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  • Aiyedatiwa’s supporters plotting mayhem, APC chieftains allege

    Aiyedatiwa’s supporters plotting mayhem, APC chieftains allege

    Some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ondo State have raised the alarm over alleged plot by supporters of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to scuttle the April 20 primary election. 

    The Ondo APC  chieftains alleged that part of the palms was to recruit 50 thugs from each of the 18 local government areas.

    They said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s supporters known as the “Red Beret “met recently in Akure, the state capital, to perfect plans on how to disrupt the APC primary. 

    Spokesman for the APC leaders, Adewale I

    Ibraheem, spoke at a media parley in Akure.

    Be said the APC primary might be aborted if the thugs carried out their plans.

    According to him: “It has come to our notice through a credible source in the camp of  Aiyedatiwa supporters  that plans have been perfected by Aiyedatiwa’s political foot soldiers to scuttle the APC primary, baring any last minute counter moves.

    “A meeting was held in Akure, and it was coordinated by a senior cabinet member in Akure. At the meeting, it was approved that anywhere in all the 18 local government areas of the state where the incumbent is unpopular and may lose election, the election in such place must be disrupted and the election must never be allowed to stand.

    ” Fund shall be provided to recruit 50 thugs in each of the 18 local governments, to foment trouble on 20th April 2024, and discredit the APC primary.

    “It is evident that Aiyedatiwa is losing out, and he wants to drag everybody down, including the APC in Ondo State.

    “His support base is weak, and the strategists to his aspiration are of the opinion that the power of incumbency be used to waste the fortunes of the APC in Ondo State.”

    The Nation reports 16 aspirants have obtained the expression of interest and nomination forms of the APC.

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is yet to get the party’s leadership to grant him right of first refusal.

    Reacting, spokesman for the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organization Foot Soldiers (LACO-FS) Kayode Fasua, said APC members bandying cooked-up story were enemies of the party.

    Fasua explained that the Akure meeting 
    was attended by APC members in the locality to appraise performances of the campaign efforts within the local government.

    He urged those he termed desperadoes within the Ondo APC to readdress themselves and give vent to party rules and regulations by stopping mudslinging Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    He said: “Yes, Aiyedatiwa is contesting the party’s next governorship ticket, but the enormous task before him does not give room for the conjecture of raising thugs or anything of the stuff. He is a busy man; one who closes work at 1am and resumes 8am.”

  • Ondo governorship: Diaspora community prefers Aiyedatiwa,  APC chief reveals

    Ondo governorship: Diaspora community prefers Aiyedatiwa,  APC chief reveals

    Ondo State-born chieftain of the All Progressives Congress  (APC) in the Diaspora, Hon. Dare Aliu, has disclosed that indigenes of the state living abroad want Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa elected in the coming governorship election.

    Aliu, who spoke over the weekend on Television Continental’s (TVC) ‘Breakfast’ programme, said the resolve was based on the exceptional performance of the governor in less than 100 days in office.

    The party stalwart who is also the Director of Diaspora Matters for Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers Independent Council (LACO-FSIC), said assessments from the Diaspora are usually not based on sentiment or emotion, but on facts.

    Read Also: Ndume condemns electricity tariff hike

     “You know the Diaspora community is a very valuable asset to the developmental process in any state in Nigeria.

    “People living abroad don’t just take decisions on sentiment or emotion; they look at the facts, your projects, policies, and how impactful they have been on the lives of our people.”

    Aliu noted that Aiyedatiwa since assuming office, had left no one in doubt that he came on service delivery to bring rapid transformation to Ondo State, especially in terms of infrastructure and human empowerment.

  • Marindoti becomes Aiyedatiwa campaign organisation director

    Marindoti becomes Aiyedatiwa campaign organisation director

    To rev up high-profile activities in ongoing campaigns for the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers Independent Council (LACO-FSIC) has appointed prominent socio-political activist and US-based medical practitioner,  Dr. Charles Marindoti Oludare, as director for contacts and engagements.

    His appointment is contained in a statement issued by the LACO-FSIC State Secretary, Barrister Tolu Babaleye, on Wednesday.

