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Tag: Akeredolu

  • Akeredolu attacks Mimiko for sharing rice 

    Akeredolu attacks Mimiko for sharing rice 

    Former President of Nigeria Bar Association (SAN) Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu has decried the decision of Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko to distribute rice to residents when his administration is owing public servants salaries for six months.

    Akeredolu, a governorship aspirant of All Progressives Congress (APC), said Mimiko’s distribution of rice to polling units “at this critical time was nothing, but an act of electoral fraud”.

    He conveyed his displeasure in a statement his media office issued yesterday, noting that the decision “reduces our people to a pitiable state of beggary”.

    He said it was unfortunate that the government “is now embarking on a grandiose charade designed to deceive the people. This is a government that has failed to meet its primary obligation. This is a government that has not paid public servants for six months”.

    He explained that there was no justification for the distribution of the so-called Igbe-Ayo rice at the period the state “is preparing for governorship election and at the time the state is reeling under heavy debt burden”.

    “The state debt burden is now in the region of N85 billion or more,”   the statement said.

    “What then justify sharing of food items if the government cannot meet its primary obligation? Our people are not asking for food items from any government. What they are simply asking for is a responsible and responsive government, which is currently lacking in the state.”

    He described Mimiko’s administration as hypocritical government, saying it espoused the philosophy of pain as its directive principle.”

  • Akeredolu and APC winning strategy

    Ahead of the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, there is a seemingly wild and clustered projection among pundits on its probable outcome with all eyes fixated on who becomes the party’s candidate for the November 16 election. As expected, the political field is littered with aspirants who numbered about 52 as at the last count. This is quite a number but good for democracy and the APC. Irrespective of evaluation as we have so far seen in the strategic positioning of the aspirants, one thing that is obvious is the vibrancy engendered by the process and of course the respective proposals for renewal. Intrinsic in all their propositions is the consensus on the need for change in the basic parameters of running a modern and functional government which can better deliver the goods to the people of Ondo State. Therefore, the quality of the eventual candidate who flies the party’s flag in the election has also been an issue, a candidate who should not only win the election but more importantly change the fortunes of the state in such a dramatic manner that puts to shame the whining Mimiko administration.

    After almost eight years in the saddle, it is obvious that the current government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost steam, only managing to float until the handover date. That’s the truth otherwise Governor Olusegun Mimiko wouldn’t have been whining rather helplessly that “I don’t have money to pay salary”, a failure in leadership that created a six-month salary arrears, a record of pension arrears and sundry debts even as an oil producing state and no matter the state of the national economy. It all boiled down to poor planning and inept leadership. Corruption is an issue, too.

    This is the scenario which could provide a leeway for the APC to take over power from the PDP in Ondo State. Arguably, APC is now the beautiful bride in the state, amassing an incredible following as new members are joining the party and many in the ruling party also decamping to join its fold. Essentially, the realities on the ground advance unassailable grounds for an imminent change in power baton in Ondo State. A major victory for APC seems looming but no one should rest on such oars.

    The above narrative clearly underscores the very high number of aspirants in the APC with the understanding that whoever picks the party’s ticket will most likely win the election and becomes the governor of the state. I want to believe in this thesis also but as much as I do, I also want to point out the inherent danger in such an unwieldy process that could be the party’s undoing. The more the merrier, it said, but this calls for a clear headed approach that evolves out of a discerning evaluation and screening which gives the party a candidate who will deliver on the mandate so given eventually and do the party proud as a promise keeper. The candidate must have an unblemished record of integrity with such a penetrating insight to policy and programmes that can effectively bring about the change mantra of the APC beyond sloganeering. This is the issue. Leadership counts and ideas matter, too.

    It is in this consciousness that we can conveniently situate the candidacy of Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who was also the candidate of the APC in the last election in the state. Interestingly, the dynamics shaping the politics in the state argue strongly in his favour having regard to his senatorial zone in the northern part of the state and where the preponderance of aspirants are located. Again, this is an issue requiring deft and tact on the part of the APC leadership to resolve by evolving a mechanism which places emphasis on leadership and ability rather than the peculiar political jesting all over as we have seen in the unconscionable in-fighting and open warfare between the political groups and their members on campaigns in the region. This must stop as a necessity otherwise the impression could be created that those involved are power mongers who are only interested in power rather than the party’s burning quest for redemption and consolidation of democracy which consciously put the people first in the scheme of things. As much as we should support open primary as a democratic imperative, I think also that it should be done in a way that protects the basic interest of the party as a robust entity post-primary, one that should be able to go into the election as one whole without division. Thus an effective management of the process is key. This does not mean disenfranchising the aspirants or vitiating the sanctity of the democratic process. It is a call for a sane and orderly conduct that can guarantee internal democracy without jeopardizing the goal of victory at the election proper in November.

