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Tag: Akinjide

  • Stop giving Jonathan credit, Ajimobi tells Akinjide

    Stop giving Jonathan credit, Ajimobi tells Akinjide

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has warned the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ms. Jumoke Akinjide and the Accord Party governorship candidate, Rashidi Ladoja, to stop appropriating his administration’s effort to the Presidency.

    His statement followed the minister’s claim that the Federal Government helped the state secure a $200 million World Bank loan for the Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP).

    Ms. Akinjide had urged the people to vote for Jonathan because the Federal Government helped the state access the $200 million World Bank loan to combat floods;  Ladoja said the government  should complete the Apete bridge with the loan.

    But in a statement by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, who also doubles as the Government Team Leader for the IUFMP Credit, Abimbola Adekanmbi, the governor described Akinjide’s claim as akin to appropriating the state’s effort while describing Ladoja’s claim as “extreme and acute illiteracy” about government policy.

    Ajimobi said: “The Federal Government never facilitated any loan for the Oyo State government. It is a shame that Ladoja and his surrogate in the Goodluck Jonathan government, Ms. Akinjide, could connive to mislead the people to score cheap propaganda for the President.

    “As a direct result of the devastation from the August 26, 2011 flood in Ibadan wherein hundreds of lives were lost and property and means of livelihood worth several billions of Naira were destroyed, the governor personally approached the World Bank on September 6, 2011 for financial support to address the various infrastructural challenges that arose from the flood and to also mitigate against a recurrence.

    “He made a power-point presentation to officials of the bank who, impressed by his presentation, said they were pleasantly shocked that an Oyo governor could be that articulate, stating that they had long abandoned the state believing it had ‘left the radar of development.’

    “In line with the World Bank procedure, the state government had to formalise the request for the financing through the Federal Ministry of Finance as was the practice. The entire credit arose from efforts to mitigate effects of the flood and to prevent/lessen any  recurrence and should ordinarily be one that is insulated from politicisation, such as the junior minister is engaging in.

    “Having obtained the World Bank go-ahead to begin preparation of the project, the state government, among other things, spent over N50million to conduct several studies and other preparatory activities including the setting up of a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) to secure the approval of the World Bank Board for the required credit facility.

    “The bank’s board approval was granted on June 17, last year, following the negotiation meeting between the state and the World Bank Team at the bank’s Country Office, Abuja, on May 6, last year.

    “The Federal Executive Council ‘s approval, which was granted on November 5, last year, was to formalise the credit as this is the practice when any state is obtaining such credit facility.”

    Providing the relevant credit data on the project, the governor said aside the total credit facility, which is $200million, the government’s counterpart contribution was $20million, stating that the project moratorium was five years.

    The statement also added that all credit effectiveness conditions had been met by the state and the project was waiting to be declared effective by the World Bank.

    According to the governor, the role of the Federal Government in the transaction was purely to provide sovereign guarantee as required by the World Bank and not a gesture of the love of the President for the people “as garrulously gloated on by the junior minister and in no way did the Federal Government provide a single kobo towards the credit”.

    Chiding Akinjide for this unbecoming act, Ajimobi said even a primary school pupil would be able to differentiate between the above developmental project and the Lagos- Ibadan Expressway quoted by Ms. Akinjide as achievement by the Federal Government.

  • No grudge against Folarin, says Akinjide

    No grudge against Folarin, says Akinjide

    The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, has dispelled the rumour that she has  a quarrel with the Peoples Democratic (PDP) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Teslim Folarin.

    The minister, who spoke at the launch of the campaign for PDP candidates in the state at Ona-Ara Local Government, Ibadan, said she is “solidly behind” Folarin.

    She said it was the plan of the opposition to destabilise the party.

    The minister appealed to the Southwest to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan, saying the President was passionate about the nation’s unity.

    According to her, Jonathan has transformed Nigeria beyond expectation through his Transformation Agenda. She said the administration had continued to promote unity and quality education at all levels.

    Her words: “A vote for Jonathan is a vote for the creation of Ibadan state, and development of Southwest.

    Mrs. Akinjide hoped that President Jonathan will secure maximum support from the Southwest states.

