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Tag: Ajimobi

  • Ajimobi congratulates NWC, Oke

    OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi  has congratulated the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress  (APC) following the successful inauguration of the party’s elected state chairmen.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, the governor described the event as historic.

    He congratulated the state APC Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, who was among those inaugurated yesterday by the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in Abuja.

    By extension, the governor congratulated all elected state party officials at the ward and local government levels for the ratification of their election, as evidenced by the inauguration of Oke by the APC national secretariat.

    Ajimobi said: “I congratulate the NWC of our great party, the APC on the successful inauguration of party executives today. I also rejoice with my state chairman, Chief Akin Oke, for being part of this historic moment.

    “By extension, I also congratulate other duly elected Oyo APC state executive members from the wards to local governments for the ratification of their election, as evidence by the inauguration of Chief Akin Oke today.

    “Let me use this opportunity to say that in Oyo APC, we are all members of one big family. As a result, I want to categorically say that it is a no victor, no vanquished scenario with today’s event. We are all winners.

    “Consequently, a reconciliation committee is being set up with the mandate to reach out to all our aggrieved brothers and sisters in order to move the party forward in the true spirit, norms and practice of democracy.

    “I hereby implore all and sundry to take advantage of this globally accepted platform to resolve our differences. By embracing reconciliation, our party will surely come out much stronger to face our immediate and future obligation of building a more virile nation.”

    Ajimobi stressed that the APC would keep working hard to sustain its dominant position for the continued progress of the country.

  • Ajimobi, Badaru: APC ‘ll hold peaceful convention

    On June 23, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will hold its national convention in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the factors that will guarantee a free and fair exercise.

    For the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), this is a moment of sober reflection. The chieftains are warming up for a national convention. Ahead of the exercise, the house does not appear to be in one accord. The political family is battling with predictable contraints and self-inflicted wounds, which have made the preparations for its first post-2015 national convention very hectic.

    On June 23, delegates from 36 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital territory (FCT), will converge on the Eagle Square for the strategic national congress. It may not be a competitive convention as only an aspirant, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, is likely to be the consensus candidate for the national chairman, which will be reluctantly vacated by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    If the tenure elongation plot had succeeded, the Third Republic governor of Edo State would have been a major beneficiary. The controversy over the illegal tenure extension is still raging in the party.

    The convention will be the climax of the intra-party leadership election at the ward, local government and state levels. The exercise was successful in some states. In other states, they were inconclusive. Yet, in others, the exercise polarised the party, thereby compounding the challenge of harmonisation and reconciliation. At the weekend, there were reports of cancellation of some state congresses. In other states, the party’s national leadership issued directives on harmonisation of parallel executive committees.

    However, the historic convention, to many stalwarts, is a welcome relief. It may provide an opportunity for self-assessment, reconciliation and renewal of faith and loyalty to the core values that motivated its birth by four defunct platforms-the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and a faction of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA)-before new-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elements teamed up with the party in 2015.

    According to observers, the ruling party has been beset in the last four years with leadership failure. This may have been due to inaction, aloofness and lip service to the party. Many founding fathers cried out over the style of the national chairman, who they perceive as a divisive factor. Multiple crises have nearly crippled the party, despite its status as the ruling party. Many members and followers were taken aback when the party could not hold its mid-term convention two years ago. To analysts, post-2015 APC may not be as popular as it was before the last general elections. The saving grace, in their view, is that there is no credible and formidable alternative.

    After winning presidential power, no concrete attempts were made to really form the party through reforms. The  division and gulf among the legacy groups were not closed. The party is big; so are its challenges. Not only did the APC failed the two critical tests of party supremacy and party discipline after becoming a ruling party, it also failed to lay example for smaller parties in crisis resolution. The legislative/executive feud, the governor/senators face-off in some states and governor/ministers tango in other have further conveyed an impression of cleavages. Although the APC has the majority in the National Assembly, passage of budgets have always been herculean task.