    From here, I think the argument above also speaks to the high number of aspirants struggling for relevance from Akeredolu’s home town in Owo. It is a good thing that we have about 10 aspirants from Owo but it is not in their collective political interest which recommends logically that they need to coalesce into one political family by supporting Akeredolu who obviously has a far greater reach and clout in the governorship race? I think arriving at a consensus among the disparate political circles in Owo is in their best interest which can also provide a formidable front during the primary. The recourse to unbridled political animosity and jealousy is uncalled for. While competition is good in any social formation, it becomes a matter of rationality in some specific exigent circumstances as we now have in Ondo State. Thus reason should prevail.

    Even as a party, the APC should benefit handsomely from Akeredolu’s leadership if he eventually wins the primary and becomes the candidate. On most counts, analysts are convinced that his aspiration is clearly premised on the public good and the conviction on such position is his antecedents as a democrat of a rare hue and legal titan with activist orientation which have largely been deployed to the service of the poor over the years. His widespread contacts locally and abroad will certainly prove handy in lifting the state to a new level of possibilities. Things are hard, we now need a thinker who can mitigate the dicey situation and lift the people out of hopelessness. Akeredolu comes out as a relentless advocate of change who strongly believes in the philosophy of politics of substance. Arguably, APC really needs Akeredolu’s intellectual enterprise and adroit leadership pragmatism in navigating through the myriad of socio-economic challenges facing the state, working with others in popularizing his beautiful ideas for regeneration in Ondo State.

     

    • Olagbuji is of the Ondo Concerned Professionals.
  • Akeredolu ends local govt tour

    Akeredolu ends local govt tour

    Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State  Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has expressed optimism that he will clinch the party’s ticket to contest the November 26 governorship election.

    Addressing a crowd of APC  supporters who thronged his country home in Owo, Akeredolu thanked leaders of the party from the 18 local government areas who accompanied him on a tour of the state’s 203 political wards.

    Entitled “ One on One with Aketi”, the tour was  designed by the Aketi Campaign Platform to ensure physical interaction between Akeredolu and the party delegates ahead of the governorship primaries.

    The aspirant answered  questions from party loyalists and gave insight to his vision for the state.

    The tour, which was rounded off in Owo yesterday, also witnessed a lot of  dances, drama and open endorsements. For instance, son of the late Governor Adebayo Adefarati, Otunba Gboyega Adefarati, declared publicly that his family had thrown their political weight behind Akeredolu.

    The younger brother of late Governor Olusegun Agagu, Pastor Femi Agagu, also announced the support of the Agagu political family’s for Akeredolu’s governorship ambition. Other politicians who accompanied Akeredolu on the tour include two-time member of House of Representatives, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde,  two former commissioners in the government of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, namely former Commissioner for Finance Wale Akinterinwa, and former Commissioner for Forestry and Natural Resources Prince Solagbade Amodeni. Others include two former commissioners in the late Agagu led government, Boye Adegbemisoye and Laitan Ayeni.

    Akeredolu promised to take the state out of its beggarly predicament by taking full advantage of the enormous resources available in the state and vowed not to disappoint the people.

  • Akeredolu hails APC for Edo governorship primary

    •Ex-NBA chief congratulates Obaseki 

    Former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has hailed the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party’s national leadership for Saturday’s successful governorship primary in the state.

    The leading APC governorship aspirant in Ondo State said the peaceful and transparent primary in Edo State was an indication of the party’s belief in internal democracy.

    He expressed confidence that the era of candidate imposition was over in APC.

    In a statement yesterday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, by his Aketi Media Group, quoted Akeredolu as saying that a free and fair primary was necessary for the party to a have a successful outing at the poll.

    The frontline lawyer said such internal democracy and transparency engenders loyalty, confidence and commitment among party members.

    He noted that the Edo State APC primary ended with Mr. Godwin Obaseki winning the party’s ticket.

    Obaseki polled 1,618 of the 2,572 total votes cast. He was followed by Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, who polled 471 votes; Keneth, with 247 and Ogiemwonyi, 137 votes.

    Others aspirants together got less than 100 votes.

    The total number of delegates in the primary was 2,873 out of whom 2,582 were accredited. The total number of votes cast was 2,572.

