The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akeredolu

  • Southwest governors visit Akeredolu in Ibadan

    Southwest governors visit Akeredolu in Ibadan

    Four governors of southwest states have met with their Ondo state counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, in his private residence in Ibadan, Oyo state.

    The Nation learnt governors who visited Akeredolu are Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Engr. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti.

    Akeredolu, who is also chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum has been in Ibadan since he returned from a three-month medical leave in Germany.

    Read Also: PHOTOS: South-West Govs visit Akeredolu in Ibadan

    Since his return to Nigeria, the governor has not visited his state, despite officially resuming duty.

    He has been conducting the business of government from his personal residence in Ibadan, including meeting with members of his cabinet, national and state lawmakers, his associates in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.

    Akeredolu, who appreciated the Governors for their solidarity, harped on continuous collaboration among the Southwest States.

    The Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, said the Forum is praying for Governor Akeredolu.

    Makinde added that he has the support of all the Governors in the region.

  • Lawyers to Akeredolu: declare your health status within 14 days

    Lawyers to Akeredolu: declare your health status within 14 days

    Some lawyers and concerned Indigenes of Ondo State have charged Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to address people of the State within 14 days on his state of medical fitness.

    This was contained in a letter dated October 20 to the Executive Council of Ondo State and members of the Council including Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Secretary to the State Government and the Commissioner for Justice.

    The lawyers are Joshua Sebiotimo, I.I. Bewaji, Myson Nejo, Vincent Adodo, Kehinde Olowe, Abayomi Olahanmi, Michael Ojimba, Oluwaseun J Bawa, Adeyoriju Omowole and Victoria Lipo.

    They lamented governance in Ondo State has been practically grounded because of the absence of the Governor and non- performance of the functions of his office since being flown back from Germany where he was receiving medical attention.

    According to them, if the governor fails to address residents, the State Executive Council should declare pursuant to section 189 (1) of the 1999 Constitution that the Governor is incapacitated and unable to perform the functions of his office.

    The letter reads: “We are lawyers and concerned indigenes of Ondo State, taking cognizance of the sensitive office he occupies as the first citizen of Ondo, we are inclined to state emphatically that the Executive Governor of Ondo State. Arakunrin Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) is permanently incapable and incapacitated to continue to act or discharge the functions and responsibilities of his office as the Governor of the State owing to infirmity of the body and/or the time, which has remained so for quite a considerable and overwhelming length pegged at 5 months, without no such intentions to exaggerate.”

    “To this end, therefore, we deem it quite expedient to remind you of your

    constitutional duty imposed on you by virtue of section 189 (1)a) of the 1999

    Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which demands you to pass a resolution of two-thirds majority in situations such as this, declaring the Governor incapable of discharging the functions of his office,

    It is with utter regards and profound respect to your office(s) that we wish to convey to you our clamor and quest which also reflects the interest of the good people of Ondo State which you all have sworn to prioritize and protect at all times.”

    “A press briefing should be done by the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) through local or national media channels to ascertain the veracity of his alleged medical fitness, within fourteen (14) days upon the receipt of this letter.”

    Read Also: Akeredolu: Group raises alarm over alleged proposed protest in Akure

    “Where the Governor of Ondo State fails to comply with the above paragraph 1, the Executive Council of Ondo State must call a meeting to address the statutory duty imposed upon you by virtue of section 189 (1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), declaring the Governor incapable of discharging the functions of his office, within seven (7) days after the expiration of fourteen (14) days as indicated at paragraph 1 above.”

    “All other such responsibilities incidental to achieving the essence of section 189 (1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”

    “Please note further that should you fail, refuse, and/or neglect to discharge your

    duty as imposed upon you by virtue of section 189 (1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), we shall not hesitate to obtain an Order of Mandamus against you compelling and mandating you to fulfill your constitutional duty.”

  • Ondo youths urged to emulate Akeredolu 

    Ondo youths urged to emulate Akeredolu 

    The Chief Executive Officer of Osky Integrated Ltd, Farmer Femi Eniola, has joined other eminent personalities to laud the inspiring leadership of Mr. Babajide Akeredolu, who is the Director General, the Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit, Ondo State.