    However, many believe that APC still has a brighter future, if it puts is house in order. The chairman of the National Convention Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, said the party will wax stronger. He said the convention will unite the party and set the stage for future electoral fortunes. “We are confident that we will have a very successful national convention, which, at the end of the day, will unify our party; make us stronger and put us in a better position to further fulfil our electoral promises,” he stressed.

    Ahead of the exercise, President Muhammadu Buhari, has thrown his weight behind Oshiomhole. But, Ajimobi told reporters in Abuja that the door is not closed to other contenders. We would also want Nigerians, who gave us overwhelming support in 2015, to know that in line with our tradition of excellence and transparency, the convention will be open to all aspirants who are deemed qualified in line with the convention guidelines, to vie for positions they are interested in. This is in keeping with our vision of entrenching true democratic ideals, not only in our party but also in our national politics. The business of the convention shall be conducted strictly in line with the most sacred democratic principles and the process will be free, fair and credible,” he said.

    The governor said other national officers will be chosen through zoning. He said the party has resolved  to maintain the “current zoning arrangement”. In his view, purpose of zoning is to ensure equitable representation for the entire country. “To this effect, we have also introduced measures to ensure adequate representation for special interest groups such as women, youths and people with disabilities. In fact, we made history by appointing leaders for people with disabilities both in the national leadership of our great party and at zonal and state levels.

    “Members of these special interest groups are especially encouraged to aspire to leadership positions within the party. That is why concessions have been granted to women and people with disabilities. Aspirants who fall in either category will only be required to pay 50 per cent of the cost of the application form for the positions they wish to run for. We are hopeful that this will result in enhanced representation for different groups within the party,” Ajimobi added.

    Ajimobi reflected on the controversy over the ward, state and local government congresses, saying the party has risen up to the challenge of conflict resolution. “Our Party the APC has put in place a comprehensive mechanism to deal with all of these issues in line with the party’s constitution and we are confident that at the end of the day, we will overcome and emerge stronger as one big happy family,” he added.

    A member of the committee, Jigawa State Governor Abubakar Badaru, said the party will ensure a peaceful convention that will serve as a reference point. “We are committed a free and fair exercise that will command the applause of all our party members,” he said.

    Also, a member, Mrs. Abike Dabiri, Presidential Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora, said that the convention will not fail, adding that it will lead to the emergence of a leadership that will take the party to 2019. “Our party is still the envy of other smaller parties. It is a dynamic party. It is growing from strength to strength. Many members look forward to the convention with hope and enthusiasm. The exercise will be successful. Ewe are prepared,” she said.

     

  • Jonathan, Ambode, Ajimobi, Amosun commiserate with Aboderin family

    More condolences poured in for the family of the late Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbadebowale Aboderin yesterday.

    Aboderin, a trained pilot and basketball enthusiast, died in Lagos on Wednesday following a heart surgery at First Cardiology Consultants.

    He was aged 60.

    Among the eminent Nigerians who sent condolence messages to the family yesterday were for President Goodluck Jonathan; Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi and Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun.

    In a condolence letter to the Aboderin family and the management and staff of Punch Newspapers, Jonathan described the late Aboderin as a  crusader for public good, saying that he would be sorely missed because of his deep commitment to national development.

    A statement issued by Jonathan’s media adviser, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, said the ex-President also noted that Aboderin left a legacy of hard work and passion for a just society.

    The statement said: “The late Aboderin will be sorely missed because of his deep commitment to national progress and the ease with which he reached out and made friends across regional lines and religious ties.

    “He was a man who invested hugely in the cause of the ordinary people and worked altruistically for public good.

    “The high value he placed on social capital was evident in the height to which he took Punch, expeditiously repositioning the newspaper as a credible voice for equity, national unity, good governance and democracy.

    “As a sports enthusiast, he willingly channeled his energy and resources in the pursuit of his interest; a passion that positively reflected in his substantial contributions to sports development, especially the game of basketball which he greatly lifted.

    “He will be remembered for his impressive legacy of hard work, philanthropy and passion for a just and equitable society.”