    Akeredolu, who congratulated Obaseki for clinching the APC governorship ticket, urged other aspirants to merge their structures with the winner’s and work for APC’s success in the September election.

  • Why party must conduct primaries, by Akeredolu

    Why party must conduct primaries, by Akeredolu

    Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a governorship aspirant on the platform of Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has reiterated the importance of party primaries to the success of any political party at the poll.

    Primaries, according to him, are essential aspects of party politics.

    Akeredolu, in a statement, explained that when primaries are held, aspirants were more likely to accept the collective decision of the party, thereby reducing the tendency for rancours.

    The 2012 governorship candidate of the state Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)  added: “When we have primaries, all the aspirants will fall in line.

    “By the time we obtain forms, I’m sure that the number of  aspirants will reduce. Even with five or more aspirants, we can agree among ourselves that whosoever wins, the others will support. I have always argued that primaries are essential part of party politics. It is necessary.”

    He argued that he was chosen as the ACN flagbearer in 2012 Ondo gubernatorial election based on the existing party policy at the time, saying the party had since changed the policy in favour of party primaries.

    Akeredolu said: “The party adopted a method of choosing a candidate. That method was what the party adopted in a good number of states. It was a pattern for the ACN then.

    “Well, a number of people reacted to it. People have also raised objections to it. I believe their objections and reactions have been taken into consideration in the decision of the party to conduct primaries.”

    Speaking on his chances at clinching the highly coveted  APC gubernatorial ticket, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria said his popularity in the party and among the people is second to none.

    He added that in the interest of equity and fair-play and in the interest of the party, his party men and women would be willing to give him the ticket.

    Akeredolu emphasised the necessity of a free and free primary, devoid of imposition and intimidation.

    “The national leadership of the party has assured us of a level-playing ground. We believe they will do just that. APC has demonstrated that it can conduct transparent primaries. The records are there. We had the most transparent presidential primary. We had  free and fair governorship primaries in Kogi and Bayelsa states.  Ondo State will follow these democratic examples,” he said.

    The governorship aspirant called on other contestants to focus on issue-based campaigns rather indulging in cheap resort to name dropping and endorsement merchandising.

    “I advise those who claim that they have been endorsed by the leadership of the party to wake up from their slumber.  Only a free and fair primary can guarantee the success of our party in the November governorship election… Anyone who thinks otherwise is day dreaming,” Akeredolu said.

     

     

  • I’ll tackle poverty, says Akeredolu

    I’ll tackle poverty, says Akeredolu

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has promised to tackle poverty, if he wins the election.

    The 2012 governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) decried the poverty level in the state, saying with the state’s huge human and natural resources, the people should not be poor.

    Akeredolu made the submission in a statement entitled: “My Testament” put together after a tour of the 18 local government areas.

    He said poverty and other challenges facing the people will end, if he is elected.

    The APC aspirant noted that his tours has made him see the people’s challenges.

    He said: “We empathise with the downtrodden that live in abject deprivation amidst plenty.  It will be our duty to confront all these challenges headlong.

    “We noted during our tours the danger posed by  unemployment. We shall harness these resources for the benefit of the people.”

    Akeredolu advised the party to be united during and after the primaries.

    “Our aspiration to serve our people must be collective, as no individual can achieve anything solely.

    “Individuals must be willing and ready to subordinate personal interests for the collective will. We must eschew bitter recriminations.”

  • Akeredolu’s ex- running mate joins Ondo governorship race

    Former deputy governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2012 election in Ondo State Paul Akintelure has declared his governorship interest.

    He said his intention is to serve the people.

    Akintelure said there is no crisis between him and Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), the defunct ACN governorship candidate.

    He added that the people of the southern senatorial district deserve to be given another opportunity to govern the state because of their peculiarity.

    The medical doctor turned politician said there was no iota of truth in the story that he and Akeredolu were no longer friends.

    Akintelure spoke in Akure when he led his supporters to visit the state APC Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke.

    He said: “I’m not fighting with Akeredolu. In fact, I went to inform him about my decision to contest for the governorship election.

    “There is no crisis between us. I just have to obey the clarion call from my people, who are yearning for better representation.

    “The people of the southern senatorial district where I am from deserve to be allowed to govern the state because of their peculiarity.

    “I am in the race to bring meaningful development to Ondo State.

    “Since the governorship ticket has not been zoned to any part of the state, I have every right to show interest in occupying the seat.”

    Kekemeke said the party leadership would provide a level playing field for all the aspirants.