    “As far as I know, President Jonathan will get overwhelming votes from the Southwest states,” she said

    Party leader Yekini Adeojo, while handing over the party flag to the candidates, urged the electorate to vote for President Jonathan and all other candidates, adding that they are different from the opposition parties.

    “All we need is your votes for PDP and you will definitely enjoy the dividends of democracy. Please get your permanent voter’s cards, vote and protect your votes.

  • ‘Akinjide, a political disaster’

    ‘Akinjide, a political disaster’

    The Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, has been described as a “political jobber, disaster and liability” by the Labour Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala.

    Oloye Akinjide, who is the state coordinator of the Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organisation, had  accused Alao- Akala and his loyalists of allegedly attacking five members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over their “refusal to join the Labour Party”.

    Describing the minister as a shadow-chaser, the former governor, through his spokesman, Oludare Ogunlana, said Akinjide’s “greed and selfcenteredness made her join saboteurs to prevent PDP from presenting a popular candidate”.

    He said there was no way Alao- Akala’s loyalists could have attacked anyone for not following him because those who joined LP are more than those who stayed behind in PDP.

    The former governor added that Akinjide’s position as minister has not impacted meaningfully on the state.

    Alao-Akala said Oloye Akinjide was economical with the truth because “I got the senatorial ticket for her in 2011 when it seemed impossible.”

    “We would have kept silent because the allegation came from a political featherweight but we came out in order for the public not to be fooled by the antics of “ungrateful elements”, which derive joy in lying”.

  • Akinjide to set up committee for Jonathan

    The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, has proposed to set up a committee in Oyo State to campaign for the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    It was gathered that the five-person committee would include a woman from each of the three senatorial zones.

    The committee would be responsible for sensitising and mobilising voters for the President. The minister has also begun consulting with traditional rulers and other stake holders.

    A party chieftain, Fatai Shittu Oyalu, said the committee would visit other West African countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin Republic and others, where many Yoruba live.

  • NBA honours Akinjide (SAN) ,Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), Babalakin others

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ibadan branch will today  confer Lifetime Achievement Award  on  Chief R.O. A Akinjide, (SAN),  Aare AfeBabalola (SAN) Chief FolakeSolanke SAN, OFR; Hon. Justice Bola Babalakin, (JSC) (Rtd.);  Justice P. O. Aderemi, (JSC)  (Rtd.); Chief Bandele Aiku, (SAN) Justice D. E. A. Oguntoye (Rtd.); Chief Akin Delano (SAN), Chief S. P. A. Ajibade Chief M.L. Lagunju, Chief Emmanuel Abiodun, Justice Omotayo Onalaja, JCA (Rtd); Chief (Mrs) P.C. Ajayi-Obe, (SAN) and Justice Olayinka Ayoola  (Rtd) e.t.c. as part of the event marking its 60th year anniversary.

    The venue is the High Court of Justice Complex, Ring Road Ibadan and time is

    1.30pm

    This will be followed by the turning of the sword of the legend’s library

    The programmes marking the law week will begin  this morning with the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr. Augustin Alegeh (SAN) as the chief host while Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State will be the Special Guest of honour

    Venue: Aare Afe Babalola Iyaganku,                             Iyaganku, Ibadan

    Time:  9 a.m

     

    The programme continues tomorrow Wednesday,  with a Seminar: ‘From Ibadan to the uttermost parts…. developing expertise In emerging sectors’

    Venue: Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre,                          Iyaganku Ibadan.

    Time:   9a.m

    Participants include: Pioneer chairman of the NBA Section on Business Law (SBL) Mr George Etomi, Current chairman of SBL  Mr. Asue Ighodalo,  Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ogun State, Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu, Chairman, Bi- Courtney Group and CEO Rise respectively, Dr Wale Babalaki and   Toyosi Akerele.

    Event two will witness the great debate:  “Compulsory pupillage for new wigs: how desirable?”

    Venue: Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre,                          Iyaganku, Ibadan.

    Time:    I p.m.

    Participants include the former President of the NBA,

    Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN (Chairman)

    Ibadan and Ilorin Branches (For)

    Osogbo and Lagos Branches (Against)

    Thursday, December 4, will witness: Health Walk & Prison Visitation/ Free Health Assessment

    Assembly point for health walk: House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan

    Assemble Time: 8.30 a.m.