    Sad development, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, expressed sadness over Aboderin’s death in a condolence letter he personally signed and addressed to the Managing Director of Punch Nigeria Limited, Mr. Demola Osinubi.

    The governor described Aboderin’s death as a sad development coming at a time when the media institution can benefit more from his leadership and direction.

    The statement said: “With deep sympathy, the Lagos State Government wishes to condole with the management of Punch Nigeria Limited and the entire family of the Founder, Chief James Olu Aboderin, on the sudden death of the Chairman, Mr. Wale Aboderin.

    “The Punch has earned its place as a great medium for the expression of views and dissemination of news and intelligence on account of the high standards of ethics and the vision of its founding partners.

    “The death of Mr. Wale Aboderin is a sad development at a time this media institution can benefit more from his leadership and direction.

    “It is a big loss to the sports sector in which he played major roles as investor and philanthropist.

    “Because of these impeccable records, he lives in our hearts. His indelible footprints tell us that he will always be part of our journey as citizens of Nigeria and the world at large.”

    We lost a great son —Ajimobi

    Governor Ajimobi expressed “utter shock” at the news of the untimely death of the Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, who he described as an illustrious son of Oyo State, and a lovable brother and consummate gentleman.

    A statement issued by the Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy to the governor, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, lamented that death had again snatched one of the great sons of the land, who spread his signature effervescence and love everywhere he went.

    The governor expressed sadness that death cut short the dream of the foremost entrepreneur and affable administrator whose magic wand, he said, had further entrenched Punch as a dominant force in the newspaper industry.

    Ajimobi said: “That the Punch newspaper now prints simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt is directly attributable to the business acumen, dexterity and go-getting efforts of my late brother, who toiled day and night to sustain the family’s business legacy.

    “The enigma called death has again cut short the life of one of our shining and unassuming stars.

    “Wale was a great citizen of our dear state and son of the soil in whom we were well pleased. The news of his sudden death saddens me.

    “His simplicity and modest lifestyle despite sitting atop a multi-billion naira enterprise are exemplary and noteworthy. I was told that no employee enters his office with a frown without leaving with a smile.

    “I can boldly say that death is not the end of my adorable brother’s life, since only his body departed.

    “His spirit can never die; it continues to live with us. His legacies of humility, selflessness, integrity, diligence and Godliness shall continue to live with us.

    “I know that no soothing words can help ease the pain and loss that my sister, his dear wife and lovable children are feeling at this moment, but they will forever be in my prayers and thoughts.”

    He was a zealous professional, says Amosun

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun expressed deep sadness over the death of Aboderin in his condolence message signed by the Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Otunba Adedayo Adeneye.

    Describing the deceased as a versatile Nigerian who excelled in all his endeavours, Amosun said “the late Mr. Gbadebowale Aboderin, a professional pilot, was zealous in carrying on the legacy bequeathed by his late father and Founder of the Punch Newspapers, Chief Olu Aboderin, when he took over as chairman of the company.

    “His commitment to the development of basketball in Nigeria, which saw him founding the Dolphins Female Basketball Foundation and emerging the chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association as well as Vice President of Nigeria Basketball Supporters Club, is worthy of emulation.”

    The governor prayed God to grant the family of the late Aboderin the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

     

  • Assembly by-election: Ajimobi, others rally support for APC candidate

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has urged the electorate in Ibarapa to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in tomorrow’s House of Assembly by-election, Mr. Olukunle Adeyemo.

    The governor described him as the best among the candidates.

    The seat became vacant following the death of the former Speaker Michael Adeyemo on April 27.

    Addressing a crowd of party supporters at a campaign rally at Eruwa, the governor urged the people to reciprocate the good gesture of his administration, as exemplified by the several completed and ongoing projects in the area.

    Ajimobi led the campaign train of the APC leaders and supporters, including his wife, Florence, APC State Chairman Akin Oke, members of the House of Representatives, Assembly members, led by Speaker Olagunju Ojo, members of the State Executive Council (Exco) and Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN).

    He said: “Ibarapa people are very close and dear to me. I can unequivocally say that Ibarapa has taken a front burner since I became the governor of this state. The access road to Ibarapa, which had long been abandoned, received the needed attention under my administration.

