The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Aiyedatiwa

  • Akoko North-West APC faults Aiyedatiwa on appointment

    Akoko North-West APC faults Aiyedatiwa on appointment

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akoko North West Local Government of Ondo State has kicked against the appointment of Abdulganiyu Muhammed as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duty and Strategies.

    Muhammed was one of the eight special advisers sworn in by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa with six commissioners and the head of service last Friday.

    The leaders, in a petition sent to the National Chairman of APC, Abdulahi Ganduje, are seeking his intervention in the matter, which they described as unjust.

    Read Also: Oronsaye report: Labour cautions Fed Govt against job loss

    In the petition dated March 2, 2024, which was sent through the Office of Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, the leaders expressed disappointment about the failure of the governor to notify local party executives.

    They alleged that it was wrong for the governor to appoint Muhammed, who engaged in anti-party activities, particularly working for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general election.

  • Aspirant, Aiyedatiwa clash over governor’s certificate

    Aspirant, Aiyedatiwa clash over governor’s certificate

    A governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Olugbenga Edema, has urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to speak out on allegation of not attending Ikosi High School, Ketu, Lagos State.

    He urged the governor to come out clean so that the issue of allegation of certificate forgery could be laid to rest.

    Edema, in a statement by spokesman for his campaign organisation, Olabanji Orogbemi, said a viral police report alleged that the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2020 by Aiyedatiwa, when he ran for the office of deputy governor with the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as governor might have been forged.

    He said the question bothering the minds of Ondo State people was whether the school presented candidates for WASCE in 1981, 1983 and 1984 preceding 1985 when the school authorities confirmed to the police that they presented their first set of candidates for WASCE.

    Orogbemi said: “It is, therefore, imperative that Governor Aiyedatiwa responds to these weighty allegations, knowing that police report has raised a prima facie evidence and that the content therein is correct unless and until rebutted by cogent and credible evidence.

    “Yes, it is often being said that ‘silence is golden’, but in a situation like this, when you have such weighty allegations hanging on your neck silence, as in the instant case, will amount to an admission of the facts contained in the said report. It is like pleading ‘guilty’ to charges before a magistrate.

    Read Also: Guber race: Campaign Group rallies Ondo indigenes in Diaspora for Aiyedatiwa

    “It is in the light of the above that we charge Governor Aiyedatiwa to come out clean so that this issue of allegation of certificate forgery can be laid to rest.”

    Reacting, Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Media, Yomi Oyekan, said a thorough examination of the Police Investigation Report confirmed Governor Aiyedatiwa’s successful completion of WAEC (GCE) O/L examination at Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, supported by tangible evidence.

    He said the verification resolved any uncertainty regarding the governor’s eligibility for electoral contests.

    “Despite mention of discrepancies regarding his educational background, such inconsistencies do not invalidate his possession of the minimum requirement—a valid O/Level certificate or its equivalent. Legally speaking, meeting this criterion suffices, irrespective of minor factual deviations.

    “The relentless scrutiny and orchestrated advertisements from opposing factions only serve to underscore Governor Aiyedatiwa’s influential stature in Ondo State politics.

    “His credentials and proven track record stand as testament to his competence, reminiscence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s encounters with certificate-related controversies.”

  • Guber race: Campaign Group rallies Ondo indigenes in Diaspora for Aiyedatiwa

    Guber race: Campaign Group rallies Ondo indigenes in Diaspora for Aiyedatiwa

    AS Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, moves to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC)  governorship ticket, his campaign group, Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers (LACO-FS) has secured the support of several Ondo State indigenes in the Diaspora, who are willing to make various contributions.

    This was disclosed on Sunday by the LACO-FS State Director on Diaspora Matters, Hon. Dare Aliu, while playing host to party supporters in Akure.

    Aliu said Ondo State indigenes working outside the country had been monitoring events in the home state diligently, and that the majority of them felt Aiyedatiwa had been unduly vilified by detractors and enemies of progress, and so deserved to be helped in any way.

    “My fellow Ondo State indigenes are not happy with all those who waged undue war against Governor Aiyedatiwa when he was deputy governor under the late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    Read Also: Port Harcourt-Aba train service begins operation in March, says FG

    “They are, however, happy that Governor Aiyedatiwa, through providence, came out ‘of the lions’ den’ triumphant and that since he became the governor, he has cleared all arrears of unpaid salaries, re-mobilised frustrated road contractors back to the site and has also initiated new development projects.

    “So, the people in the Diaspora see a vista of hope in this man Aiyedatiwa and they are eager to make financial and other contributions to his campaigns with high hopes that he will first secure the APC ticket, and then win the governorship election come November, this year,” Aliu revealed.

    He added that plans were underway by his Diaspora Department in the campaign organisation to introduce foreign investors to the Aiyedatiwa administration, to transform Ondo State into one of Nigeria’s main industrial hubs.