    Thirty-five years old Oludare, widely known by his middle name, Marindoti, is Convener,  Social Rehabilitation Gruppe (SRG), an All Progressives Congress (APC) pressure group that worked assiduously during the presidential election that produced President Bola Tinubu; both in Ondo State and at the national level.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa, Jimoh, Akinterinwa, Kekemeke, others submit forms

    Marindoti, an indigene of Oka-Akoko in Ondo State, apart from being a medic, is also a hip-hop artiste and  music promoter.

    He is an environmental toxicologist; and has worked on molecular carcinogenesis and he is into drug research. Essentially, he does cancer and drug research.

    The appointment, the statement said, took immediate effect.

    Meanwhile,  Marindoti, in accepting the offer, said he was impressed with the numerous achievements of Governor Aiyedatiwa in less than 80 days in office.

  • Ondo: Police to investigate source of Aiyedatiwa alleged certificate forgery

    Ondo: Police to investigate source of Aiyedatiwa alleged certificate forgery

    • Refutes document emanating from Police

    The Inspector – General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has ordered investigation into the alleged source of certificate forgery report of the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, circulating in the media.

     Police clarified that the alleged signatory of a Deputy Commissioner of Police, does not have the authority to release such a report on behalf of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) or any other such Departments within the Nigeria Police Force.

     Recall the governor had few months ago debunked a report that he was involved in a certificate forgery scandal, saying the report was the handiwork of some of his political detractors.

     He was sworn in as the governor of the state on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, following the death of the former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away in Germany.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa, Jimoh, Akinterinwa, Kekemeke, others submit forms

    A statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address the recent circulation of a document purportedly containing conclusions of an investigation into allegations against the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

     “The document alleges fraudulent misrepresentation, certificate forgery, examination malpractice, and perjury against the governor. We wish to clarify that the said document did not originate from the Nigeria Police Force.

     “The Nigeria Police Force is currently investigating the origin of the said document and the circumstances surrounding its circulation. We urge the public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading unverified information that could potentially tarnish the reputation of individuals or public officials”.

     Adejobi assured the public that any official communication or report regarding investigations conducted by the Nigeria Police Force will be released through appropriate channels.

  • I will defend Ondo’s interest, says Aiyedatiwa

    I will defend Ondo’s interest, says Aiyedatiwa

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa yesterday promised to defend the interest of the state and foster development across the sectors.

    The governor, a frontline contender for the ticket, submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Form for the governorship race at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

    The primary is expected to be held in Akure, the state capital, on April 20.

    Accompanied by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, Sen Robert Ajayi Boroffice, and other supporters, Aiyedatiwa arrived at the party office, exuding confidence.

    Many Ondo State indigenes came to usher him into the secretariat in solidarity. The governor said he decided to bid for the ticket, following calls from various segments of society, citing his achievements in his first three months in office and endorsements by over 100 support groups across the state.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Jail term, fine, other consequences for mutilation, abuse of naira notes

    Aiyedatiwa said: “My aspiration to continue serving as governor is not solely rooted in personal ambition, but stems from the earnest appeals of the people of Ondo State. From the youths to the women, men, students, artisans, civil servants, traditional rulers, and various other segments of society, there has been a resounding call for my continued leadership.

    “Their endorsement is based on the tangible achievements made within the short span of three months, which have underscored the need for continuity. Furthermore, the overwhelming support from over a hundred support groups across Ondo State further reinforces the widespread desire for my continued governance.

    “The initial step in the election process involves collecting the nomination form, which has been completed. Following this, the submission phase recently concluded, aligns with my commitment as a law-abiding citizen who respects the party’s rules and regulations. Recognizing the paramountcy of the party, I’ve diligently followed all necessary procedures to ensure compliance.

    “Without the party, no candidacy can be pursued, and in adherence to its guidelines, I am here to fulfil the requisite steps to become the party’s flag-bearer in the upcoming election” he added

    Aiyedatiwa outlined his vision for the future, highlighting strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing various sectors.He pledged to prioritize salary payments, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development, emphasizing the importance of food security and improving access to markets for farmers.