    “Past administrations had merely patched the road. But when we came on board, we decided to reconstruct and dualise it. Similarly, Ibarapa Polytechnic used to be a satellite campus of the Polytechnic in Ibadan. But today, it has become an autonomous polytechnic, courtesy of our administration.

    “Apart from these, we are also working on the provision of potable water for Ibarapa, which is located at Ayete. We have nearly completed the project, and it will certainly extend here. Ninety per cent of the work has been completed. It will serve several communities around here.

    “But I am hearing certain things from the grapevine about Eruwa. Some people are complaining that we created more local council development areas (LCDAs) and reviewed the existing boundary delineation.

    “Whatever the case may be, these are minor issues that should be resolved through dialogue. Let’s settle them amicably. When our father, the Alaafin of Oyo (Oba Lamidi Adeyemi), pointed out some of our oversights during a similar exercise in Oyo, we resolved the issues peacefully.

    “This won’t be different. I’m a man of peace and I’m appealing to our people in Eruwa to embrace dialogue on the matter.”

    The campaign train had visited the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, to seek royal blessing for the APC candidate.

     

  • Ajimobi seeks refund of N33b spent on federal roads

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday urged the Federal Government to pay the outstanding N33 billion his administration spent on federal roads in the state.

    Ajimobi spoke at the Government House in Ibadan, the capital, during a visit to the state by Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing II, Hassan Zarma.

    The visit was part of an inspection of federal infrastructural projects in Southwest.

    The governor noted that considering the essence of good roads to development of the economy, his administration spent the first four years executing road projects across the state.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Olalekan Ali, the governor said access roads in the three senatorial districts were dualised during the period.

    He added that the roads will attract foreign and local investments, which are expected to create jobs and improve lives of residents.

    Ajimobi said: “We plead with you to use your good office to credit us N33 billion we spent on federal road projects in the first four years of this administration.”

    The governor named other federal roads, such as Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Oyo-Ogbomosho road and Oke-Ogun road, saying they required urgent intervention.

    On the request for land title and additional land allocation for phase two of the National Housing Programme, Ajimobi said the requests had been approved.

    He said: “The documentation, in terms of land title, is ready. The additional land for second phase of the project has been approved by the state government.”

    The minister hailed Oyo State government for its strong partnership in delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

    Zarma noted that infrastructure projects across the state were at different stages of completion.

    The minister restated the commitment of the Muhammadu Buhari administration to fulfilling its promises.

    He added that the request for land title on allocated land became important to enable owners legally take ownership.

  • Oyo: We’ll forgive aggrieved members -Ajimobi

    Sequel to parallel state congresses held in Oyo State yesterday, Governor Abiola Ajimobi has expressed willingness to accommodate aggrieved members of the party, if they are willing to repent.

    Noting that politics was usually ridden with agitation, interests, conflict and reconciliation, he avowed that he would be magnanimous and humble to accept aggrieved members who he expects to beg to return to the mainstream of the party.

    Ajimobi who spoke just after the congress of the party held at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, however, said he will accommodate those persons who propagate progressive ethos and eschew brigandage and thuggery.

     

     

    He charged the Chief Akin Oke-led state executive council, which was returned through consensus, for another four years term, to continue to work for the unity and peace of the party and accommodate everybody.

    Speaking on the need to restore peace in the party, Ex-Governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala expressed the willingness to lead the cause of reuniting the ruling party, noting that he had offered himself to the governor to pursue the course.

    Addressing journalists, the State Congress Committee Chairman, Mr. Abdullahi Gwarzo, said the committee was unaware of any other congress apart from the one it coordinated at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.

     

  • Ajimobi swears in elected council chiefs

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday swore in elected chairmen into the 33 local government areas and 35 local council development areas (LCDAs).

    All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates won the polls held in 4,783 polling units in 610 wards.

    Twelve political parties, including the APC, participated in the election held 11 years after the last exercise under the Rashidi Ladoja administration.