    According to a statement by Farmer Femi Eniola who is also Technical Assistant to the Director General on Agro Allied Industries in PPIMU, said Akeredolu who recently celebrated his birthday, has contributed in no small measure to youth development, has added value to the young men and women of the people of Ondo State and can be described as a worthy role model.

    “His unwavering leadership and relentless support for human development have left an indelible mark. His vision and dedication to project management are always an inspiration,” Eniola noted.

    Read Also: Police arrest husband, one other for allegedly killing wife in Borno

    Eniola who is a multiple agricultural award winner across the country and a recipient of the highly coveted Agriculture and Agro-processing Award by the Forty Under 40 Africa Award brand which was held in South Africa, further stated that Akeredolu is no doubt making a difference in his capacity as the person in charge of project implementation in Ondo State.

    “I must say he is doing well providing good  leadership through  his good works in Ondo State and many young people can attest to it.”

    The Farmer has called youths in Ondo State to emulate the Director General to make a difference and contribute meaningfully to the State and in whatever field they find themselves.

  • Akeredolu is a brilliant workaholic – Hon Ayebusiwa

    Akeredolu is a brilliant workaholic – Hon Ayebusiwa

    A member of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing Okitipupa Constituency I, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa, has hailed Babajide Akeredolu, an engineer, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

    Babajide Akeredolu is the Director-General of Ondo State Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMU).

    Ayebusiwa who is also the chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, described Akeredolu as a jolly good fellow who is both amiable and personable.

    Read Also: Why Akeredolu can’t succumb to PDP’s threat in Ondo, by APC youths

    He said: “I congratulate, very dearly, my brother, comrade, and fine citizen, as he marks his birth anniversary today. Engr Babajide is a jolly good fellow, amiable and personable with a bright and brilliant personality.

    “He is a workaholic who would stop at nothing to achieve results for whatever goal he sets out to accomplish. I wish him greater heights and more resounding successes.”

  • PDP youths vow to drag Akeredolu, Ondo Assembly to court

    PDP youths vow to drag Akeredolu, Ondo Assembly to court

    The Youth Wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo has vowed to drag the state House of Assembly to court if it fails to invoke Section 189(4) of the 1999 constitution as amended.

    The group said it would also sue Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for failing to resume his duties in the state.

    The spokesman of the Ondo PDP youths, Tayo Oluyi, said it was crucial that the state Assembly upholds the constitutional provisions to ensure the continued and effective functioning of our government.

    He said: “We have written a letter of ‘Request to invoke Section 189(4) of the 1999 Constitution on the state of health of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’, to the State House of Assembly.

    “And if the State House of Assembly failed in this regard, we won’t hesitate to explore other legitimate constitutional means to press our demands.

    “We are ready as a main opposition party to take the governor to court, or even the Speaker if they failed to invoke Section 189(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on him (governor).

    “It is also in our legal rights to take to the streets if they fail to address this because our demands are very simple. We can’t have a governor who has yet to address the citizens since he returned from his medical vacation.

    “If truly the governor is fit, he should come out to address the good people of Ondo state, it should not be something that is much for him to do.

    Read Also: Row over impeachment call on Akeredolu

    Oluyi stated: “While we do not presume the reason for his disappearance, we reference his not-too-long communication to the Ondo State House of Assembly wherein he requested medical leave. We request that Section 189(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which provides a framework for addressing situations where a Governor is unable to discharge the functions of the office due to health-related reasons be initiated by the State Legislative Arm.

    “Given the critical nature of the responsibilities vested in the Governor, the potential implications of the state’s governance during a time of health-related incapacity, and how details of the heal condition of Governor Akeredolu has been deliberately shrouded in secrecy, leaving the people with no information. It is important a thorough assessment of the Governor’s state of health is undertaken to determine the appropriate course of action.