    Aiyedatiwa said: “During my initial three months in office as deputy governor, I operated within the confines of the governor’s authority, executing tasks as directed without independent discretion. Upon assuming the role of acting governor, we diligently followed through on existing initiatives while also setting our sights on surpassing previous achievements. I commend the late governor for his vision for Ondo State, and while we honour his legacy, we recognize the opportunity to set new benchmarks.

    “Over the past three months as governor, my team and I have implemented innovative strategies to address key challenges facing the state. We have prioritized timely salary payments for all state employees and bolstered the education sector by recruiting additional teachers and covering all WAEC fees for secondary school students.

    “Furthermore, we have made strides in gratuity payments and are committed to enhancing the agricultural sector to ensure food security for our people. Initiatives such as improving access roads to farms aim to facilitate the smooth transportation of agricultural products to markets, thereby stimulating economic growth and prosperity.”

  • Ondo 2024: Aiyedatiwa, Akinterinwa on APC leaders’ radar

    Ondo 2024: Aiyedatiwa, Akinterinwa on APC leaders’ radar

    • Ex-finance commissioner declares ambition to run
    • I’m the experienced governor Ondo needs, says Kekemeke

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and a former Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, are leading on the list of preferred aspirants of Ondo All Progressives Congress (APC) elders otherwise known as APC Aborigines.

    The late Paul Akintelure was the third aspirant on the list.

    Aiyedatiwa and Akinterinwa topped the list after screening and evaluation by a committee set up by the Aborigines.

    However, it was gathered last night that the Aborigines might have settled for Aiyedatiwa.

    Leader of the Aborigines, Amb. Sola Iji, said the Aborigines’ decision to pick an aspirant to support to emerge as the party’s candidate was to avoid what he termed ‘mistake’ of the past.

    He said the Aborigines’ choice of aspirant was to ensure the party picked a candidate that would carry members along and not strangers.

    Akinterinwa has formally declared his intention to contest at the primary of the APC for the November governorship election.

    The former finance commissioner, who promised to turn the state into an economic hub, said Ondo would be able to feed the entire Southwest under his watch.

    He spoke at the APC secretariat when he visited the State Working Committee of the party.

    Akinterinwa said his administration would find a means to remove unemployed youths from the streets and give them jobs.

    He said: “We must find a solution to how to move these boys from the streets and give them good employment. We must now think outside the box. We must think in a manner that there are no limitations.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa disowns 273 aides appointed by commissioner

    “I will become the chief marketing officer of the state if allowed to serve.

    “We will make our land available at a cost. Ondo must be the next Lagos State. We have a coastline and a deep seaport. We must bring all these to life and it will be the game changer.”

    The National Vice Chairman of APC and former Secretary to Ondo State Government (SSG), Isaacs Kekemeke, has said he remains the most experienced man the state needs as a governor.

    Kekemeke, who spoke in Akure at a news conference to declare his intention to contest at the party primary, said Ondo does not need pettiness, low sentiments and prejudices to run the affairs of the state.

    The pioneer board chairman of the National Examination Council (NECO) said the state does not need a roadside governor.

    He said his vision is “to create a prosperous and peaceful state where citizens find work to do, thereby living meaningfully and comfortably.”

    Kekemeke noted that he had the experience to lead Ondo State to a place of socio-economic prosperity and peace.

  • Aiyedatiwa disowns 273 aides appointed by commissioner

    Aiyedatiwa disowns 273 aides appointed by commissioner

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said he would not pay the 273 lawyers appointed as aides by his Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo.

    Ajulo had said the appointment of the lawyers was to enhance provision of excellent, independent and ethical legal services to the state, as well as protect the rights of the people.

    He said the aides presented a multitude of ideas to and he approved their appointments as honorary advisers and technical advisers.

    Read Also: Why we did not recover $69.4 million electricity debt, by NBET

    “They will provide invaluable guidance to reinforce the vision of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ondo State to be the best public law office in Nigeria.”

    Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the aides would not be paid from the state coffers.