    The election was held on Saturday and the results announced on Sunday by Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

    During the ceremony at the the Parliamentary Complex at Agodi Secretariat in Ibadan, the capital, Ajimobi urged party leaders to forgive factional members.

    The swearing-in and oaths of allegiance were administered on the council chiefs by Chief Judge Muntar Abimbola.

    Party leaders, led by APC State Chairman Akin Oke, members of the state executive council (Exco), traditional rulers, party elders and chieftains, representatives of local government areas and LCDAs as well as families of the council chiefs attended the event.

    The governor told the council chiefs their victory was an attestation to the confidence the electorate reposed in the APC administration and that it should not be betrayed.

    He said: “The successful conduct of the local government election in the state, which was peaceful, orderly and stood all the verifiable tests of election conduct, locally and globally, has demonstrated and consolidated the quality of our administration in the state.

    “Your victory at the polls should be seen and understood as a call to service, which demands a great deal of dedication, commitment and sacrifice. Your leadership must also reflect the people-oriented policies, programmes, projects, activities as well as developmental strides in tune with the very highly commendable repositioning efforts of our administration.

    “You must also note that your overwhelming victory at the polls is a testimony to the confidence reposed in this administration by the residents, who have accepted us and continued to show their support for us in appreciation of our restructuring and transformation efforts.”

    On the boycott of the election by some parties, Ajimobi said: “We are not perturbed because it is a confirmation of their self-assessment, which is indicative of their lack of presence, relevant structures and convincing status with the politics of the state.”

  • Be humble in victory, Ajimobi tells poll winners

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has congratulated winners of Saturday’s local government election and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Congress winners.

    The governor urged them to be magnanimous in victory.

    Ajimobi gave the commendation in a statement yesterday in Ibadan, the capital, by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, after release of results of the poll by the state Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

    The statement said of the 33 local government areas and 35 local council development areas (LCDAs) where elections held, APC candidates won all chairmanship and councillorship seats.

    Also, Ajimobi said he was thrilled by the peaceful and orderly conduct of the rescheduled local government congress of the APC, held yesterday in the 33 local government headquarters.

    The governor urged losers in both contests to eschew violence and be gallant in defeat.

    He noted that in every contest, including elections, there will be winners and losers.

    Ajimobi urged APC faithful to be orderly and law-abiding.

    The governor advised those who aggrieved to explore lawful channels to seek redress.

    He said: “We have proved sceptics and the doubting Thomas wrong with the successful and orderly conduct of the local government election, 11 years after the last one was held. This is another defining moment in the life of our administration.

    “I congratulate our party, the APC, winners in the local government election and those who emerged victorious in our party’s congresses across the local government headquarters in the state. It was through the support of all the stakeholders we were able to surmount the initial obstacles.

    “For the winners, I urge you to be magnanimous in victory, and I want the losers to be gallant in defeat, knowing fully well that the losers of today may be the winners tomorrow with tenacity and sense of purpose. Elections should not always be about winning but about taking part.

    “I want to admonish our party faithful who might be dissatisfied with the local government congresses and losers in the local government election across the participating political parties to eschew unruly conduct capable of igniting crisis in any part of the state. Violence is never a proper response to losing an election because it does no one any good.

    “With the successful conduct of our party’s ward and local government congresses, as witnessed by the congress committee and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I urge our party members to brace themselves for Saturday’s state congress, which will climax the process.”

  • LG polls: Ajimobi hails peaceful conduct

    Local government election yesterday held across the 33 local government areas and 35 local council development areas of Oyo State. The poll which is coming up eleven years after the last one held in the state, witnessed low turnout of voters. Twelve political parties participated in the  election which was monitored by two international observers including the European Union (EU) and International Foundation of Electoral System (IFES).

    In their separate remarks, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the State Commissioner of Police Abiodun Odude as well as observers who monitored the election applauded the peaceful conduct of the electorate and contestants during the election. Ajimobi who was in company of his wife spoke with journalists after casting their votes at about 12.07pm at ward 9 unit 20 situated inside Community High School, Oluyole, Ibadan.