  • Ondo Guber: Aiyedatiwa gets massive support in Ileoluji

    Ondo Guber: Aiyedatiwa gets massive support in Ileoluji

    Ahead of the governorship primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress  (APC) in Ondo State, a large number of party members in the Ileoluji-Okeigbo Local Government area have openly identified with the aspiration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    At an enlightenment campaign led by the local government Director for Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers (LACO-FS), Hon.Akinrinsola Odunayo, also known as KABONTI in Ileoluji, the party loyalists who spoke in turn, called on other aspirants to stand down for Aiyedatiwa, considering the sterling performance of the governor, in less than three months of assuming office.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa orders arrest of billboard vandals in Ondo

    They insisted that the party needed a consensus candidate in Aiyedatiwa for stability and unity, which are the basic indexes needed to defeat opposition parties in the November governorship election.AHEAD of the governorship primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress  (APC) in Ondo State, a large number of party members in the Ileoluji-Okeigbo Local Government area have openly identified with the aspiration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    At an enlightenment campaign led by the local government Director for Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers (LACO-FS), Hon.Akinrinsola Odunayo, also known as KABONTI in Ileoluji, the party loyalists who spoke in turn, called on other aspirants to stand down for Aiyedatiwa, considering the sterling performance of the governor, in less than three months of assuming office.

    They insisted that the party needed a consensus candidate in Aiyedatiwa for stability and unity, which are the basic indexes needed to defeat opposition parties in the November governorship election.

  • Aiyedatiwa orders arrest of billboard vandals in Ondo

    Aiyedatiwa orders arrest of billboard vandals in Ondo

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Friday, March 1, ordered security agencies in the state to investigate and arrest those who allegedly vandalised billboards of some governorship aspirants and attacked members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the visit of President Bola Tinubu to the state.

    The directive came in response to allegations from the Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation and the Wale Akinterinwa Campaign Organisation, who accused supporters of the governor of damaging their posters and billboards.

    However, the chief press secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, refuted the claims, saying that Aiyedatiwa had ordered the arrest of the perpetrators.

    Read Also: Give me creative ideas, Aiyedatiwa tells newly sworn-in Commissioners

    Adeniyan said: “As the governor has said repeatedly, any political campaign that disturbs the peace in the state is unacceptable and must be met with the decisive actions of law enforcement agencies. It is pertinent to make it clear that nobody associated with the governor or the government of Ondo State was involved in any of the reported activities ascribed to ‘political thugs’ during the President’s visit to Owo and Akure.

    “The governor has therefore asked law enforcement agencies in the State to arrest and prosecute anyone found to be engaged in such violent activities. The Governor urges politicians and their followers to ensure that their campaigns are issue-based, devoid of blackmail, spreading falsehood, inciting the public and intimidating opponents.”

    The Nation reports that President Tinubu visited the family of late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, in Owo.

    He also visited the national leader of pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure on Wednesday.

  • Give me creative ideas, Aiyedatiwa tells newly sworn-in Commissioners

    Give me creative ideas, Aiyedatiwa tells newly sworn-in Commissioners

    Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged his commissioners and Special Advisers to give him creative ideas and policies geared towards alleviating the sufferings of the people.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa said his administration could not afford to fail in that regard.

    Aiyedatiwa stated that the present situation required political leaders to lead by example and be prepared to make necessary sacrifices by shunning ostentatious lifestyle.

    The Ondo governor spoke after new appointed Commissioners and Special Advisers were sworn into office.

    Also sworn into office was the new Head of Service, Bayo Philip.

    Those sworn-in as commissioners were Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, Engr. Razaq Obe, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, Dr. Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, Mr. Akinwunmi Sowore and Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni.

    The new Special Advisers are Hon. Olugbenga Omole, Mrs. Olamide Falana, Hon. Alabi Johnson, Dr. (Mrs) Olawunmi Ilawole, Summy Smart Francis, Mr Bablola Joseph Ayoade, Comrade Abdulganiy Muhammed and Prof. Simidele Odimayo

    Governor Aiyedatiwa said he dissolved the last Executive Council was dissolved in the overall interest of the State and geared towards enhancing the state’s development trajectory.

    Read Also; Support Tinubu’s administration, Southeast group urges Ndigbo

    Aiyedatiwa said his administration has taken decisive steps towards placing the state on a pedestal of economic development as well as reducing the hardship of the people.

    He disclosed that he has approved the release of N550million for the payment of year 2024 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registration fee for all suitably qualified public secondary school candidates in the state.

    The Ondo governor expressed optimism that the release of about 102,000 metric tonnes of various grain types from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria would have positive effects across the country within the shortest time possible.

    He tasked the new Head of Service to provide the required leadership for the entire public service.

    Aiyedatiwa urged him to continue to ensure optimal generation of revenue.

    He said: “The oath of allegiance which you have taken is very significant in many ways; one of which is higher commitment to ideals of service. You are, therefore, implored to put the interest of the State first in all that you do.