    “It is crucial that the House of Assembly, in the interest of our state and its citizens, uphold constitutional provisions to ensure the continued and effective functioning of our government.”

    However, the chief press secretary to Governor Akeredolu, Richard Olatunde, said the governor has been fulfilling his constitutional duties since his return from medical vacation.

    Olatunde, who spoke in a radio programme, said an incapacitated governor could not have received the current national leadership of the APC on a courtesy visit.

    He said: “As part of the administration’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, palliatives are being distributed across the three senatorial districts. Governor Akeredolu’s government has adopted innovative approaches to distribute these relief measures.”

    “After the governor’s return from his medical vacation, he approved the recruitment of 150 staff for the state Internal Revenue Service. The recruitment process began at the Public Service Institute (PSTI) in Ilaramokin, featuring Computer-Based Tests (CBT) starting on October 9, 2023.”

    “The Governor also approved the construction of tax stations in Ondo and Ikare, as well as a revenue court in Akure. Progress is already visible on these projects.”

    “Don’t forget that it was after the Governor’s return that he signed the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) bill into law. He has also established a team to identify LCDA headquarters. Progress is being made on this front.”

    “In fact, after his return, the Governor signed the 2023 Appropriation bill for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) into law, following its passage by the State House of Assembly.

    Olatunde added: “Governor Akeredolu is not incapacitated. The Governor addressed this issue when he received the current National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The former Chairman, Adamu, didn’t contact the Governor during his treatment in Germany. It’s absurd to declare someone incapacitated without even attempting to communicate with them.”

    “The truth of the matter is that the Governor is fulfilling his constitutional roles. If anyone asserts otherwise, ask them what’s currently left undone in the state. Workers are receiving their salaries on time, and leave bonuses have been paid. Permanent Secretaries have received brand new SUVs as official vehicles. The state is thriving.”

    “Market women and artisans, who benefit from regular salary payments and leave bonuses, feel the presence of the Governor. Consider this, how often do they see the Governor in person? They primarily feel his impact when there’s increased market activity and patronage.”

    “The Amotekun corps and other security agencies are functioning effectively. Free school shuttle buses are operating, and road construction is ongoing in the SIB-Alagbaka area. The construction of ultra-modern University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital complexes is nearly complete, with 250-bed facilities in Akure and Ondo.

    “Those claiming that Ondo state is in crisis are merely motivated by their interests. Don’t lend credence to their statements.”

  • Row over impeachment call on Akeredolu

    Row over impeachment call on Akeredolu

    • You’re ignorant, Ondo Assembly slams opposition

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has called on the House of Assembly to begin impeachment process against Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for violating the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    It urged the assembly to cause a medical panel to be instituted to ascertain Akeredolu’s medical status and do the needful in the interest of the people.

    But Ondo House of Assembly urged the people to ignore the PDP because it lacked knowledge of the duties of a governor.

    Majority Leader Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi said the governor had been performing his duties and had not breached any aspect of the constitution.

    Spokesman for Ondo PDP, Kennedy Peretei, in a statement issued yesterday, said government activities had been grounded and the state had been on auto-pilot for nearly six months due to ill health of Governor Akeredolu.

    Read Also; Recruitment: Why Customs will follow Federal Character principle, by Adeniyi

    He said the handling of Akeredolu’s condition by his aides had robbed the governor of public sympathy.

    Said he: “Unfortunately, rather than tell the citizens the truth, most of Akeredolu’s handlers have resorted to insulting the sensibilities of the people by making a public show of their ignorance.

    “The constitution envisages that it is possible for a governor to be ill or incapacitated as it is the case with Akeredolu now and therefore makes safeguards.

    “Section 193(2) states expressly that ‘the governor of a state shall hold regular meetings with the deputy governor and all commissioners of the government of the state for the purposes of -Determine the general direction of policies of the state, among other provisions.

    “When was the last time Akeredolu held a State Executive Council meeting?

    “It is not a crime to be ill, but that will not be reason an entire state must be brought to her knees.