    The governor commended the people for supporting the process, pointing out that the election was peaceful, free and fair. He said, “Everybody is well organised as you can see. I really commend our people for their peaceful conduct and for their support for a smooth electoral process. It is great that Oyo State has moved from the era of brigandage for which it was known before the inception of our administration.”

    In his remarks, Mr Odude, the State Commissioner of Police, said that he has moved round the metropolis and was satisfied with the peaceful conduct of the election and the electorate. Describing the election as peaceful, free and fair, the CP assured that a comprehensive report would be released after the election to access the whole process and its conduct. As at the time of filling this report, collation of results from all the polling units were ongoing. The final result of the election is being awaited at the headquarters of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

     

  • Alleged suppression: Seven Oyo Reps urge party to caution Ajimobi

    Seven members of House of Representatives from Oyo State have urged the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to caution Governor Abiola Ajimobi over alleged moves to subvert the result of last Sunday’s ward congress in the state.

    The lawmakers described last Saturday’s attack on party leaders during a stakeholders’ meeting with congress committee members as undemocratic and barbaric.

    The lawmakers are: Sunday Adepoju (Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency), Olusunbo Olugbemi (Oluyole), Adedapo Lam Adesina (Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East), Olasupo Abiodun (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola), Olugbenga Ojoawo (Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North), Taiwo M. Akintola (Ona-Ara/Egbeda) and Segun Ogunwuyi (Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South).

    Last Monday in Abuja, Communications Minister Adebayo Shittu engaged Ajimobi in a war of words, ostensibly on the fallout of last Saturday’s violent party stakeholders’ meeting where Shittu and others were reportedly attacked by loyalists of the governor.

    In a joint statement, the members narrated how loyalists of the governor unleashed violence on them.

    The statement reads: “On Sunday, May 6, the power of the people triumphed in Oyo State as members of the APC trooped out en masse to elect ward executives of the great party ahead of the local government, state congresses and national convention.

    “The ward congress, which took place in all 351 wards of the state, was peaceful and orderly, marking the final end to the reign of impunity and injustice, which has for long been prevalent in our state chapter of the party, leading to the side-lining of a majority members of the party.

    “As the saying goes: vox populi, vox dei; meaning that the voice of the people is the voice of God, members of the APC Unity Forum spoke in unison, despite the reign of terror and violence unleashed on our members on Saturday at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Congress Committee, which left many of our members battered and injured.

    “In broad daylight, loyalists of Governor Ajimobi unleashed violence on our members, including Shittu, the senator representing Oyo Central, Hadjia Monsurat Sunmonu; Adepoju, Olugbemi, Lam Adesina, Abiodun, Ojoawo, Akintola, Ogunwuyi, governorship aspirant and chairman of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Prof. Adeolu Akande and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, among others.

    “Following that dastardly act by agents of darkness and impunity, the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Abdulwasi Musah, the APC State Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Lafioye Akinmoyede and members of the Congress Committee sustained different degrees of injuries.”

    Accusing the governor of high-handedness, the lawmakers said: “As a matter of fact, the governor had boasted to some members of the House of Representatives in his Abuja home that the congress lists would be written and imposed. This undemocratic and vainglorious boast must have been responsible for his loyalists not paying for congress forms, an act that is in contravention of the congress guideline that forms would only be issued upon presentation of bank payment evidence.

    “With the governor’s loyalists not being able to present payment evidence and subsequently not being able to purchase forms, which are the only requirements for the participation in the ward congress, while members of the APC Unity Forum had timeously paid N2,000 per ward exco and N10,000 for the chairman, it is incontestable that the authentic winners of the congress are the only people who took part in it with legitimate requirements.

    “Though it was saddening to note that Governor Ajimobi could not toe the democratic line, which noble leaders of the party, like President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu toed by allowing internal democracy to prevail, we are glad to state that the will of the people eventually prevailed on Sunday, when the ward congress resulted in the victory of our members who were the only ones who paid for legitimate forms before Saturday…”