  • Akeredolu urges govs to cut security vote

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has called for the reduction of the controversial security vote as part of strategies to manage fiscal crisis, which many states were facing.

    Akeredolu, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said the governors should halt reckless spending, lamenting that they “spend too much on frivolity.”

    In a statement, he said managing a state at a turbulent time “requires the service of a man, who has vision and who can see beyond today.”

    The aspirant acknowledged that 27 states could no longer pay salaries, adding that governors should be creative and make sacrifices.

    Akeredolu said governors should “to manage the affairs of the state within the resources it has and cut some spending to stabilise the economy.”

    He said: “There are many things in terms of security vote. There are many things in terms of reckless spending. Some governors still go out with a number of entourage. What do you need it for when we are in a state of crisis? The problem we have is that we spend too much on frivolity.”

    But he said the chief executives of most states of the federation “have refused to cut their spending. If this crisis gets worse, what stops a governor from buying his food in the Government House?

    “At least, you are able to feed yourself in your house. Why can you not feed yourself in Government House? Till tomorrow, President Barack Obama pays for his food in the White House? The one the United States Government takes care of is the state banquet,” he said.

    Akeredolu urged the governors “to cut off all these excesses”, adding: “It does not have to continue this way. If it is a crisis period, you must call your people to prepare to make sacrifice so that we can move forward.”

    He added: “We have not prioritise in respect of what we need to do. We are not looking at agriculture properly.

    “There must be a way that if anybody that comes to the Government House, the only rice you can eat there is ofada. We get to point we eat pounded yam or amala.”

  • State of economy: Akeredolu canvasses security vote cut

    State of economy: Akeredolu canvasses security vote cut

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu(SAN), has proposed a cut of security vote as part of strategies to manage fiscal crisis currently facing most states of the federation.

    Akeredolu, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), also recommended that the state governors should end reckless spending, lamenting that most governors “spend too much on frivolity.”

    He expressed the views at the weekend, in a statement by his media office, pointing out that managing a state at a turbulent time “requires the service of a man, who has vision and who can see beyond today.”

    He acknowledged that the 27 states of the federation could no longer pay salaries, but pointed out the need for the chief executives of the affected states to be creative and make sacrifices.

    When the economy continues to nosedive, Akeredolu explained that what was required of a leader was “to manage the affairs of the state within the resources it has and cut some spending to stabilise the economy.”

    He said, “there are many things in terms of security vote. There are many things in terms of reckless spending. Some governors still go out with a number of entourage. What do you need it for when we are in a state of crisis? The problem we have is that we spend too much on frivolity.”

    He added that the chief executives of most states of the federation “have refused to cut their spending. If this crisis gets worse, what stops a governor from buying his food in the Government House?

    “At least, you are able to feed yourself in your house. Why can you not feed yourself in the Government House?,” he asked.

    He, however, expressed optimism that he did not see the fiscal crisis getting “to the point whereby the states will no longer function because we have not prioritise in respect of what we need to do. We are not looking at agriculture properly.

    He thus canvassed a cut of the country’s foreign taste, saying there “must be a way that if anybody that comes to the Government House, the only rice you can eat there is ofada. We get to point we eat pounded yam or amala.”

    Akeredolu said whatever might be the challenges of the states – whether economic crisis or inability to pay salaries, it “is what any courageous person will be able to tackle. How do will tackle it?”

  • Akeredolu: race to Alagbaka not do- or- die

    Akeredolu: race to Alagbaka not do- or- die

    Goverrnorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has said the contest for the governorship ticket should not be a matter of life and death.

    The former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), at the weekend, said he was ready to support any candidate who emerges the party’s flagbearer after a free, fair and credible primary.

    The frontline lawyer expressed optimism that the unity of the aspirants would remain intact after the emergence of the party’s candidate.

    He said a strategy had been put in place to avoid rancour after the primary.

    Akeredolu reiterated that he would support whoever the party picks, adding that if he is chosen, he will expect other aspirants to support him too.

    His words: “Governorship position is not a do-or-die affair. I am a party man and I believe in the party’s unity rather than individual ambition. I have no problem with whatever the outcome of the primary is.

    “I call on the party leadership to field a formidable candidate. My experience in 2012, when I contested on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), has shown that the party needs a strong candidate to defeat other contestants.

    “The APC needs adequate planning and preparation to dislodge the PDP. My intention to contest a second time is borne out of genuine desire to serve the people and end Olusegun Mimiko’s maladministration.”

    Akeredolu solicited support from stakeholders to guarantee his victory at the primary and during the election, describing himself as the “best man for the job”.