    Assemble at House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan

    Start Walk from House of Chiefs through to UCH 2nd gate to Total Garden and turn left and walk to Agodi Junction, make U-Turn back towards Total Garden

    walk back to NMA Secretariat near Total Garden for the free health check

    Dress Code: Anniversary T-Shirt and cap (Available for sale at N2,000.00

    Commencement of Free health check at Oyo State Secretariat of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Opposite Newcastle Inn, Total Garden, Ibadan: Immediately after the Health Walk.

    Prison visitation by Exco with the Chief Judge of Oyo State for the commemoration of the toilets constructed for the Agodi Prisons and exercise of Prerogative of Mercy by the Chief Judge.

    There will be a football match and other games on Thursday evening

    Venue: Olubadan Stadium, Iyaganku,                            Ibadan.

    Time: 4 p.m.

    Chairperson: H.E. Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, First Lady of Oyo State

    There will be a  Mock Arbitration ‘The Failed Edifice’ on Friday

    Venue: Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre,                          Iyaganku, Ibadan

    Time: 9.00 a.m.

    Chief Folake Solanke, SAN (Chairman)

  • Oyo PDP leaders don’t want Ladoja, says Akinjide

    Oyo PDP leaders don’t want Ladoja, says Akinjide

    The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Oyo State do not want former Governor Rashidi Ladoja.

    She refuted the report that the Presidency was working to co-opt Ladoja, the national leader of Accord Party, to represent the PDP in the 2015 election.

    The minister said the PDP, with its array of governorship aspirants, cannot ask an outsider to bear its flag.

    Speaking through her Special Adviser on Political Matters Isiaka Kehinde, Akinjide said Oyo PDP had resolved to present a sole candidate at a meeting held last week with  Senate President David Mark.

    “What is left for us now is to galvanise support for whoever emerges as the PDP candidate. All hands are on deck to work with whoever emerges as the PDP candidate.

    “The Senate president  summoned a meeting last week in Abuja. And the purpose of that meeting was to bring all aspirants and leaders together.

    “It was resolved that whoever emerges will be supported by other candidates. If former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala; former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin; former Lagos State military governor Raji Rasaki; Senator Lekan Balogun; former Minister of Power Elder Wole Oyelese and Oloye Akinjide should work for one candidate, I can assure you that that person will win. So, the party is not shopping for a candidate outside its domain.

    “That is the position of things because I was in Abuja when that meeting was held. And all the aspirants have resolved to resolve their differences and go back to Oyo State to support whoever emerges as the candidate. That report is not true.”

    Ladoja said he could not possibly leave certainty for uncertainty. He said: “I have built my party into a winning party. How then can anyone expect me to leave that party, which is the pride of all aspirants, to another party?”

    His Chief Press Secretary, Lanre Latinwo, described the report as mere ruse.

    “It is totally impossible for Ladoja to move to PDP at this stage. What happens to all the aspirants contesting on the platform of Accord Party?”

  • Oyo PDP leaders don’t want Ladoja, says Akinjide

    Oyo PDP leaders don’t want Ladoja, says Akinjide

    The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Oyo State do not want former Governor Rashidi Ladoja.

    She refuted the report that the Presidency was working to co-opt Ladoja, the national leader of Accord Party, to represent the PDP in the 2015 election.

    The minister said the PDP, with its array of governorship aspirants, cannot ask an outsider to bear its flag.

    Speaking through her Special Adviser on Political Matters Isiaka Kehinde, Akinjide said Oyo PDP had resolved to present a sole candidate at a meeting held last week with  Senate President David Mark.

    “What is left for us now is to galvanise support for whoever emerges as the PDP candidate. All hands are on deck to work with whoever emerges as the PDP candidate.

    “The Senate president  summoned a meeting last week in Abuja. And the purpose of that meeting was to bring all aspirants and leaders together.

    “It was resolved that whoever emerges will be supported by other candidates. If former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala; former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin; former Lagos State military governor Raji Rasaki; Senator Lekan Balogun; former Minister of Power Elder Wole Oyelese and Oloye Akinjide should work for one candidate, I can assure you that that person will win. So, the party is not shopping for a candidate outside its domain.