    “Having worked and garnered varied experiences in different capacities across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), it is hoped that you will adroitly bring your wealth of experience to bear on your new appointment to further add value to our Administration, not only in terms of accountability but also in transparency. You are to ensure that the resources of the State are not misappropriated, while ensuring the continued optimal generation of revenue by the public service.”

    The new Head of Service, on his part promised to ensure promotion letter were issued in January and that loans for workers were better serviced.

    He said the loans would be designed to be repaid till retirement.

  • Aiyedatiwa, Akinterinwa clash over thuggery

    Aiyedatiwa, Akinterinwa clash over thuggery

    Ondo State ex-commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, has decried the alleged return of thuggery to the political space in the state.

    Akinterinwa, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleged that the hoodlums attacked citizens, who came to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state.

    Akinterinwa, in a statement by spokesman for his campaign structure, Segun Ajiboye, alleged that the thugs were sponsored by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The statement said: “The thugs, fully loaded in unmarked vehicles, did not in any way hide their devilish intentions, as they went round major streets of Akure, destroying the billboards of other governorship  aspirants of the APC.

    “The thugs, fully armed with assorted guns, shot into the air to create fears in people.

    “Expectedly, thousands of APC supporters, who had prepared to receive the president, ran helter-skelter for their lives.

    “The ugly incident happened barely 24 hours after the Wale Akinterinwa Campaign Structure had raised the alarm about the dastardly activities by certain elements acting for and on behalf of Aiyedatiwa, to prevent APC members and leaders who are not in his camp from receiving President Tinubu during his visit to Akure.

    Read Also: Lagos begins prosecution of pedestrians crossing highways

    “Today’s action by the thugs acting on the directives of Mr. Governor is most undemocratic, disrespectful, unreasonable and a disdainful attempt by any chief executive in the annals of democracy in Nigeria.

    Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said nobody associated with the governor would destroy billboards or attack innocent citizens.

    “This is not true. I do not know where they got the information from.”

    “This is a sad reminder of the wicked old days in the politics of our dear state. It marks an avoidable return to the dark days of hooligans and political bandits in Ondo State.”

  • Aiyedatiwa orders arrest of thugs

    Aiyedatiwa orders arrest of thugs

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered security agencies to arrest those responsible for the destruction of billboards and campaign posters of his opponents in the governorship race.

    Hoodlums, accused of supporting Aiyedatiwa, had attacked members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who wore the paraphernalia of other governorship aspirants during Wednesday’s visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state.

    The hoodlums destroyed billboards and campaign posters of aspirants mounted along major streets of Akure.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said his administration would not tolerate any form of violence capable of threatening the peace of the state.

    The governor said any political campaign that disturbed peace in the state was unacceptable and must be met with the decisive actions of law enforcement agencies.

    Read Also: Lagos begins prosecution of pedestrians crossing highways

    The statement said nobody associated with the governor or Ondo State Government was involved in any of the reported activities ascribed to “political thugs” during the President’s visit to Owo and Akure.

    “The governor has therefore asked law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found to be engaged in such violent activities.

    “Governor Aiyedatiwa urges politicians and their followers to ensure their campaigns are issue- based, devoid of blackmail, spreading falsehood, inciting the public and intimidating opponents.”

  • Aiyedatiwa orders arrest of thugs destroying opponents’ billboards

    Aiyedatiwa orders arrest of thugs destroying opponents’ billboards

    Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered security agencies to arrest those responsible for destruction of billboards and campaign posters of his opponents in the governorship race.

    Hoodlums purportedly supporting Aiyedatiwa had attacked members of the All Progressives Congress who wore paraphernalia of other governorship aspirants during Wednesday’s visit of President Bola Tinubu.

    The hoodlums destroyed billboards and campaign posters of many aspirants mounted along major streets of Akure.

    Aiyedatiwa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said his administration would not tolerate any form of violence  capable of threatening the peace and tranquility of the state.

    Aiyedatiwa said any political campaign that disturbed peace in the state was unacceptable and must be met with the decisive actions of law enforcement agencies.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s visit: Akinterinwa accuses Aiyedatiwa of returning thuggery to politics

    The statement said nobody associated with the Governor or the Government of Ondo State was involved in any of the reported activities ascribed to “political thugs” during the President’s visit to Owo and Akure.

    “The Governor has therefore asked law enforcement agencies in the State to arrest and prosecute anyone found to be engaged in such violent activities.

    “The Governor urges politicians and their followers to ensure that their campaings are issue based, devoid of blackmail, spreading falsehood, inciting the public and intimidating opponents.”

  • Aiyedatiwa names acting HoS   

    Aiyedatiwa names acting HoS   

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has appointed Mr. Bayo Philip as acting Head of Service.

    The appointment of Bayo followed the retirement of Mr. Kayode Ogundele.

    Aiyedatiwa approved the retirement of Ogundele with immediate effect.

    Read Also: House invites CBN Gov over REMITA leakages

    A statement by Chief Press Secretary to Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the appointment of Bayo was with immediate effect.

    It said the governor appreciated Ogundele for his service to the state, while also wishing him the best in his future endeavours.