delivered when her husband was still alive.

    According to her, “the most uncharitable act was the delay in distributing the fire trucks which were paid for and taken delivery while Aketi was alive.

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    “I knew when the delivery was made. Why keep them for over two years to score a cheap political point?

    “I’m sure there were times when the services of those fire trucks were needed in the past two years. How callous can a governor get?

    “Several women had called me, asking, ‘Are those trucks distributed not the same trucks parked in front of the Old Governor’s Lodge?’

    “Of course, they are!

    “Blatantly lying and pretending or faking innocence is the most annoying thing about Lucky.

    “However, we won’t relent in calling him out. The evil men do lives after them.

    “As long as I’m alive, he won’t succeed in rubbishing Aketi’s legacies.

    “If nobody fights, I will, for sure, with my last breath.”

    Government officials approached by our correspondent for reaction declined comments.

    A top official who pleaded anonymity said it was better to ignore the former First Lady.