    “That is the position of things because I was in Abuja when that meeting was held. And all the aspirants have resolved to resolve their differences and go back to Oyo State to support whoever emerges as the candidate. That report is not true.”

    Ladoja said he could not possibly leave certainty for uncertainty. He said: “I have built my party into a winning party. How then can anyone expect me to leave that party, which is the pride of all aspirants, to another party?”

    His Chief Press Secretary, Lanre Latinwo, described the report as mere ruse.

    “It is totally impossible for Ladoja to move to PDP at this stage. What happens to all the aspirants contesting on the platform of Accord Party?”

  • Akinjide, Sunmonu, Ilaka for Senate in Oyo Central

    Akinjide, Sunmonu, Ilaka for Senate in Oyo Central

    The race for the House of Representatives and the Senate in Oyo central District is gathering momentum. Aspirants are setting up campaign structures, ahead of primaries, and perfecting strategies to have an edge. Correspondent BISI OLADELE reports.

    House of Representatives and Senate are six months away. But, political gladiators in Oyo Central Senatorial District have hit the ground running. They are working assiduously  to emerge as flag bearers in their respective political parties.

    The senator representing the district, Ayo Adeseun, will complete his tenure next year. The All Progressives Congress (APC) senator has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he hopes to contest for governorship. Adeseun has been changing parties as he changes clothes. Before his defection to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), he was in the PDP. He had defected to the PDP in 2002, following the crisis in the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

    Adeseun is a formidable politician. However, since he has now changed his political gear, some gladiators are jostling for his position. The fear of incumbency has collapsed. Adeseun’s posters have flooded the state, signaling intention to bid for the Agodi Government House. But, sources said that the politician from Ogbomoso is using the governorship ambition as a cover-up for his actual ambition to return to the National Assembly.

    National Assembly aspirants in the district include Chief Jumoke Akinjide, Chief Bisi Ilaka, and Mrs. Jumoke Sunmonu. The three actors are eyeing the Senate. However, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, the son of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, Hon. Bimbo Kolade and a few others want to go to the House of Representatives.

    Akinjide is the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT.  Sunmonu is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Ilaka, a United Kingdom-based tax consultant, is the Ladilu of Oyo. He lost the battle to Adeseun in the 2011 election.

    Before she joined the senatorial race, Akinjide, the lawyer-daughter of Chief Richard Akinjide, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, was a governorship aspirant. In 2011, she had wanted to represent the district in the Senate. But, she lost to Adesun. She has not explained why she is backing out of the governorship race.

    Ilaka is a veteran governorship and senatorial aspirant. She had pursued the ambition in the ACN, the PDP and the Accord Party (AP).

    Sunmonu has not publicly declared her ambition. But, close associates disclosed that she has begun underground moves. Some said that she is likely to get the ticket in the APC.

     

    Akinjide

    Akinjide’s daughter is a brilliant lawyer. He has garnered experience in the public service for over a decade before she entered politics. In 1959, her father entered the House of Representatives and became the Minister of Education. However, she has not been lucky as a parliamentary aspirant, unlike the old man. Efforts by her to represent the district in the past had failed. But, Jumoke is a competent politician. The 55-year old minister had served as Special Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 2001 to 2003. She was appointed minister in 2011 after her failed senatorial bid. She came third in the election.

    The PDP’s defeat at the governorship poll was painful to her. She worked toiled for the party during the campaigns. Since 2011, she has been funding many party activities. She is the pillar of support for the PDP faction loyal to her. She is a serious contender for the senatorial ticket.

    Akinjide is not unmindful of the danger posed by the multiple crises in the PDP to its chance at the polls. Thus, she been preaching unity. She has also made efforts to reach out to some communities and the under-privileged through her Oloye Jumoke Akinjide Foundation.

    But, the minister faces some hurdles. The PDP is factionalised in the state. The second faction, which is perceived as the mainstream, may  thwart her ambition. Also, the mainstream seems to be the only recognized faction. Hence, Akinjide will have to close ranks with major stakeholders to get the ticket.