    Adeniyan said the appointments did not have the imprimatur of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

  • I won’t pay 273 aides appointed by Attorney-General, says Aiyedatiwa

    I won’t pay 273 aides appointed by Attorney-General, says Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said that he would not pay the 273 lawyers appointed as aides by his Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo.

    Ajulo had said the appointment of the 273 lawyer was to enhance provision of excellent, independent and ethical legal services to the State as well as protecting the rights of its people.

    Ajulo said the aides presented a multitude of ideas to and he approved their appointments as Honorary Advisers and Technical Advisers.

    Read Also: Why we did not recover $69.4 million electricity debt, by NBET

    “They will provide invaluable guidance to reinforce the vision of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ondo State to be the best public law office in Nigeria,” he said.

    But Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the 273 aides would not be paid from the state coffers.

    Adeniyan said the appointments did not have the imprimatur of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

  • Aiyedatiwa, Akinterinwa urge Christians to show love, peace

    Aiyedatiwa, Akinterinwa urge Christians to show love, peace

    Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged Christians in the state to use the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to show more love to one another and preach against hate.

    In his Easter message to the people of the state, Governor Aiyedatiwa appealed to the people ‘to consider forgiving someone this Easter.’

    The governor, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said Easter evoked in humans the resilience of the human spirit not to give up in the face of seemingly daunting challenges of life.

    “I urge you to increase your love for one another rather than hate, and show more patriotic commitment to the development of our State. Let us remember that the scriptural emphasis of love has so much relevance for us today as a people more than ever before, and thus contributes towards the peace and development of our state.

    Also, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, assured residents in the state that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu was about to take root in the state.

    Read Also; Okuama-17 and improbable honours

    Akinterinwa, in his Easter message to the people, urged them to continue to live in peace and show love to one another.

    The former Commissioner for Finance admonished the people to keep the hope for a better and greater Ondo state.

    He urged Christians to love one another and to use the opportunity of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to pray for the state.

    According to him, “Easter, which is celebrated in remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, preaches love and the hope of everlasting life. As believers of the word, we need to continue to have hope and faith in a better and prosperous Ondo state.

    “Soon, the renewed hope agenda of our dear President Bola Tinubu will begin to take root in our dear state, one in which all of us will be proud stakeholders. It is time for rekindled hope in our state, a state where the sun will shine brightly once again.”

  • I’m not scared by Aiyedatiwa, Ibrahim, others, says Ondo female Gov aspirant

    I’m not scared by Aiyedatiwa, Ibrahim, others, says Ondo female Gov aspirant

    Ahead of the April 20 governorship primary election of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the only female aspirant in the race, Engr. Funmilayo Mary Adekojo has said she is not intimidated by the array and calibre of male aspirants for the party’s ticket.

    She assured she would enthrone  good governance if elected as its next Governor.

    Adekojo, who was the first aspirant to purchase the expression of interest and nomination form for the party’s primary, gave the assurance shortly after obtaining her forms while briefing newsmen at the party’s National Secretariat on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Read Also: Seven Akeredolu’s commissioners in Aiyedatiwa’s nominees’ list

    “I want to serve the people of Ondo State by giving my best, as an engineer, I will make engineers and the state proud, my focus will be education, youth employment, and utilising the state’s blue sea.

    “I am a woman of the people, am close to those at the grassroots and I know what they need and will work towards meeting their needs.

    “With my hard-earned money, I have single-handedly raised 15,000 women and youths in Akoko and Ondo State generally on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.

    “You are not a politician by just practising politics, but by positively impacting on the lives of the people, that I had done, even as a private person,” she said.

    Adekojo expressed optimism that she would emerge as the APC governorship candidate at its primaries because said had the support of women in the state and some of its critical stakeholders.

    The National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suliaman Arugungu told newsmen on Wednesday that the sales of Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms for Ondo State Governorship aspirants would run from March 27 to April 3.

    He also said that screening of the aspirants will be held from April 11 to April 12, while Delegate Congress will be held on Monday, April 15 and the state primary election on April 20.

    The party’s Nomination form had been fixed for N10m while its Expression of Interest forms go for N40m for male aspirants.

    Female aspirants and persons with disabilities are to pay for the expression of interest form alone.