    “Our party wishes to urge the governor’s aides to stop ridiculing themselves by defending the indefensible and standing logic on its head.”

    Ogunmolasuyi said the Assembly had noted ongoing developmental projects across the state, including prompt payment of salaries and clearing of backlog of salary arrears.

    He said the PDP was not in the know whether the State Executive Council meeting was held or not.

    According to him, “the governor is doing his duties. Everything is going on well in the state. We have met with the governor and all those that want to meet with him.

    “If the governor is not doing what he is supposed to do, we will question him. He has signed all bills brought before him. What we know is that the PDP is a dead party. They cannot stipulate the duties of a governor.”

  • ‘Governor will not act on dictates of opposition’

    ‘Governor will not act on dictates of opposition’

    Youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southwest have said Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu would soon return to Ondo State, but not on the dictates of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The Southwest APC youths said it was important for Governor Akeredolu to rest, adding that there was no lacuna in governance of Ondo State.

    They said workers’ salaries including arrears owed by former Governor Olusegun Mimiko had been paid.

    The youth leader, Lawal Kolade, said at a news briefing in Akure that the decision of Governor Akeredolu to rest and adjust normal work schedule to allow him to fully recover was a testament to his human nature.

    Read Also; Buildings constructed without permit will be demolished – LASG

    He said it was not the best of time to play politics in the state.

    “We are not saying the governor will not come. He will join us in a few days, but not in line with the threat of the opposition parties. Ondo State government does not owe a dime of salary. The governor is in Ibadan. It is important for him to rest.

    “Activities of governance are ongoing. He is fast recuperating. He had zoom meetings with Obas and other groups. He has been talking to people.

    “We are optimistic he will soon make a complete recovery and physically join us. Recent days have witnessed remarkable progress in projects overseen by the administration, affirming that governance in Ondo State is robust and resolute.”

  • Why Akeredolu can’t succumb to PDP’s threat in Ondo, by APC youths

    Why Akeredolu can’t succumb to PDP’s threat in Ondo, by APC youths

    The youths representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southwest region have clarified that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s imminent return to Ondo State is not due to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Rather, the Southwest APC youths acknowledge the importance of Governor Akeredolu taking a well-deserved rest, assuring that there is no governance gap in Ondo State.

    They underscored that outstanding salaries and arrears, including those accrued during former Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s tenure, have been duly settled.

    Read Also: Impeach Akeredolu now, PDP tells Assembly

    Comrade Lawal Kolade, the leader of the APC Southwest youths, addressed the media in Akure, emphasizing that Governor Akeredolu’s choice to prioritize rest and adjust his regular work schedule for a complete recovery exemplifies his human nature.

    Kolade further stated that the current circumstances in the state are not conducive for political maneuvering.

    He said: “We are not saying the Governor will not come. He will join us in a few days’ time but not in line with the threat of the opposition parties. The Ondo state government does not owe a dime of salary. The Governor is in Ibadan. It is important for him to rest.

    “Activities of governance are ongoing. He is fast recuperating. He had Zoom meetings with Obas and other groups. He has been talking to people.

    “We are optimistic that he will soon make a complete recovery and physically join us. Recent days have witnessed remarkable progress in various projects overseen by the administration, affirming unequivocally that governance in Ondo State is robust and resolute.”

  • Impeach Akeredolu now, PDP tells Assembly

    Impeach Akeredolu now, PDP tells Assembly

    The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has called on the Ondo Assembly to  begin impeachment process against Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for violating the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

    It urged the Assembly to cause a Medical Panel to be instituted to ascertain Akeredolu’s medical status and do the needful in the interest of the people of the State.

    But the Ondo Assembly urged the people to ignore the PDP because it lacked knowledge of the duties of a Governor

    Majority Leader of the Assembly, Hon Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, said Governor has been performing his constitutional duties and has not breached any aspect of the Constitution.

    Spokesman for the Ondo PDP, Kennedy Peretei, in a statement on Thursday morning, said government activities have been grounded and the state on auto-pilot for nearly six months due to ill health of the Governor.