    Oyo Central has 11 local governments. Five are in Ibadan. Four are in Oyo and two are in Ogbomoso. Among the five in Ibadan, the PDP is only popular in one. It is not popular in Egbeda, Lagelu, Akinyele and Oluyole, going by the result of the last election. The fortune of the PDP has not improved in the four local governments in Oyo town, since the last election. However, the PDP is not doing badly in the two councils in Ogbomoso.

    If Akinjide gets the ticket, as she did in 2011, she will have to work harder to improve her chances in those local governments.

     

    Sunmonu

    Sunmonu has succeeded in restoring peace to the House of Assembly, which was widely known for its recklessness, violence and assault on democracy in the past. ‘Madam Speaker,’ as she is fondly called by her colleagues, is also an ally of Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Under her leadership, the House has not recorded any crisis, violence and disharmony. The feat has contributed immensely to the peace of the state. Three parties-the APC, the PDP and the AP-have members in the House. Yet, Sunmonu has succeeded in stabilising the legislature. The reason is that she is fair to all members, irrespective of their political leanings.

    There are some factors that may work for her. Her closeness to Ajimobi and the Alaafin is an advantage. The Oyo-born lawmaker also maintains a cordial relationship with her constituents. She is popular at home. When it became public knowledge that Adeseun may not re-contest, stakeholders in the four local governments in Oyo have gravitated toward the Speaker. Their calculation is that an Oyo indigene may emerge as a senator for the first time since the restoration of the civil rule in 1999. For this reason, Sunmonu is most likely to enjoy the blessing of key leaders and the masses.

    An Ibadan man, Dr. Lekan Balogun, won the seat in 1999. He was succeeded by another Ibadan man, Senator Teslim Folarin in 2003. Adesun, who succeeded Folarin, is from Ogbomoso.

    However, the APC will have to find an alternative senatorial slot for Ibadan indigenes in the two districts, if Sunmonu gets the Oyo Central ticket. The contest will be hot for her in the four local governments in Oyo as the Accord Party is likely to field Ilaka, a prominent Oyo chief.

     

    Ilaka

    The former PDP chieftain defected to the Accord Party during the preparations for 2011 elections. That was after he failed to get the ticket in the ACN. He gave Adesun a good fight at the poll. He came second. That meant that he was also popular. Some even said that he was not defeated by Adesun, but by the popularity and the goodwill of the ACN in the district. Then, the votes were divided among the three candidates in the five local government areas of Ibadan.

    If Ilaka picks the ticket under the Accord Party,  votes in Oyo will be split between him and Sunmonu while the three of them will make Ibadan their major battle ground. Ilaka will have a much bigger ground to cover because the Accord  Party’s fortune has not improved in Ogbomoso. Besides, Ilaka has maintained a low public profile since the 2011 election.

     

    Adeyemi

     

    In Oyo Federal Constituency, the Chairman of Atiba Local Government, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, is leaving no stone unturned to get the House of Representatives ticket. He is in mobilising grassroots’ support for his ambition. His rival at the primaries is the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Bimbo Kolade.

    The prince of Oyo has served as a council boss for about seven years. He is serious about succeeding the incumbent, Hon. Kamil Akinlabi, who also hails from Atiba. He also has the backing of his illustrious father, the paramount ruler of Oyo Kingdom. However, Akinlabi is still in the race.

    The constituency consists of the four councils-Atiba, Oyo East, Oyo West and Afijio. Oyo East produced the Hon. Moroof Akinwande (2003-2007). Atiba produced Hon. Segun Taiwo (1999-2003) and Hon. Akinlabi (2007 till date). Afijio and Oyo West have not enjoyed the slot.

    The APC candidate will face likely AP and PDP candidates at the general election. For now, the battle for the Accord Party  ticket is between Prince Nurudeen Gbadegesin (Oyo East) and Kazeem Kolawole Raji, who also hails from Oyo East.  In the PDP, the former Chairman of  Atiba Local Government, Hon. Busari Omoriyeba and Saheed Arowosafe from Oyo East will slug it out at the primaries.

  • Akinjide is a baby politician, says Oyo PDP chieftain

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Elder Wole Oyelese, yesterday said the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ms. Jumoke Akinjide, was not in a position to speak for all members of the state party.

    Oyelese, a former minister of Power and Solid Minerals, said the minister can only speak for her faction.

    He was reacting to a newspaper advertisement on Monday, where Ms. Akinjide declared the support of Oyo PDP members for President Goodluck Jonathan, as regard the division in the national party.

    In a statement in Ibadan, the state capital, Oyelese said the party was as divided in Oyo State as it was at the national level.

    He said although the state factions had no “personal scores to settle with Jonathan”, it was wrong for a factional leader to speak for all factions, especially at a time when it was necessary to reconcile aggrieved persons.

    Oyelese said the party needed acts that can promote unity, bitterness and division.

    He said: “My attention has been drawn to an advertorial in the Nigerian Tribune last Monday by Ms. Akinjide, where she pledged the support of Oyo State PDP for Mr. President, over what she called the events of the past week.

    “Ordinarily, one would have dismissed her action or an ill-advised desperate attempt by a public office holder to impress her boss in order to retain her position, but for the fact that her action is not even in the best interest of Mr. President, who she is claiming to support.

    “The party nationally is currently divided as it is in Oyo State. What we need most at this time are steps that would bring about peace and harmony, not actions that would cause further disaffection.

    “At a time when the party is facing a problem of the magnitude we are witnessing and when well-meaning people are desperately trying to find solutions to resolve the impasse, it baffles the mind that the minister would be speaking on behalf of a divided state party without consulting the real leaders.

    “Oyo is known to be a politically volatile state, where people and things should not be taken for granted. It, therefore, beats the imagination where Ms Akinjide obtained the mandate to speak on behalf of all members of the state party. Her position as minister does not confer on her the power to speak for a party in tumult, except if she was speaking for her faction.”

    Describing Ms. Akinjide’s action as “a subtle blackmail”, Oyelese said the minister was a baby politically and needs to learn the ropes.

    He said: “The minister is my very good younger sister but she needs to learn the political ropes. She must realise that she is a political baby being put on the back and should not try to put a baby on her own back. The true leaders of the party are in a better position to speak for the party and we cannot be led by the nose.”

  • How to resolve logjam, by Akinjide

    Renowned legal luminary and former Minister of Justice and Attorney- General, Chief Richard Akinjide, has called for a peaceful resolution of the political logjam in Taraba State through constitutional means.

    To him, the situation in the state is internal politics which can be “resolved democratically.”

    He said: “The government and the state assembly should decide whether the governor should stay or go. A medical report is critical in this matter. They need to get the appropriate medical report that will determine if he’s fit or not.”

    While stressing the role of the constitution on the matter, he stated: “The constitution is clear on cases like this-there should be expert report. They can’t resolve the crisis without it. The onus falls on medical report.”

    He called on the main actors in the unfolding drama to eschew violence and toe the line of peace. “They should keep the peace in the state, eschew violence and follow the law,” he advised.

    Speaking in the same vein, legal practitioner and human rights activist, Fred Agbaje, advocated a medical solution to the situation, noting that there was adequate provision in the constitution in settling such cases. “My advice is that a medical panel consisting of five medical personnel, one of which must be the personal physician of Governor Suntai, be constituted to examine him to determine if he’s fit to govern the state. When the panel decides whether he is fit or not, then the matter will be resolved.”

    He noted that the country is in a constitutional democracy which presupposes that everything should be done according to the rule of law.

    He said: “Anything short of that would be taking us back to the military rule or dictatorship. There is adequate provision in the constitution in Section 189 of the Amended Constitution to resolve the situation. If both parties are prepared to toe the line of the constitution, there will be no problem.”

    While supporting the state lawmakers’ call on the governor to return to the hospital to continue with his treatment, Agbaje said: “The lawmakers are correct in insisting Suntai go back to hospital to continue with his treatment. They are the ones on ground, and they know the truth that the governor is not medically fit , that he is not the same Suntai they used to know.”

    Agbaje added: “The situation is a re-cap of the Turai-Yar’Adua case of a few years ago. I think Nigerians and Tarabans have learnt their lesson and don’t want a repeat of that episode. If he goes on TV with his picture by proxy to address the people of the state whereas he is not fit, he would have succeeded in doing what I call civilian treachery and is invariably causing damage to the fabric of the constitution,” Agbaje added.