    Peretei stated that the handling of Akeredolu’s condition by his aides has robbed the Governor of public sympathy.

    Read Also: Akeredolu can govern Ondo from anywhere, say lawyers

    According to him: “Unfortunately, rather than tell the citizens the truth, most of Akeredolu’s handlers have resorted to insulting the sensibilities of the people by making a public show of their ignorance.

    “The Constitution envisaged that,  it is possible for a State Governor to be ill or incapacitated as it is the case with Akeredolu now and therefore made safeguards.

    “Section 193(2) states expressly that “the Governor of a state shall hold regular meetings with the Deputy Governor and all Commissioners of the Government of the State for the purposes of –
    a. Determine the general direction of policies of the state” amongst other provisions.

    “When was the last time Akeredolu held a State Executive Council meeting?

    “It is not a crime to be ill, but that will not be reason an entire state must be brought to her knees.

    “Our party wishes to urge the Governor’s aides to stop ridiculing themselves by defending the indefensible and standing logic on its head.”

    Hon Ogunmolasuyi said the Assembly has noted ongoing developmental projects across the state including prompt payment of salaries and clearing of backlog of salary arrears.

    He said the PDP as not in the know whether the State Executive Council meeting held or not.

    According to him, “The Governor is doing his duties. Everything is going on well in the state. We have met with the Governor and all those that want to meet with him.

    “If the Governor is not doing what he supposed to do, we will question him. He has sign all bills brought before him. What we know is that the PDP is a dead party. They cannot stipulate the duties of a Governor.”

  • Akeredolu can govern Ondo from anywhere, say lawyers

    Akeredolu can govern Ondo from anywhere, say lawyers

    Some constitutional lawyers on Wednesday, October, October 18, argued that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has the constitutional backing to govern Ondo state from anywhere in the world

    The lawyers said there has not been any disruption of governance in the state.

    A human rights lawyer, Morakinyo Ogele, who spoke in Akure, said the debates surrounding the governor’s whereabouts were unnecessary, saying the Nigeria constitution does not mandate a governor to reside in the state they were elected to govern.

    Ogele stated that Governor Akeredolu has fulfilled his responsibilities

    He said: “We are all human beings, and we are subject to the vis major, the act of God. No one is praying to God for the grace to be sick. But the moment you are sick, you just have to take care of yourself, either here in Nigeria or in other countries. So, as governor, he is subject to sickness.

    “The constitution is very clear about the issue. Now that the governor is around, nobody has accused him of not performing his constitutional role. Section 189 of the Constitution is as clear as the summer sky. As of now, no one is complaining that the governor has not been performing.

    “The moment he arrived, he signed the LCDAs bill into law, and the salary of workers is going on smoothly. It is one thing not to perform his constitutional roles; it is another thing that he is performing. If he cannot perform as governor, that is where the constitution comes in.

    “There are lots of lacunae in our constitution. The constitution has not indicted any governor who is not within his state to perform his constitutional roles. That is why we need to amend our constitution. The constitution has failed to address the question of whether a governor can operate from outside the state. There is nowhere in the constitution that the governor can only operate in Ondo State.

    “Politicians read meaning to everything. They are preparing for another election, hence the present scenario in the state.

    Read Also: Akeredolu denies plans to return abroad for treatment

    “As far as I’m concerned, Akeredolu has exposed this state to development. When you see all the roads constructed by his administration you will commend him for a job well done. As we speak, construction of the first flyover in the state capital is ongoing. Don’t forget he constructed one in Ore during his first term. This is unprecedented in the state.”

    Another lawyer, Olayiwola Afolabi, said the Governor has not breached the constitution but that he (Akeredolu) has not addressed the public since his return from Germany.

    He said, “Nobody has seen him. He has not come out to say he is alive. He can govern from anywhere but he must come out for the people to see him.”

    David Ebriku, on his part, said there was no law forcing Akeredolu to resume or reside in Ondo state, saying the law allows the governor to rule the state from the diaspora.

    He said things have been going well in the state.